The Valena Mug

vALENA m g

The

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE INNOVATOR | CSU LAL-LO’S OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION

BEHIN D SCRE THE ENS

Volume I - Issue 1

Illustration by Benmar Torres

First Semester Issue | A.Y. 2021-2022

4

editors’ note

18

EDITORIAL/OPINION Downtrodden Products The Professionals’ Outlook Higit Pa Sa Sapat Same-Old Zarzuela CAMPUS PRESS FREEDOM: Reiterating the Law that Governs Us

FEATURE One Ocean Yet Different Vessels A Seed Tested Through Time COVER STORY: Behind The Screens Sa Lawa ng Lanao, May Maranao Pinoy First: Historical Moments

60 A

lmost two years of battling and surviving this pandemic has passed, yet our dedication to our oath of service to the academic populace and the community remains steadfast.

Each has a story to tell, as our life tints across different pages.

Your silent cries, unheard pleas, fears, and uncertainties will be given voices that will uplift others’ dying spirit of hope. And, amid these trying times, we are one with you.

LITERARY Remorse of a Child Grey In A Day Duyog Sa Kahaliling Uniberso Scattered Light Ice Cream

Warriors wear their armors and shields as they head to the battlefield.

Bracing with them are their might, strength, and skills. Like warriors, may we embrace courage and cloak ourselves with unending hope, looking forward to what the future brings. The captain gives the toughest battle to the strongest soldier. You are the soldier.

Keep fighting. Keep thriving.

Shenee Balcia Features and DevCom Editor

78

Brewing collective progress through CAFE VALENA Fragrant Grass production in CSU Lal-lo rolls out 50 farmers benefit from CSU Lal-lo’s extension efforts IP children receive free tutorials

HEADLINES Delayed UniFAST subsidy now released Student, faculty vax rate in CSU Lal-lo exceeds 85% CSU Lal-lo begins marketing of new coffee blend...

contents

70

DEVCOM

DOST RO2 features CSU Lal-lo’s projects in reg’l Scie and Tech week Normalize talking about our mental health - Psychologist

88

SPORTS Aces, Titans reign supreme in Intrams 2022 Titans strut to 4 gold, 4 silver medals in dancesport CHM Flaming Shots rules in dance, musical tilts CTE Titan beauties reign anew Titan woodpushers collar 9 golds, slip 1 to Aces

T

he CAFE VALENA (Coffee-based and Agri-forestry Endeavors: Value Adding for Livelihood Employment and Nutrition For All) has become the face of Cagayan State University Lallo Campus. This has been developed as its niche program that flaunts the production capabilities of the almost sixdecade-old coffee-bearing trees thriving in the 40-hectare coffee plantation in the Valena Site.

With the unceasing pursuit of the campus to hone its potential as

the "Coffee Center of the North", we, in The Innovator, the official student publication of the campus, are also gearing up towards making this endeavor a reality.

This year, The Innovator brings you the first-ever issue of its official magazine, The Valena Mug, coined from the program's name. The Mug symbolizes not only the most endearing cup for brewing coffees but also how we continuously spill the truth about issues and challenges the academic

community and the society, especially the students, deal with this new normal.

The Valena Mug portrays the brand that CSU Lal-lo embodies not just in terms of physical progress but also development in communication for the greater good of society.

Benmar Torres Chief Editor

editorial

4

The skills expected for them to embody before they enter the world of actual work are filtered because of experimentation and adaptto-the-need of the pandemic situation that amplifies the weight of the heavy load they carry.

‘‘

‘

Downtrodden PRODUCTS

THE INNOVATOR

Here we are again, stuck on the loops of manufacturing errors, posing risk to our quality as products who will man the future of our country.

protocols, to retrofit their facilities, and to get the support of their stakeholders,” the advisory further states.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released an advisory on January 10 that the Phase 2 implementation of limited face-to-face classes for all programs of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in areas under Alert Level 3 should begin on January 31, 2022. This has sparked a gleam of hope for students of Cagayan State University to go gradually back to the normal we have been longing for, to render finally our skill-based training, and academic studies in person. But this chance only turned into ashes when the new year welcomes the country with the rapid surge of active cases anew, plunging the academic community into another quest for how’s and when’s.

This clearly specifies that the responsibility to hold face-to-face classes lies in us. It is very unfortunate to realize that we are the only country in the world that has been last to attempt reopening schools, yet the situation still remains the same.

Cagayan, after weeks of respite from the pandemic wave, has recorded 3,442 active cases towards the second half of January, and is now being offered with the bonus threat of the Omicron variant. Before this spike, the province was already placed under Alert Level 3 last January 9.

Safety Vs. Quality The spike of COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant has really extinguished the gleaming hope for face-to-face classes. While there is already a bold move to finally reopen schools to salvage the quality of education after five semesters of online classes, the situation pushed state colleges and universities in the province to postpone the implementation of their limited face-toface classes, furthering the debate on safety and quality in education.

However, waiting for the time until no recorded case observed before we can proceed to at least the limited face-to-face yields no progress at all. It should have been by now that we are sipping the full transparency of all efforts for the in-person classes. Besides, CHED already gives HEIs the discretion to commence the limited face-to-face classes.

CHED COVID-19 Advisory No.9 states that application to CHED for the conduct of the limited face-to-face classes is not required.

“HEIS intending to hold limited faceto-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic must be willing to assume the responsibilities for the reopening of their campuses based on their capability to comply with the health and safety

The Official Student Publication of Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Benmar B. Torres ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roldan U. Urbi

In the campus and in Cagayan State University in general, news circulate that in-person classes will commence already this second semester starting with the graduating students. This is a good news. But with all the preparations needed and required, we may not be able to catch up this semester.

The Most Vulnerable The campus offers three board programs, and the expected graduates of these programs are the first batch of K to 12 graduates who have been expected to perform well. However, with all these pandemic circumstances and curricular experimentation stages, seeing a good board performance becomes uncertain.

Lamentably, even though they are already immersed in their field studies or practicum, it seems these pioneers of the new education system are falling into products that may not be functional enough to continue steering the wheel of the future. The skills expected for them to embody before they enter the world of actual work are filtered because of experimentation and adapt-to-the-need of the pandemic situation that amplifies the weight of the heavy load they carry.

Truly, these factors are manufacturing errors that tarnish our quality as capable products not just of the campus, or the university, but products of the entire system, exacerbated by the pandemic.

MANAGING EDITOR Cyndie Mae R. Corpuz NEWS EDITOR Maria Flor C. Pattung OPINION EDITOR Cris V. Francisco FEATURE & DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION EDITOR Shenee Kate J. Balcia LAYOUT ARTISTS Benmar B. Torres Knjie A. Umayam ILLUSTRATION & GRAPHICS EDITORS Mark Kevin A. Yadao Joshua C. Reyes PHOTOJOURNALISTS Sean Alec Tejada Jeremy S. Rigon STAFF WRITERS Xyzerlyn Qea C. Cielos Allan M. Basug Jerrymie M. Siriban Winston Ryne C. Danao Jr. Megan Julienne B. Javier

ADVISER Despite the inevitable emergence Jenerwin M. Columna of circumstances this pandemic has caused, we must still seek an assurance that quality of education will not fall into “poor” ratings, thus The calling for transparency and comprehensive answer to our when’s and how’s in pursuit of this learning setup. We must The Valena Mug is the official magazine be assured that despite of The Innovator, coined from the niche traversing the tunnel of project of the campus, CAFE VALENA manufacturing errors, we (Coffee-based and Agri-forestry Endeavors: can still finish strong as Value Adding for Livelihood Employment products capable of and Nurition For All). change, not effects of No part of this publication may be used or the downtrodden reproduced in any form or by any means circumstances. without permission of the writers, artists, TVM and the publication. Copyright © 2022.

vALENA m g

5

So Tight… We Couldn’t Breathe Veritaserum

A

‘‘

Benmar B. Torres | Editor-in-Chief As we manage to keep ourselves safe from heavy breathing because of this virus, we must also ease ourselves from these tight schedules by evaluating and reflecting on these experiences.

ll I thought it is only the virus that would aggravate our breathing.

All I thought it is only the lies, clashes, and disinformation perpetuating in social media that put us into nerve-wracking moments.

But I see now that even the previous situation of the academic community further intensifies the pressure in distance learning, strangling us with consecutive class disturbances which left us with very tight academic schedules.

Students were thrilled when the intramurals finally returned after one academic year of respite. However, the previous months were jam-packed with activities that nearly stole almost all our academic schedules, supposedly for curricular experiences. The academic calendar has been very tight.

After the midterm exam, the preparation for the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) in which the campus was featured by the Department of Science and Technology last December 3, 2021 commenced. Faculty members as well as the administration needed to groom the campus grounds all alone, while students were still in their homes due to alert level restrictions and health protocols. While our instructors gave us learning tasks during these periods, almost all class meetings turned asynchronously.

Another, with the need to search the representatives of the colleges for the intramurals, college days were conducted, and another week of classes, was disturbed just days after the RSTW and a week before the Christmas vacation. And during the Christmas break, the campus was again preparing for the Alumni Homecoming held last December 30, 2021 and it made the preparation for the intramurals to be conducted on January 7-8, 2022, even

tougher.

All these consecutive activities did not shake the schedule of the final examination, and it proceeded as indicated in the academic calendar.

Just writing this by now, I cannot help myself but to just release a deep sigh. As one of the students with a lot of cocurricular affairs, I can reminisce the experiences that we have been through. So tight… We couldn’t breathe.

It might have been a blessing to many students as cancellations of synchronous classes gave them more recreational time, but the impact it poses to education delivery grows adversely, now that it has become tighter because of this pandemic.

When the schedule of the intrams was finally fixed with the date aforementioned, all I thought that the schedule of the final examination will be postponed. But guess, I was wrong. With earnest desire to strictly follow the academic calendar, we had no other choice but to push ourselves into another marathon of learning. Teachers exerted all their efforts to recalibrate our lessons just to appropriate the curriculum with the remaining time, yet I still feel that the learning experiences were not enough. Too rushed. Too modest. We can feel the frustrations.

Consequently, aside from the pressure we experienced to finish the examination and requirements, some faculty members and students, especially those who were busy during the conduct of intramurals, were reported to have perched with fever, cough, and colds - all alarmed that these are manifestations of COVID-19 of which active cases happened to surge rapidly at that time. Then, I couldn’t stop myself but to think again of the future ahead of us.

We have just finished our final requirements this third week of January while the enrollment for the second semester was ongoing. Upon learning that other campuses did not follow the academic calendar, also because of disturbances, and had to adjust their final examinations until the supposed enrollment schedule in the whole university, I pondered, “Why can they do it, while we cannot?” Is the academic calendar not centralized?

Do not get me wrong. I do not complain because we are all working, but tight schedules do not give us good results. I remain hopeful that we can foresee a more schedule-friendly calendar considering flexibility.

Fortunately, our clamors have been heard and we are given at least a week of health break. Yet hopefully, we must learn from these experiences and strive not to repeat the same dilemma. As we manage to keep ourselves safe from heavy breathing because of this virus, we must also ease ourselves from these tight schedules by TOR N BE evaluating and reflecting on these experiences.

We cannot afford another breathing issue - not this time of pandemic at least. TVM

6

OPINION - The Valena Mug

The Professionals’ Outlook Clarus Factum

‘‘ A

Roldan U. Urbi | Associate Editor Unprecedented times may have hampered the path we were supposed to walk on, left us unclear, and made us feel uneasy, but despite this, we have consistently and elegantly demonstrated tenacity, resilience, hard work, and dedication.

s one of the forerunners of a new system in our country’s educational system, it was arduous for me to go through this final year, notably with the outbreak.

They say that K-12 Basic Education Program intends to produce a graduate who is an empowered individual who has learned the cornerstones for life-long learning, the competence to partake in work and be productive, the ability to live harmoniously in making optimal development with local and international communities, and the capability to engage in self-governing, critical thinking, and prolific programs rooted in sound pedagogical principles and geared towards excellence. However, based on my experiences as a member of the program’s first cohort, the opposite is true.

was out there studying not only for one but also for numerous quizzes and activities the following morning is exhausting.

But knowing that there are people who understand what we’re going through was a tremendous comfort in the coping process.

This kind of solace did not make things better, but it did help to soothe the situation and promise someone going through similar difficulties, sobbing for the same reasons, a hope. We kept on persevering, and it wasn’t easy. Hopefully, we can all be proud of ourselves for giving gambling a shot.

We risk that we do not know if we will succeed, but we try anyhow. We were soon victorious with our degrees, and it had all been worthwhile.

Being treated like laboratory rats, segregated into strands to leverage our potentials and capabilities, is miserable as we strolled into a novel phase of education that is believed to strengthen our intellectual abilities and test our emotional strengths and constraints. Two more years of high school, with a curriculum that was practically identical to college, was a torture for us pioneers, who loathed the government for making us instruments for this experiment-a kind of experiment with no assurance, no guaranteed success, and which the country was not prepared for.

Unprecedented times may have hampered the path we were supposed to walk on, left us unclear, and made us feel uneasy, but despite this, we have consistently and elegantly demonstrated tenacity, resilience, hard work, and dedication.

Secondary schools had to make massive modifications, and students were not oblivious that we were plunged into some type of gauntlet and trials, with no other choice but to sail through the two academic years with flying colors.

This is not the conclusion of the story. The end belongs to fear. It belongs to those who are scared to dream, afraid to fail, and those who never begin. I am not one of them. I’m not scared. I may be frightened, but I am not afraid of my fears. I’ll keep going, and I’m ready to fail and try a billion times more. TVM

Senior high school was conceived as a highly professional, instructional, and formal entity.

However, it was more than the government has described. It took more than two years to gain greater international chances. It was more than two years, which could have been used to provide vocational training to individuals who could not afford college. It was more than two additional years of competing with the educational systems of other countries. It was more than two years of companionship, classroom relationships, and challenges that we overcame together.

As one of them, the fact that I’m still here, writing to you, is a manifestation that I made it. Fear could not suffocate the most powerful of me. It may severe my wings, but with my time-tested feet, I will trudge through thorns and spines and race down roller-coaster roads in pursuit of my dreams until I am no longer able to pursue them.

Two years of fear, uncertainty, temptation to give up, research papers, performance tasks, and never-ending deadlines are paradoxically concluded as we, trailblazers, earn our diplomas.

Here comes the COVID-19 pandemic that clattered the universe, and we, students, who needed shoulders to depend on used social media as our primary outlet. Knowing how everyone was up late at night struggling to accomplish a performance task and learning how someone

-TO

BEN

R

7

Burnout, No More!

Cynposium

I

‘‘

Cyndie Mae R. Corpuz | Managing Editor Online classes may bring us, students, more than restlessness and lassitude, but we should not forget that the presence of those tremendous obstacles comes to remind us of who we are, and of what we can do in times of our assailment.

have been seeing in my newsfeed a lot of outcries and remonstrance of my fellow students with regard to their online learning experiences. This clearly portrays that many of us have not yet adapted to the challenges brought by this set-up we call “new normal.” Undoubtedly, the struggles of online learning continue to haunt us.

On our Facebook page, we have shared and posted a donation drive for our fellow students like Babylyn P. Bunuen to help her accumulate funds to purchase a laptop for her online class. She is an Information Technology student, and not owning a laptop would mean a gigantic challenge, especially being enrolled in said program.

Difficulties like what the two experienced are serious and real. I know that their narratives are not just the only two stories we can hear from our fellow students. Most are hidden, but we can hear you. Though our situations differ, this does not mean we cannot feel your agony.

Much as we want to end all these pandemic-related struggles, we cannot do anything otherwise but try adapting to what this time really calls us to do.

Problems are inextricable parts of life but so with solutions and alternatives. By saying, challenges in online classes are surpassable if one contends to devise proper solutions for them.

In attending online classes, these are the things that we can do to sustain our upbeat mood and productivity.

First, strive to maintain a strong social bond.

Since we live in the digital era, communication towards our friends, and loved ones can be realized easily by utilizing social media applications like Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. We could conduct a weekly video conference with our loved ones for open forums or just an ordinary yet genuine conversation. This would allow us to share what we are going through or even voice our predicaments. We must normalize genuine interactions, whether face-to-face or online.

Lastly, we must always give ourselves a break.

We are neither robots nor superheroes. Our mental and physical strength is nothing but absolute.

After completing our targets in a specific period, we may unplug ourselves for a while in the world of work and take a sip and savor some coffee, listen to our favorite music, or attend to our best-loved hobbies. We would feel our focus and vitality restored, ready for the next challenge through these. It is then imperative to note that resting is also a high-yielding activity.

Online classes may bring us, students, more than restlessness and lassitude, but we should not forget that the presence of those tremendous obstacles comes to remind us of who we are, and of what we can do in times of our assailment.

As Duke Ellington stresses, “A problem is a chance to do your best.” By establishing well-planned learning routines, we could eventually bid goodbye to burnout. We then must use these challenges we face as inspirations to push ourselves harder towards our goals. TVM

Next, exert an effort to create a comprehensive daily plan to accomplish reports and requirements.

With teachers’ utilization of various educational applications such as Google Classroom, Edmodo or own CSU Lens, lessons and activities can be accessed by students anytime and anywhere. However, more often than not, we are bombarded every day with a number of learning tasks, and if we don’t attend to them promptly, the volume becomes heavier.

Noone wants to pass rushed outputs; therefore, having a well-crafted task plan indicating specific tasks to finish within a certain day or period would help us establish an effective pacing, enabling us to complete and pass commendable outputs on time.

8

OPINION | The Valena Mug

BEN-TOR

Higit pa sa sapat Perspecu(f)lor

‘‘

Maria Flor C. Pattung | News Editor Tunay na ang buhay kolehiyo ay hindi madali. Ang pagsali sa mga organisasyon ay may karagdagang responsibilidad. Isali pa natin ang mga krisistimong matatangap at mga taong nag-aabang ng iyong pagbagsak.

A

ng kolehiyo ang nagsisilbing lugar para sa pag-eensayo natin upang maging handa sa totoong hamon ng buhay.

Hinahasa tayong maging isang propesyunal upang maging mahusay at handa kapag tayo ay nakapagtapos na sa kolehiyo. Maaring ilan sa atin ay siyang magiging guro ng mga anak natin, magiging doktor sa mga magulang natin, o sasabak sa giyera para panatilihin ang kapayapaan sa bansa, kung kaya nama’y marapat lamang na tayo ay handa.

Ngunit tunay ka nga bang handa kung nakakakulong ka sa sarili mong comfort zone?

Sa halos apat na taon kong pamamalagi sa unibersidad, maraming naging aral, ala-ala at karanasang nabuo hindi lamang sa loob ng silid-aralan kundi maging sa labas ng pamantasan. At sa kolum na ito, aking ihahayag kung ano ba ang nagawa ng pakikisama sa iba-ibang klase ng tao at maging parte sa iba-ibang organisasyon.

Pakikilahok sa mga organisasyon Ang mga pang-akademikong organisasyon ay nagsisilbing lakas at boses natin bilang mga estudyante. Ito rin ang naguugnay sa atin sa matataas na opisyal ng pamantasan para sa mga bagay na dinadaing. Ngunit hindi maikaiilang kaunti na lamang sa atin ang may pagnanasang maging lider o mamamahayag.

Sa panahon ng eleksyon at rekrutment ng mga iba-ibang organisasyon, dito malalaman kung gaano kataas o kababa ang antas ng kawalang interes natin sa unibersidad. Napansin kong marami ang napipilit lamang na tumakbo, marami ang tumututol sa mga nominasyon at kakaunti lamang ang may interes sa publikasyon ng kampus.

Marahil marami ang takot madagdagan ang responsibilidad sa eskwelahan sapagkat ang pagkakaroon ng posisyon ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad. Kapag ang isang estudyante ay napasali sa isang organisasyon ay maglalaan sya ng oras, sakripisyo at pagsisikap na makabuo ng mga produktibong proyektong makakatulong sa kapwa estudyante.

Madalas sa mga talumpati ng mga tumatakbo o nominadong mga estudyante para sa isang position ay inaamin ang hindi kahandaan o mga pagkukulang sa posisyong tinatakbuhan. Hudyat ito na mababa ang kompyansa natin sa sarili at potensyal na maging isang mahusay na lider.

Isang pang rasong nakikita natin ay ang pagiging grade conscious natin. Ang iba sa atin ay hindi kayang pagsabayin ang mga akademikong gagawin sa mga mga ekstrakurikular na aktibidad. Hindi nila maaring pabayaan ang kanilang pag-aaral sapagkat ang iba sa kanila’y iskolar ng bayan at kailangang panatalihin ang kanilang matataas na grado.

Hindi rin naman natin masisi ang mga estudyanteng mas pinipiling hindi na lamang makilahok sa mga organisasyon, sapagkat pumasok nga naman tayo sa unibersidad para mag-aral. Ngunit kapag inalok tayo ng posisyon, ibig sabihin lamang nito ay may pagtitiwala ang mga guro o kapwa nating estudyante sa ating kakayahan. Marami ang inaalok na tumakbo sa isang posisyon ngunit marami

rin ang tumatanggi.

Hatid ng pagiging aktibo Ang hindi pagsubok na hasain ang kakayahan at alamin ang iba pa nating kakayahan dahil sa itinakda nating limitasyon sa ating mga sarili ay nangangahulugang sumuko na tayo sa paghangad ng mas mahusay nating mga sarili. Ang mga opisina at pati na rin ang publikasyon ng pamantasang ito ay hindi naghahanap ng mga pinakamagagaling bagkus tinatanggap nila ang bawat estudyanteng handang matuto, handang italaga ang kanilang mga sarili sa organisasyon.

Aamin akong isa rin ako sa mga estudyanteng nagdalawang isip. Unang taon ko noong naging isa akong opisyal sa isang organisasyon sa kolehiyo namin. Tumanggi ako noong una sapagkat kahit noong hayskul ay hindi naman ako nakikisali sa mga ganoong bagay. Ngunit dahil sa panghihikayat at pagtitiwala ng isang senior namin, napa-oo na lang ako kahit nag-aalangan pa ako at wala akong alam sa pagiging isang opisyal ng isang organisasyon.

Dito nagsimula ang mga karanasan kong bibitbitin ko sa labas ng ating pamantasaan. Maraming mga aral, at realisasyong magpapamulat sa iyong mga mata sa mga isyu sa loob at labas ng pamantasan. Nahasa ang pakikipag-ugnayan ko sa mga tao, nabuo ko ang kompyansa sa sarili at nahasa pa ang pagsusulat dahil sa publikasyon ng kampus.

Ang isang organisasyong pang-estudyante ay isa mga sa mga lugar upang mapabuti at mahasa pa ang ating mga sarili.

Dito mo rin matutuklasan ang pagkakaiba ng mga estudyante at ng mga taong nasa palagid natin. Ang ating unibersidad ay nangangailangan ng mga may kakayahang mag-aaral na hindi lamang kayang manindigan para sa sarili kundi maging sa ibang tao. Huwag kayong matakot na sumubok. Huwag kayong matakot humawak ng posisyon. Ang mga posisyong ito ay nananabik sa iyong presensya at sa mga aksyon na kaya niyong gawin para maisakatuparan ang misyon at bisyon ng organisasyon.

Patuloy na hamon Tunay na ang buhay kolehiyo ay hindi madali. Ang pagsali sa mga organisasyon ay may karagdagang responsibilidad. Isali pa natin ang mga krisistimong matatangap at mga taong nagaabang ng iyong pagbagsak. Sa kabila nito, ang karagdagang responsibilidad ay karagdagang kaalaman at karanasang bibitbitin natin sa labas ng pamantasan. Maliban dito ay ang karagdagang kaibigan at ala-alang naging kasangga natin at siyang nagbigay ng mas makabuluhang buhay kolehiyo.

Gaya nga ng sabi ng isang banyag na manunulat na si Ricky Reyes sa kanyang commencement speech sa isang preshisteryosong paaralan, “Magkaroon ka ng boses, ng opinion. Mundo mo ito. Hindi ka lang parang hangin na dumaan lang. Mang-iwan ka ng marka. Yung hawak mong diploma para ‘yan sa iba, hindi yan para sa’yo.” Makialam ka, makibaka, lumabas sa iyong lungga sapagkat doon mo lang tunay na malalaman kung paano ang sistema at kung paano ka magiging handa at mahahasa.” TVM

OPINION | The Valena Mug

9

Poor Studes: A Twofold Meaning Bluexx

T

‘‘

Cris V. Francisco | Opinion Editor Whether we accept it or not, flexible learning does not favor underprivileged students.

he sudden change in the learning setup is one of the adverse effects that COVID-19 has brought that continuously challenge myriads of students across the Philippines. Many of these learners, primarily the less fortunate ones, are greatly affected. Hence, tons of dreams are also becoming blurry. That’s a fact!

“Hindi ko na alam, gusto ko mag-aral pero mahirap lang ako. Wala naman kaming modular option. Wala kaming ibang option kung ‘di ang online class lang, wala akong option.

Option ko na lang mag drop-out. Masakit kasi mahuhuli ako, pero mas masakit sa bulsa. Ginawa nilang normal ‘yung hindi normal.”

This is just one of the clamors that the students are airing and experiencing in the so-called “new-normal” education.

Despite the effort of the education sector to pursue learning amid the pandemic, we cannot deny the fact how arduous it is for teachers and students alike to get used to the new normal.

Thus, it would surely take some time to fully adapt to the new mode of learning.

commentary

Whether we accept it or not, flexible learning does not favor underprivileged students. Most of them struggle to cope with the demands of distance learning since they lack valuable means and resources such as laptops, mobile phones, and a strong internet connection, among others, necessary for online classes.

10

There are instances wherein students have to wake up early, stroll for hours, and climb steep mountains just to have a better signal reception. Some even rent a boarding house that has a stable internet connection. This everyday dilemma of these students is indeed grief-stricken to lay eyes on, yet authorities still remain tone-deaf. There maybe guidelines given but still left education institutions still groping in the dark on how to counteract all these problems.

In this time of the very unfortunate pandemic, we are left with no option at all but to conform with what is mandated.

We are regarded as resilient people, but we should not normalize the idea that struggling even to the brink of losing is just fine when there could have been mechanisms and ways to lessen the burden. Since the pandemic began, the situation has not been better. It has remained the same, and our narratives have become repetitive.

Repetitive it may sound but the situation we call “new normal” continually affects many struggling students across the country. We have been poor, and our situations have become more poignant.

I hope that the government and the education sectors are not keeping a blind eye and sealing their ears to recognize all these sentiments; otherwise, the country will surely suffer the detrimental aftermath all these problems have caused.

Run, run, run… It’s easy, isn’t it?

Veritaserum Benmar Torres

I

t is effortless to run when loyalists and supporters come to flag urgency in pushing their bets to clutch a position at any level in the government. But, trying to evaluate their accomplishments during their term as public servants vis-à-vis their promises during election, we would most likely end up receiving just a simple “Hello, mas marami naman akong ambag kaysa sa kaniyang nauna”.

Politicians’ wayward and implicit expressions of their desires to man the government are already evident in their speeches, social media posts, and exasperating television and online ads. However, their crucial roles, which should lean on responding to the needs of the public, and addressing the issues that our country is facing, still seem to crumble in oblivion.

Incompetence due to political clashes and nincompoopery shades the supposed bright life which Filipinos deserve. This leaves the nation hopeless and starving of the government’s

Continue to page 12 OPINION | The Valena Mug

Purpose Defied SHENEEng Thoughts Shenee Kate J. Balcia | Feature - Develeopment Communication Editor

‘‘

As the guardians of truth, we have the power to influence especially the youth to use gadgets and applications wisely in sharing, posting, or commenting our thoughts online.

E

ntering a millennial age, we have proved that technology is of great importance. It is repetitive to say yet true that technology is a powerful tool that permits people to stay connected.

Social media is one of the most powerful tools in terms of communication, and information dissemination as it extends to the physical world its linking arms to the online community.

However, its “one click away” feature made social media a monstrous foe this epoch.

Social media creates haze and contentions The 2022 Election is fast approaching and we already see the rise of the phrases or hashtags Marcos Apologists and the #LetLeniLead. To be honest, while I was scrolling my phone one time, I felt like I had inhaled the toxicity circulating online.

Both parties’ allegations trigger one another in throwing their evidence to justify their claims. We can be confused and influenced by these wrongdoings online: spreading false information and being involved in online debates and troll fights.

commenting our thoughts online. We must be accountable for our actions. Spreading fake news and malicious content, and behaving poorly online reflect our intentions and values.

We can never deny that social media have revolutionized many of our ways, especially the flow of communication.

Hence, misuse of our freedom leads us to a cruel world where people can no longer distinguish what is accurate from what is not. It is a destruction of our virtues, values, and norms.

If misused, social media defies its purpose which is supposedly to foster healthy communication and interactions.

Hence, an accompanying etiquette of ensuring accuracy, truthfulness, respect, and morals must always be observed.

I believe that to click share, post, or comment requires not only a lift of a finger but a greater responsibility to brace.

TVM.

Our role

BE N-

TO

R

As the guardians of truth, we have the power to influence especially the youth to use gadgets and applications wisely in sharing, posting, or

OPINION | The Valena Mug

11

Apex of Leadership Aligned Ideals

‘‘

M

Allan M. Basug | Staff Writer Being critical and justifiable should be the foremost consideration that a voter must think of. Always bear in mind that election is where we select a leader who would be a public servant, not a king who should be glorified.

ay 2022 is fast approaching, which means that the time to exercise our right to suffrage is within our grasps. The election is the core enterprise of our democratic rights, and being critical in examining our candidates who will govern and serve our country is normal.

But the question is, what are the qualifications we should consider?

Characteristics or abilities in leading a country should be prioritized.

A leader must possess exceptional qualities. Innate of him or her is the ability to lead with compassion. A leader may not be the most intelligent but wisest of all in the array of aspiring candidates. He or she must have extraordinary skills in critical thinking skills to deal with fatal social issues in our country.

Furthermore, a leader must have a strong sense of justice.

People have their own concepts and ideas on how to display ‘justice’ in every situation, but only few have the ‘justice system’ that is accepted by many. A good leader must bear fangs of fairness over lawbreakers but in a constitutional way.

A leader should also have the heart of compassion in every situation, every time. In times of crisis or calamity, it is important that a leader should respond immediately, extending help to the victims. A calamity’s repercussion is depressing, but a leader’s presence is an assurance that the victims will be salvaged.

Experience is a must.

progressive is not an easy-peasy task because the growth or progress of a state depends on how he or she maneuvers his or her capacity as a kingpin.

Political experience is a necessity. I remember when one of my friends said, “Hindi ko siya iboboto kasi wala naman siyang alam sa politics.” This statement of my friend left a resounding remark on my mind that a leader should know every inch of politics so that he or she can be acquainted with the negotiations and processes in our government.

Their background information and track records are also necessary.

“A good leader is a good follower,” thus, it is not acceptable that our future leader, who is an embodiment of truth, justice, and equality, is also a lawbreaker. Hence, we should carefully examine their track records. There should be no room in the government to allow a convicted politician to govern since criminal offenses bind him. We should not normalize the idea of tolerating politicians who commit crimes to enter public service. We should choose the one with the cleanest political record as our country’s situation will only worsen if we elect those corrupt officials again.

There is still roughly more than three months before the selection of heads in our government. Let’s be critical in choosing who to vote for. Always bear in mind that election is where we select a leader who would be a public servant, not a king to be glorified. TVM

Being a leader responsible for making a country

Run, run, run… It’s easy, isn’t it? | From page 9 immediate response in dire needs.

Election 2022 has kicked off with the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) last October 2021, and here we go again, in the same melodrama as we listen to their grounds to issues faced by the country and controversies thrown to them in their interviews. We can already savor the foul ambiance of political advertisements in television and politically driven actions and remarks across social media. The cliché, power-hungry tagline “mas maasahan, mas marami akong magagawa” again reverberates in our ears.

Sick of hearing the same political narratives - each claiming to be the true version, I just feel pity for what our nation has fallen into because of blunders, political gaps, opposition, poor government response, among others. To see those supposed to be public servants, filing their COCs, does not spark a gleam of hope. Instead, it only made me worried about the clamors of society and the dreadful situation of our health, economy, and education that may be stuck in their dire straits if we don’t choose the right person who will lead this country.

While they start to rise again their political emblems

12

OPINION | The Valena Mug

to commence their same-old visions and promises for the country, many Filipinos are still suffering from the consequences of their incompetence. While opposing parties are throwing shade against each other, the issues in our sovereignty, democracy, security, and human rights, remain unsettled. It is only obnoxious to ponder when we are still stuck here in the unending loops of alert levels and quarantine protocols while they are busy filming their political campaigns. This makes me think that the election seems to only serve as a patch to the emerging crises we’re facing.

This implies how fast and easy it is to run, while leading and its consequences to the land only resemble as a brace to their political agenda. No doubt that it will happen again when we continue to look up to politicians who are only driven by their own political interests.

Now that we are more aware of the sickening scents of these political nincompooperies due to our exposure to social media, we must critically choose the leaders who bear the competence, character, compassion, accountability, and most especially, consistency – the leaders who spread no lies, learn from their mistakes, and listen not to their ego nor are faithful ...more on the next page

Same-old Zarzuela Xyzersions

‘‘

Xyzerlyn Qea C. Cielos | Staff Writer They segregate us. They group us to do exhibitions of attack to one another, but we fail to realize that at the end of the dance, we are ones exhausted, helpless and wounded.

T

he issues about the upcoming 2022 elections are once again the hottest stories in town, dominating television and radio programs, especially social media platforms.

Candidates, of course, have their own style and techniques to gain the trust, support, and vote of the people.

during elections.

As May 9 looms near, posters and flyers start to sprout everywhere. In fact, the streets, as of this writing, are decorated by various tarpaulins accentuated with large smiling faces expressing “warm” greetings for the past holidays.

Just because we want to support a candidate, we often fail to respect one another. Just because we want to prove them wrong, we resort to sharing falsely presented information.

Just because we want our bets to win, we forget our moral standards, even worse, burn friendship bridges because of blindly supporting a specific person or group of politicians.

The props are ready for the start of the same old zarzuela of politics in the country.

In the national level, campaign jingles are already being played, appearing as advertisements across various social media platforms like Facebook and Youtube. Few days from now, we would expect these jingles in the local areas reverberating along the roads-whether highway or on small streets that are not usually visited by these people running.

The drums are starting to roll, and the same old rhythm start to reverberate. The lyrics may differ, but the vibe sounds the same-sickening.

Since democracy has been restored in the country, the political nincompooperies have become traditional practices and culture. Whether we accept it or not, we have been caged in the endless loop of melodic political drama which many of us fail to recognize. We are as if every time hypnotized by the rhythm and tune of similar dance-a zarzuela of promises only

With social media becoming the most popular communication platforms, it is very lamentable to see many of us engaging in endless and unnecessary debates, or worst, bashing online.

All these have been the basic choreography that politicians want to witness to win in the polling competition.

They segregate us. They group us to do exhibitions of attack to one another, but we fail to realize that at the culmination of the dance, we will be the ones exhausted, helpless and wounded.

It is miserable of us to have not learned the lesson all these years. Democracy gives us the power to choose; hence, we must select the best among the aspiring leaders. Besides, we should have been the ones preparing the props and composing the rhythm for a better presentation and for the common good of the society, not them manipulating us.

We can end this same-old political Zarzuela. Let’s stop dancing their choreographies and start forming better figures to surface the best of the great, not the least of the evils. TVM

to their cronies, but solely to the interests and needs of their fellowmen.

TO

N-

BE R

The days when we only rely on their “mas maaasahan” remarks are the ones that should be put in oblivion.

If we continue to believe in it without deliberately demanding a concrete plan from our government for the country’s progress, then we will just fall again into the loops of “napaasa lang”.

They run so quickly. We then must accelerate our quest to a better nation by voting wisely.TVM

OPINION | The Valena Mug

13

The Voice of the Fourth Estate

CAMPUS PRESS FREEDOM: Reiterating the Law that Governs Us

“

The student publication is the issue of any printed material that is independently published by and which meets the needs and interests of the studentry”.

Republic Act No.7079 or the Campus Journalism Act clearly states this in one of its provisions, but we tend to forget it. Our contents tend to be filtered because people want only the information that is melodic to their ears.

To hear the riffles of truth for them is such a displeasure, showing disgrace towards the fourth estate to patch any

possible hole where truth could possibly pop out. Since the establishment of this law in 1991, they turned their blind eyes that student publications are guided by their editorial policies that should remain undisturbed by any outside entities.

It is true that the school papers in the basic education tend to be still dependent on the administration because of specific orders the education department has implemented. However, journalism in tertiary schools should be more independent, thus must not be regarded the same as the elementary and secondary schools do.

As stated in RA 7079, editorial policies operated and managed by the student publication “shall determine the frequency of the publication, the manner of selecting articles and features and other similar matters” which we, in the tertiary, should uphold.

Hence, other institutions, even the administration, have no authority to impede its operations, especially the content it produces. This is press freedom.

Press freedom, however, is not absolute. The same law states that the editorial policies operated and managed by the student publication must still take into account pertinent laws and the school administration’s policies. This means that we still need to be accountable for our writing content. Besides, we cannot afford to be called by the administration just because of what we have written. This will indeed happen unless we are acquainted with this law that governs our rights.

It is mentioned in the Section 7 or the Security of Tenure of the Act that a student “shall not be expelled or suspended solely based on articles he or she has written, or based on the performance of his or her duties in the student publication”.

In other words, we can be critical and radical with the content of the paper we are publishing as long as we tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Because whether the stories we tell are positive or negative to the readers’ views, as long as they are grounded on truth and reality, we must tell them undoubtedly.

Remember that our rights as free press are guided by the law that “strengthens ethical values, encourages critical and creative thinking, and develops moral character and discipline” among the Filipino youth.

Be brave. Be inevitable. Be the voice of truth.

14

OPINION | The Valena Mug

Online Serye: “None, Ma’am” Comics by BENMAR TORRES

SERIOUSLY???

Okay class, any question? ...la na po, ma’am.

Alright then. Take your quiz in our LENS now.

You have 30 minutes to finish it. Go!

None, ma’am.

None, ma’am.

Few moments later...

id re d of e h W ll et a g e sh e? thes

ta

Wha

C’M TH ON, INK !

... drag

online serye

Now, there’s a lot of questions I wanna ask.

Online Serye is a compilation of comics featuring the common online class stories of students transpired this pandemic.

OPINION | The Valena Mug

15

Online Serye: “LENStress” Hayyy.

Hindi na ako nakapag-review sa dami ng ibang activities na tatapusin. Stock knowledge na lang pag-asa ko kaya sana makisama ang oras at internet.

Comics by BENMAR TORRES

A few moments later...

15 MINUTES LEFT

2 MINUTES LEFT...

online serye

16

OPINION | The Valena Mug

Online Serye is a compilation of comics featuring the common online class stories of students transpired this pandemic.

NOON

NGAYON

Online Serye: PAMASAHE NOONG F2F VS. PANDEMIC Comics by Mark Kevin Yadao

OPINION | The Valena Mug

17

FEATURE

One Ocean yet

Different Vessels

by Cyndie Mae Corpuz and Diana Mae Lumboy

Class at 7 a.m. sharp.

Few-meters-away interaction with classmates and teachers.

Hanging out after class with barkadas.

Professors teaching in front of the learners, writing on the board and calling out students to erase all that is written on it.

Bringing own bolos, sacks, and other cleaning materials for ground improvement.

These are just some indelible scenarios of face-to-face class that are surely missed by everyone nowadays.

The pandemic brought us dismal changes, and evidently, it released us into the assailment across the ocean of uncertainties.

Because of this, significant adjustments have to be made by both learners and teachers. However, the sad truth is that many cannot cope with these. There were reports of high dropout rates, and students who have succumbed to this pandemic, surrendering the fight for education.

On the brighter side, some enthusiastic learners continue their assailment for their ambitions. Despite encountering towering waves and destructive storms, these student achievers manage to control their helms. They keep on excelling in their academics amid educational red tides. They continuously prove that holding on to your dreams, no matter how wild the surge is, is always the way out to rise above the drowning current of struggles.

BACKGROUND PHOTO: Getty images

18

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

FOLLOW STORY | p. 20-23

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

19

One Ocean yet Different Vessels

Benmar

First Born’s Secret for Consistency When we hear the word, “firstborn child”, there’s a great possibility that the words “responsibility, strong, brave, and breadwinner” will also cross our thoughts. Most often, they are the ones who carry huge responsibilities.

With these expectations, they become selfless, and always dream not only for themselves but for their whole family.

Life is not a simple joke for them. They look at it seriously and bring out their best just to surpass all the destructive storms that may come along their lives.

Benmar is the eldest child among his siblings. He is a third-year college learner of Cagayan State UniversityLal-lo, taking Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, and a consistent top student in his entire academic life. Now in his stint in college, he was recognized as the top academic achiever of the entire Cagayan State University. Despite the triumph he’s holding on to, he’s also a human, and there are a lot of inevitable disturbing challenges that shake the ground where he is standing.

The pandemic is one cause of his ground disturbance.

It brought a different level of difficulty to every student’s life, and Benmar’s is not an excuse. Although he considered this situation as a blessing because he is an introvert; he is fond of working alone, and it lessens his financial burdens, Benmar also considered it as a curse because it makes his learning

environment not that conducive. “… this pandemic has been reducing our learning opportunities and experiences, thus affecting the quality of our education, which may ripple to our performance in board examination soon,” he said.

Aside from the negative effect of the pandemic, Benmar also encountered lots of setbacks in his life regarding his studies. He puts too much pressure on his room which crumbles him as a student. But, instead of locking up himself in that place of his life, he chose to strive and keep going.

“When you stumble and fall, it is really hard to step up again. But because I have this attitude or thinking na ‘kailangan kong bumawi’, ‘kailangan kong matuto’, ‘I won’t do the same mistakes again’, I learned to become resilient despite all of these failures. Failures are actually my best teachers. Without them, I wouldn’t have been proving. Without them, I wouldn’t have been on the pedestal where I stand today,” he shared.

Time management and sorting out his priorities is also his strategy for attaining the position where he is right now. He revealed that once you have a clear focus on what you are doing, it makes your work systematic.

However, he said that this strategy does not mean that students have to engage themselves ardently in their work.

“Don’t force yourself if you can’t. It’ll just make it harder and more complicated. Pause, do what makes you happy, then fight again,” he advises.

The pandemic really brought everyone into their most unexpected miserable situations. But many are like Benmar, who undoubtedly chose hope rather than giving up. Indeed, this online setup of learning is never easy as it gives everyone heavy additional burdens. Yet, Benmar remains firm as he clings unto optimism.

“You know, even though, it’s an online class, it’ll still affect your performance, so take it seriously. Put your 100 percent to it. Ungusan mo yung expectation ng teachers mo. Just do things one at a time. However, don’t procrastinate because it will affect the quality of your work soon. Think of your priorities, always reflect and learn from your mistakes, then try again. Most importantly, take a deep sigh if you already feel weary, seek guidance from our God, then fight again,” he added.

Benmar is still in his position as a top student because of his determination, motivation, and inspiration in life. In fact, he is too much blessed for he has a supportive family, talents which he used in earning money, and scholarships that absolutely help him in his studies. He is a responsible and humble first-born child who aims to achieve his success, and yet a simple dreamer who dreams to bring all his loved ones to a brighter future.

20

FEATURE | The Valena Mug Photo from Benmar Torres

One Ocean yet Different Vessels

Maricel

The Power of Amour-propre Breathe in. Breathe out. Release.

Pablo Coelho opined that “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward, so when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great.”

To some learners, the current educational setup is more than debilitating. They say the challenges it brings have doubled up compared to the then learning setup-the face-to-face. Because of this, the hope of some learners to continue their education was extinguished and torn down but not to an IT high-flier as these obstacles fuel her avidity more to fly higher.

Maricel B. Mauricio, who hails from Maluyo, Allacapan, Cagayan, and fourth-year IT student of Cagayan State University-Lal-lo Campus, is a living testimony substantiating that challenges are meant to build and not to break you.

Mauricio shared. She holds that these practices ensure the completeness of her academic responsibilities.

Self-esteem and confidence are the compelling twain armors of Maricel in battling the summons of her education. Garbed with these weapons, she fortuitously reaped a general weighted average of 96.14 percent making her the highest president lister in the College of Computing and Information Sciences in the second semester of the academic year 2020-2021.

If you think you can, you will! Maricel proves that believing in yourself is the best strategy you can do to realize all your goals.

“To my fellow CSUans, whatever struggles you are facing right now, whatever you’ve been through, you should continue studying hard and believing in yourself,” Mauricio sanguinely expressed.

Like other young dreamers, Mauricio has also encountered disparate trials in her educational journey.

When she was in her first year, she did not have a laptop to use which is highly required in her chosen course.

Besides, she has been wrestling with her financescrawling in the dark about where and when she could pick her fate to satisfy all her needs.

Maricel was not born in silk-stocking, but this does not impede her in chasing her dreams. To surpass these storms in her life, she ceaselessly strengthened her trust and belief in herself; implored for God’s blessing and guidance, and; searched for possible ways like borrowing a laptop in the CICS laboratory to accomplish her projects.

When asked about her great perseverance in her education, Mauricio responded that her brother’s love and sacrifices drive her to excel in her studies. Her brother gave up his studies to work for their family.

Currently, her brother is the one who finances her education and her siblings’.

In learning, students also have their own designed tactics to meet their gigantic workloads and responsibilities. Maricel has also done the same by establishing the learning practices she thinks fit her most.

“Every time mayroon akong activity or assignment, I always make a note that will remind me na this is my assignment that should be passed on this date…these are my activities that should not be passed later than this date…I always do and pass my requirements on time”,

FEATURE | The Valena Mug Photo from Maricel Mauricio

21

One Ocean yet Different Vessels

Jhoanna

Turning Breakdowns to Breakthroughs In most cases, people plunge their fervor and willpower whenever they are faced with stumbling blocks. Although not all have the spirit to strike intricacy confidently, a learner clothed with valor has risen, displaying her might to break this chain.

Jhoanna Marie Obafial, a second-year BSHM student whi hails from Magapit, Lal-lo, Cagayan is just one among those students whose light shines in the world of academics.

During the second semester of the academic year 2020-2021, Obafial’s drudgery in her education bore fruit as she gleaned a general weighted average of 93.70 percent-making her stand out as the highest Dean’s lister in the College of Hospitality

Management.

She is a consistent honor student since she entered schooling. She openly shares that doing her best and focusing on her aim to make her parents proud continually propel her to blaze in her studies. Moreover, Jhoanna practices an auspicious habit in learning by managing to beat the clock in accomplishing all her academic workloads.

Nevertheless, Obafial’s educational life is naturally tricky. Learning does not always bring her on a cloud nine because similar to other learners’, there are moments when her alarm rings furiously indicating her backlogs. As she ventures into online learning, she has tried losing internet connection numerous times causing her to disconnect from her virtual classes.

Indisputably, most of us know that poor internet connection is a bane on online learners’ life. This greatly frightened Jhoanna since a weak signal may get her lost in their lesson and gradually be left behind in their class. However, despite frequently experiencing this can of worms phenomenon, she still sustains her drive by exerting efforts to read her lessons offline and go to places where she can have a good internet connection.

Her unwavering determination to turn her adversities into opportunities made her secure a high academic stance. “…nagtitiwala po ako sa sarili ko na kahit anong struggles and breakdowns na pagdaanan ko is malalagpasan ko po…lagi kong iniisip na simula pa lang ito ng laban ko at ang real game ay magsisimula pa lang after I graduate from college,” Jhoanna delightedly shared.

Jhoanna Obafial exemplars a hatch dreamer who is garbed with tenacity and confidence to convert her breakdowns into breakthroughs.

“To my fellow CSUans who are struggling in their studies, if you feel like giving up, if you thought that you are in your lowest, cry. Breakdown is normal. After that, clear up your minds then magpatuloy ka,” she compellingly contended.

22

FEATURE | The Valena Mug Photo from Jhoanna Obafial

One Ocean yet Different Vessels

Vilma

Struggles to Success Vilma Alupani is a 3rd year Agriculture student of CSU Lal-lo. Like Benmar, she maintains high grades despite the sudden change in education because of the pandemic. In fact, she strongly considers this pandemic both a hindrance and an opportunity.

Despite academically performing, Vilma, just like other students also encountered lots of destructions at home during her online classes. She honestly said that doing adjustments for online learning is hard. Also, the noise at home and the sluggish internet connection are common causes of hardship in online learning.

during these times of pandemic. She also faces struggles, but she continuously fights for her family and for her dreams to become a licensed agriculturist.

“Hindi ako pwedeng sumuko. Kailangan kong pumasa kasi ako ang panganay. Gusto kong maging role model sa mga kapatid ko. Laban lang,” she exclaimed.

“Yung stress level ko noong may face-to-face pa, na doble noong online classes na. Bakit? Pinakanaapektuhan yung mental health ko. During exam, biglang mawawala ang internet. Maingay at magulo sa bahay. Kahit nag bre-breakdown na ako, kailangan pa rin mag-aral kasi nga matatabunan ako ng maraming activities. Iba kasi parin talaga kapag nasa school ka dahil makaka-focus ka. Unlike sa online classes, maraming distractions sa bahay,“ she narrated.

Being a top student in their college, Vilma still finds the silver lining despite all her struggles with online learning. Being also the firstborn in the family, she finds the pandemic a chance to help her parents, especially on financial matters by engaging herself in financially productive tasks to chip in for their finances at home.

“Sa klase naman, dapat focused ka. Kapag kasi nakinig ka during discussion, hindi ka na mahihirapan mag-review or kapag nagpa-surprise quiz si teacher, may baon ka kasi nga nakinig ka.

Mahilig din ako mag take down notes. Kapag may free time, nire-rewrite ko yung mga nasulat ko para kahit papaano, may nare-retain sa utak ko,” she revealed.

Although she honestly said that she procrastinates sometimes, she advises that students shouldn’t procrastinate because it will only lose their focus. “…hangga’t kayang gawin today, dapat gawin na,” she added.

In managing her time, Vilma classifies the time-consuming tasks from those goals she really wants to achieve. Vilma is no different from other students who face difficulty

Photo from Vilma Alupani

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

23

AS

N

Photos from Dennmark Centenno’s FB Account

ovember is the start of the wet season. It is the start of rainy days and land preparation for rice fields.

Farmers will clear and plow the fields for the preparation of new seedlings. Just like in farming, November is also the month for the new agriculture graduates to plow and harvest the seeds they have planted. It is the month they took the boards and waited for the results.

November 18, 2021-the list of newly registered agriculturists was released. This list included the person who almost gave up but managed to hold on to his last string of hope and finally reap his hard work. He is Denmark Centenno.

24

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

Seed T

e m i T ested Through

by Shene e

Kate Balcia an d Maria Flor Pattung

His life as a college student Denmark Centenno’s college life was full of adventure.

But before he even stepped on college, he waited three years to study in the university. During these years, he had to work to save for his education by working on the farms.

Contrary to many’s experiences, Centeno had theories verified on the farm first before learning them in the classroom.

Centenno’s first priority course was not agriculture, but he enrolled in Bachelor in Agricultural Technology (BAT) at Cagayan State University (CSU) Lal-lo Campus.

It’s like a fate that Centenno enrolled in this course.

Centenno served the campus and the studentry as Vice Governor (CSG) on his third year and President (CSC) on his fourth year. During his term, he extended his service in the best way possible. His leadership was anchored on what is written in the manual, and has stood on his grounds despite the blabbering of students before because of his strict implementation of the rules and regulations. He has shown integrity and dignity.

His journey after college Centenno, even before he graduated, was expecting a new life in his life. On September 22, 2020, a beautiful baby girl named Czerina Adlee was born, and Centeno is no longer a grown-up man, but a dad who holds not just his life anymore, but of three’s.

Denmark immediately worked as a Research Assistant(RA) of CSU Lal-lo to support his own family. He also sells banana chips, corn, vegetables, and even ventures on chicken production as an alternative source of additional income.

Despite his hardworking nature, life continuously tested his might and strength because a few days after birth, her daughter was diagnosed with leaking meningocele last October 2, 2020.

It is an understatement to say that seeing a newly born suffer is heart-breaking. For him, it was a disaster as his child needed to undergo a medical operation at this very early stage of her life.

Aside from the emotional devastation, financial struggle knocked him multiple times. Despite the successful operation, Adlee had to be monitored for a month in the hospital. This costed him a hefty amount totalling to almost 50 thousand pesos.

As a father who does not have a steady source of living, Centeno had to work double his efforts. After the operation, Centenno and his partner, Judylyn Campos thought their child was already free from sicknes. But life is testing them. After a year, Adlee was once again diagnosed with another illness. She was diagnosed with Congenital Hydrocephalus, a condition where there’s a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain at birth. The extra fluid can increase pressure in the baby’s brain and cause brain damage and mental and physical problems.

Devastating as it sounds, but for the couple, it was a test

of perseverance.

Centeno had to choose the life of her child, forgetting about the nearing licensure examination which he initially had prepared for.

The child’s operation was set on October 26, 2021.

And around this month is the preparation for the Agriculture Licensure Examination (ALE).

His ALE experience Along with his work and saving up for his daughter’s operation, the board exam was not on Centenno’s plan.

However, because of the unending encouragement of his former teachers especially Mr. Roldan Sawadan, he finally decided to take the boards just around October and started to self-review despite all his struggles with his family.

The preparation for his exam was a bumpy ride, since he had to prioritize his work and saving for his daughter’s operation. It’s hard to concentrate on reviewing with worries and problems at hand.

October 26 came, the day of operation of his daughter Adlee. Restless, he has this tug of war on his head whether he has to pursue taking the board exam or not. He needed to be there for her daughter and partner. But his partner and Sir Roldan, urged him to take the exam despite the lack of preparation, not to mention he has to process the requirements for the said examination.

The dreadful three-day examination began on November 9-11. After every exam, Centenno would share with his partner how hard the exam was. How unfamiliar and clueless he was with the questions written on the examination and how few of it he was sure about.

When the exam ended, his expectations of getting his license were low. He was still hopeful, though, but he knew how hard the exam was and how he was short with time preparing for it. He was disheartened and didn’t give in to the illusion of passing.

November 18 came; it’s a typical day for Centenno’s life. The difference was just that it’s the release day of the results of the agriculture licensure examination.

The first person who told him he passed was Sir Roldan, but he didn’t believe it, so he called her partner for confirmation.

After confirming that he really passed, he cried hard, flipped the table, and shouted at the top of his lungs because of disbelief.

With still a jittery feeling, Centeno didn’t get a blink of sleep after the results. He still couldn’t believe that despite his lack of preparedness he passed. After all the problems he had encountered before and during the examination, his last string of hope, his slim chance of passing, he reaped the fruit of all his hard work. He is undeniably fighting.

Like a farmer who took good care of his crops, Centeno went through a different cultivation process to reap the fruit of his labors amid trials – his license. Now a full-fledged agriculturist, Centeno stands tall and firm despite the uncertainties of life.

Centeno’s journey is another narrative of a person reaching his goal despite many obstacles along the way. Centeno’s journey is also a reflection of our journeys. There may be many U-turns and crossroads, but the choice to keep moving forward is the key to reaching the goal. #

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

25

26

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

"Yes, ma'am!"

In every response uttered lies a myriad of questions no one has dared to ask. In every smile arrayed in the screen looms a gloomy climate no one has ever felt. For in every screen draped with thrill conceals an unspoken story no one has enticed to tell, nor eager enough to listen.

Like the unstable internet connectivity snapping classes with glitches, the bonds suddenly shiver, wondering how it will return. Not a single word can explain yet here are stories of no fiction nor tale, because it bears the truth of pain, struggle, sacrifice, and resilience.

Now that links began to engage, let's listen to the tone that the words of these different stories exclaim - straight from the heart, right from the coated experiences.

er v Co

ry o St

d in

e h

t

B

h e

Illustration by Benmar Torres

e e

r c

s

s n

FRAME STORIES Freestanding . . . p. 28 Debris Left By The Storm . . . p. 30 The Noblest Profession, Indeed! . . . p. 31 Flight and Plight . . . p. 32 BLOG #1: A Day in my Life . . . p. 33 Beyond Techniques and Strokes . . . p. 34 We Still Have Commons in Differences . . . p. 38 ‘I can’t do it anymore’: Out of My Option . . . p. 39 How Tenacity Trounces Encumbrance? . . . p. 40 It Never Leaves; It Can Wait . . . p. 41 Haven In The Darkness . . . p. 42 Against All Odds . . . p. 44 Kaya Natin Ito! . . . p. 45 Survival Quest . . . p. 46 What Kind Of Online Teachers Do You Have? . . . p. 47 FEATURE | The Valena Mug

27

FEATURE | BEHIN

W

ith the burdens, hatred, and doubts she has on her heart, she puts some pair of her clothes into her old backpack, and starts to walk away from their home without knowing where she should go.

She has a flashlight, but her sight became blurry as her tears continued to fall. She starts sobbing as the scenario in their house flashes on her mind. She cried, but no one was there for her on that dark night except herself.

Bitter beginning As the new normal learning started, Jeremie definitely knew that she would experience a hard time with her studies at home.

Aside from the poor connection of the internet she is experiencing, and the household chores waiting for her every day, she also has a drunkard father who oftentime crumples her hope.

Luckily, she has a very understanding, caring, and loving mother who supports and cheers her up. With this, she still finds enough reason to spread her wings and fly towards her dreams.

“Si Mama nalang talaga natitirang pag-asa ko. Siya lang naniniwala sakin.”

She humbly said.

Jeremie tried all her best to balance everything. But sadly, she began to feel her weakness. She wanted to rest, but it’s not enough for her to heal from the deep wound on her heart.

She is trying to study very hard, but her time to answer her activities and participate in her class is taken away by taking care of her father, who is always drunk. And the most painful thing

 Sean Alec Tejada

28

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

about it is that, her mother takes her father’s duty.

Blurry hope Despite her burden, Jeremie still manages to continue her studies and entered her second year in college.

But, her situation is like a chain that is connected on her feet; it disabled her to move freely towards something that she always wanted to reach.

Every time she seeks help, support, and strength from her parents, Jeremie receives nothing but more pain. Her father would say to her that she should stop dreaming and just face the reality of their life.

That time, her mother can’t do anything to help her, because she is a prisoner of her husband’s love and promises. She is indeed a martyr.

“Nawala yung kaisa-isang liwanag ng pag -asa sa puso ko nung nakita kong wala din palang magagawa si mama para kombinsihin si papa na suportahan ako.” She said.

The glimpse of hope Jeremie found on her mother’s eyes started to blur, and it seems that everything she endured all the way will lead her to nothing but a pure negligence.

She starts to blame them for what she is experiencing. She surely thought she doesn’t deserve such a treatment.

Blaming part The animosity on her heart grows.

She is tired of witnessing how her father

Freest

by Diana Mae Ramil Lumboy

ND THE SCREENS

hurt her mother, and putting their family in the deepest and most awful situation.

“One time nga nung exam day namin, nagyari yung isa sa mga kinakatakutan kong pakiramdam.

Lasing siya palagi. Umaga, hapon, gabi.

Pabibilhin si mama ng sigarilyo, kung ‘di mapagbigyan- mag-wawala. Ambaba ng mga scores ko sa exam ko that day.

Sinisisi ko sila palagi. At hiniling ko talaga na sana mamatay nalang si papa para makalaya na kami sa mapanakit niyang ugali,” she revealed.

She just wanted to study to prove that no matter how painful everything they gave her, she could still move forward without any hesitation. But it’s not really that easy. She lost her hope, and began to see nothing but darkness.

Blinding light One night, her father reached the peak of Jeremie’s understanding limit.

Her emotions burst, and she let her hatred speak.

“Lasing si papa as usual sa gabing ‘yon. Sinasaktan niya na naman si mama at diko na napigilang manlaban.

Pinagsalitaan ko siya ng masasama at inilabas ko na talaga galit ko sa kaniya.

Muntikan na din niya ‘kong saktan sa gabing yon,” she narrated.

“Si mama naman umiiyak lang. Diko alam kung magagalit din ako sa kanya or maaawa. Gulong-gulo na ako noon at pasuko na rin sa lahat ng bagay. Kaya mas pinili kong lumayo sa bahay na di

ko kailanman naramdamang naging tahanan,” she added.

On her way, she noticed a light from her back, following her. She looked back, but the lights were also blinding. She panicked a bit, but she heard a familiar voice that wiped all her uncertainties.

“Naaninag ko si mama. Sinundan pala niya ako. Tinawag niya pangalan ko, at tumatakbo siya papunta sakin.

Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit, at dun ko naramdamam yung bigat na nararamdaman niya. Mas mabigat yun kesa sa nararamdaman ko,” she said.

Back home Jeremie gained back her strength when she felt her mother’s presence in that dark road of nowhere. She cried like a baby.

“Yung salita talaga ni mama nagpabalik ng lakas ko sa gabing ‘yon.

Sabi niya, Patawarin mo’ko nak kung minahal ko papa mo. Balik na tayo sa bahay,” she narrated.

Her mother’s love guided her back home. It became the lighthouse that showed her the right way.

“Magtatapos ako ng pag-aaral, and I will make my mama and papa proud.

If my papa couldn’t support me for my dream, then I will. I will free myself from the chain he created,” she confidently added.

Jeremie realized that there’s a reason why her mother followed her that night she attempted to leave their house. That is, she shouldn’t give up that easily. She shouldn’t turn her back from all the dilemmas or problems she faces.

Instead, she should be bold and strong enough to fight all that come along her way. TVM

tanding FEATURE | The Valena Mug

29

FEATURE | BEHIND THE SCREENS

Debris Left by the Storm

by Diana Mae Ramil Lumboy

T

Teenage days is supposed to be the best part of our life. It’s the moment when we are free from huge responsibilities and awful experiences. But sometimes, our decisions will bring us to the most unexpected situation, to the most unexpected time, when our faith and courage will be tested.

Donna is my friend who fall into false happiness during her teenage days. As a result, she faced heavy decisionmaking at an early age. This created destructive storms that hit her differently, and changed the life she used to have.

The Cloudy Days It was a cloudy yet typical morning for Donna. She woke up early, texted her boyfriend a ‘good morning,’ and got ready for school. The only thing that bothered her that day was her unusual feeling. Her attitude towards everything around her suddenly changed.

The tension she felt arose when she noticed herself craving a particular food, and she often felt drowsy in the middle of her class.

As the days passed by, morning sickness attacked her.

During that time, she was convinced to use a pregnancy test.

The result turned her world upside-down, and she felt like drowning in the ocean of fear, and uncertainty. Dark clouds overlay the bright blue sky. The hope she had fades.

The Stormy Days At first, fear covered all the hope, bliss, and courage she had. Donna even came to the point that she felt she needed to end her own life and kill the life she had inside her.

She was only 17 when she got pregnant. She doesn’t know anything about being a mother or building her own family at that age. She was too young for the responsibility, and she was scared.

“Naggapu ak iti broken family, kin nagsikug nak idi Grade 11 nak. Mandik idi ammo ubraekon.” She revealed.

She was really lost on the road she chose to track. She experienced the storm that made all her dreams vague and unreachable.

The Day After the Storm Despite the heavy heart she carried along the way, God touched her soul that definitely wiped the darkest clouds which overlaid her life. The decision to get closer to Him helped her regain the courage and hope she was once lost.

“Napanunot ko agbekkel ken ipatinnag. Ngem ni Apo Dios ti sanggir ko. Kada rabii ak nga makisarsarita kanyana.

Before nak maturog, agbasbasa nak bible ko…” she narrated.

30

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

With God’s words, she earned courage to tell her Father and friends the truth. It was never easy for her to tell the truth, as she knew that she would hurt their feelings. But, Donna received the support, care, and love she never expected after telling the real situation she was in.

As time passed, she learned how to turn the negativity inside her into positivity. Optimism made the fear and uncertainties fade away.

“Ti pinanunot ko idi, blessings daytoy. Manmano lang ti ikikkan ni Apo Jesus ti anak. Isu tinakderak…” she said.

When the Sun Rises She came from a broken family, got pregnant at 17, and made her firstborn at 18. Destructive noises attacked her, and huge doubts, fear, and uncertainties drowned her.

Donna conquered all of these, and in fact, she graduated high school with honors. She became an inspiration to all the students at their school. She received certificates and became an officer to specific organizations. She also considered her baby a reward, as she was able to surpass all the challenges in her life.

Now, she is on her second year in college, taking BSITFood Tech at Cagayan State University-Carig Campus. She is pursuing her dreams with the real people who never leave her during her stormy days, and with her baby who always provides her new hope and eternal light.

The Debris Left by the Storm “Ti anak isu ti regalo nga inted ti Dios. Nagbasul ka man ti Pamilyam, ngem ni Apo Dios innaka mapakawan. Haan nga lapped nu nagsikog ka ti pinagbasa nu diketdi isu ti kired ken gamitem nga pigsam tapno amin nga challenges ti biag inka malampasan.” She honestly said.

The debris left by the storm she experienced made her realize the greatest lesson of her life, causing her to get closer to God. “Lappedam ti kinaarem…agbasa ka ketdi ti inggana kaykayat mo ta ti pinagasawa ket haan nga race. Makauray.

Ngem nu adda man ditan, kailangam nga takderan, agkakarag ka laeng kenkwana , makipatang ka ket intun kaanu man dina ka baybay an.” She added.

Donna’s story is a proof that life is full of unexpected challenges. Most of it is worth fighting for, and it will positively change our perspectives. Accepting God’s helping hand to our life when we are drowning is never a wrong choice. Also, her story revealed that real people around us would stay no matter what situations we are in. TVM

Photo from Behance.com

FEATURE | BEHIND THE SCREENS

Cris Francisco

by Cris Francisco

o one can ever contravene that the noblest out of all professions is teaching. Teachers are best known to be the knowledge importers and prime movers among learners.

That is why their role in the society is extremely crucial. Without their presence, learners’ future will surely be in great jeopardy. Hence, teachers are a necessity in all facets of life especially in today’s current crisis - the COVID-19.

Flexibility is a must among teachers in the new normal. Whether they like it or not, they have no other choice but to adapt to the ever-changing learning set-up. It may be way too challenging to adjust, but as teachers, it is not just enough that they are competent; the ability to go beyond what is expected from them, and blend with the constant change should also be put into consideration.

Like other teachers, Jeraldin Medrano, an elementary teacher at Calintaan Elementary School, is also facing trouble adjusting to the new teaching-learning method.

“I find it too difficult to work in the pandemic, for I am not used to teaching virtually or in the kind of set-up we have right now. The difficulty in teaching in the new normal has escalated and become more demanding; that is why I am searching for ways to deliver my lessons to the best of my ability effectively. I always look for strategies just to make sure my learners have gained something at the end of the day.”

Despite the enormous challenges she faces as a teacher, she still chooses to remain hopeful and

d!

The Noblest P rofe e e ssion, Ind N optimistic since teaching is her ultimate passion.

No one can ever hinder her from doing what she likes the most.

“I have compromised a lot of my time just to accomplish everything I have to do. I have conducted home visitation numerous times as I do not want my students to be left behind. I am pretty sure that they are also struggling and adjusting. It is also important to consider each of their plights and sentiments because learning during this time is not easy.”

She also interjected that she has to alter her teaching approach since she does not think it is effective to utilize it in the new normal. She is exerting much effort just to provide for the fundamental needs of her learners. She believes this is the perfect time to keep track of her students’ progress to ensure that they are learning regardless of their learning mode.

“Health crisis is not a hindrance to a learner’s determination to succeed but a challenge to fulfill,” she said.

Mrs. Medrano’s narrative is just among the unheard stories our teachers had to write everyday.

Many are even worst stories of coping with this time. Teaching in the new normal can be very tough, but everything is worth fulfilling when you accomplish one of the primordial roles of being a teacher which is to be learners’ coach, mentor, and source of knowledge.

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

31

FEATURE | BEHIN

Flight and Plight

by Shenee Kate Balcia

eyes twinkle whenever she scores satisfactorily. Patience is etched, seeing her trying her best to wake up early to catch the 6:30 early ride to Cagayan State University Lal-lo junction, to scribble her name on the attendance sheet.

You can see her with her newfound friends hanging at the vast grounds of the campus. She was laughing with them, taking adventures, and tasting sumptuous foods. But, those were only burping now as those sweet cherished moments exploded in the air.

They vanished.

In the middle of the clouds...

Pandemic brought school institutions to close.

Different approaches to learning emerged, same as other circumstances arose.

Kring...kring...kring...

Alarms are chants that mock her to face reality. It was another flight on class, another announcement to note, and patience to stretch. It is hard to arise in bed knowing that you have to brace this saddening reality, a gap that separates the privilege and not. It was hard to concentrate during lectures having this not conducive learning environment. Hearing the roosters crow, children who keep on running around and shouting joyfully, the hill of dishes that invites you to wash, and the annoying internet glitchesall of these an online learner must have to carry on.

Art by JOSHUA REYES

S

he wanted to be better. No one knew how much she tried to remain confident and fight her own battle that kept her pushing down into the mire of selfpity. Dripping acids of negativity fuel her thoughts as she carries herself to enter the link, which she considers her pitfall.

To wake up is just waiting to watch the settling rays.

She is afraid to lose her oblivion while crawling so hard to grasp the beacon.

The take-off...

Excitement was curved on the lips, and flames of passion reflected on the eyes of a dreamer. You can see her determination staying late at night burning her eyebrows to memorize concepts. You can see her courage and wit during recitations. Like an excited child, her

32

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

If only she could wish to be born again, she would give up all she could give just to live a more convenient life-one that has comfort, stability, safety, and peace. Wandering at the clouds are chances of encountering mists and bumps.

These drove her to lose her altitudes of confidence, passion, and love to embrace learning.

Touchdown...

Just like sunsets, she looks forwards to new beginnings, hoping it will be better the following days. These experiences are tragic but beautiful to look at. The flight has to end as it approaches the ground for its destination.

A dreamer like her does not stop after the flight has landed.

She optimistically looks ahead with her luggage of hope as she steps her heels, ready to be brave and conquer again.

Yes, that is me.

I know that the weather is not constantly good, for there were dark skies during the storm. But, with proper scaffolding and guidance from the educators, I have always believed that we will get through it. I will get through it.

Online learning is not the destination we aim for, so we wander to find our safe skies. May we always be courageous, finding peace from all our chaos. The flight is tiring, but it’s definitely worth it. TVM

ND THE SCREENS

Blog #1: A Day In My Life

by Allan M. Basug

I

t’s already four at dawn. My alarm clock starts to produce deafening cries, but the cold, gentle wind passing through my blanket lulls me to stay longer in my bed for deep slumber. I need to get up quickly to finish my intimidating chores before my classes start. I rinse my face with a bar of small bath soap and glacial water. The coldness of the water that runs from my forehead down to my neck always wakes me up from a drowsy state.

I started to pick up three large-sized basins together with the basket filled with our laundry, which had been stocked for three days. As I wash the laundries, the cold breeze of midnight wind mixed up with the cold fondles of running water on the faucet always makes me shiver from head to toe.

I wish that I am Elsa of Frozen so that “the cold will never bother me in any way,” but I am not, and this is my reality.

After more than an hour of washing the laundry, it is time for me to cook a meal for breakfast. I open the fridge to get a pack of frozen hotdogs, six pieces of eggs, and a big bowl of kaning bahaw. I am cooking Hotsilog – a usual breakfast meal for every Filipino. It is composed of hotdog, sinangag, and itlog- enough to drive our bodies for our morning routines.

The clock starts to point its tiny hand on seven, which means my first period will begin in few moments. I grab my phone on my room and walk in my usual place with a mediocre Internet connection. My teacher sent his good morning message and the Gmeet link for our synchronous class. Before I clicked the link and entered the class, I jointly put my hands and started praying that the Internet connection would get along with me. I finished my first and second periods in the morning with minor troubles with Internet connection.

“Good morning, class. Your lesson and activity are on the LENS now, and it is available up to 5 pm.” A message sent from our teacher in one of our group chats. I can’t rest my exhausted body because I still have classes to attend and activities to submit.

because the campus experience in Internet connection problems. Finally! My restless eyes can already fall asleep, and my exhausted body can relax.

“In the meantime, read and analyze the lesson uploaded on the LENS and finish your learning task,” a message that bears information and dismay on my part because I thought that I could have a long nap time, but I was wrong. Having a one-hour naptime is not enough for my body and mind to refresh from exhaustion, but I have to do it because I still have numerous requirements to finish and submit.

I did not finish some of my pending requirements since I had a short time to complete them. It’s already six in the evening; I can still feel my weariness flowing in my whole body. I have to cook rice so that my mom will only cook the dish for our dinner. After a healthy dinner, I wash the dishes thoroughly and then take a bath for a refreshing sleep.

Having a blended environment, a combination of the learning and home environments, is not easy because I cannot demarcate the boundaries between home and school. I know that this creates an endless confusion not just for me but for all my fellow students.

After an exhaustive day filled with challenges and fun, I can finally sleep, and my body will have the relaxation it deserves. I hope that one day, all these will just become dreams from a deep slumber, and we wake up with the news to go back to the normal scenario we have been at school.

Sitting on a rattan-made chair while doing my enormous requirements, my phone rings as my mom calls me. She asks me to buy soy sauce, vinegar, and magic sarap in the nearest sari-sari store because she will be cooking Adobo for our lunch.

After finishing my meal, I went back to my usual place for my online classes.

Slouching on the chair and fighting my sleepy eyes from falling asleep while waiting for my last period of the day, I visited my Facebook newsfeed and scrolled some random posts and memes to kill some time. It’s already 2 o’clock in the afternoon and our teacher is not yet online for our discussion.

Moments later, our teacher confirmed in a message that he would not meet us for this period

 Allan Basug

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

33

‘‘

She found herself one time tinting her ink on a sheet of paper, drawing, smiling and enjoying. Her burning desire to learn grew more each passing time.

34

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

Photos from Elma Antonio

‘‘

With all these commissions that she had been doing, she was yet to receive the greatest and biggest commission in her life, her future profession, being one of the movers of the primary wheel of education soon - an educator.

| Follow Story on next pages

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

35

FEATURE | BEHIN

36

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

Photos from Elma Antonio

ND THE SCREENS

by Shenee Kate Balcia

A

s an art, painting requires a deep and imaginative mind to unfold a message that words fail to express. These products of ingenious creations allow people to exhibit their cavernous thoughts and feelings on the things that matter most to them like Elma P. Antonio, a 22-yearold lady from Centro Norte, Gattaran, Cagayan, who uses her knack in calligraphy, painting and journaling to share her love for the arts and burning passion. Her masterpieces capture her clients’ hearts as they get amazed at the wonderful displays of blending colors and powerful strokes. Her gift does highlight not only her creative wit, but also her perseverance and patience in creating tedious yet breathtaking works.

As she continues to bear her creative hands through colors and shades, she allowed us to discover her rich silhouettes of life in her eternal canvass.

Fixing the Canvass to its Scaffold Elma has manifested an inclination to arts since her second year of high school. She was amazed at the earth’s wonders and how these can be transformed into undying displays. Her interest grew more robust due to the boredom she was experiencing: no cellphone, stay-in for work, and having a quite strict boss who won’t let her just wander outside. It’s an unexpected way of discovering a passion, isn’t it? One time, she found herself tinting her ink on a sheet of paper, drawing, smiling, and above all, enjoying.

Her burning desire to learn grew more each passing time. Braced with determination, she was able to imprint simple, yet for her, was very meaningful symbols that depict her imagination. As expected, her first were not that prepossessing. She freely gave her artworks to her classmates while improving her craft. Surely, it was enough that she was able to fix her canvass to its scaffolding finally. Her journey of mixing colors had begun.

Blending the Right Shades of Colors Color blending became a challenge not just in her craft but also in her life. Though she was determined and passionate, her self-doubts knocked her. Her feeling of not being good enough and not having full support from whom she is currently working built a

wall that hindered her for a while. But through the support of her loved ones, friends, and clients who trusted her, the color of dullness fades as she strived to spray them away with positivity and stroke them with dedication. She finally learned to blend the right colors into her life and artwork. She pursued making calligraphies at eighteen, and she was already receiving commissions from her clients. She also tried journaling and simple paintings of sceneries.

Receiving the Greatest Commission She has been blessed with valued clients who showed her appreciation which boosted her selfesteem even more. With all these commissions that she had been doing, she was yet to receive the most significant and biggest commission in her life, her future profession, being one of the movers of the primary wheel of education soon; an educator. This is something great that she looks forward to grabbing in just a span of months from now. She accepted the flaws and hindrances in her life and attested that this had given her brighter perspectives and directions in life. Her works became more meaningful to her as she was taught that her gift is a connection and manifestation of God’s love to her. She testified that her gift is a way for her to bless other people. She feels grateful every time her clients plaster a smile because as they can see hope and feel better through her artworks. She is happy because she is able to share something more than just a masterpiece; her passion and talent. Because of this, it was more appealing that it sinks beyond the heart creating a surreal exhibit.

The Greatest Exhibit Elma’s artful expression of devotion reminds us to use our talents righteously as we inevitably showcase them. If we do this, they will expand, and new opportunities and abilities will develop. It is important for us to remember that our talents are gifts to us, and we are accountable for what we do with them.

In this exhibit of life, let us learn from the heavenly canvass endowed to Elma Antonio, whose calligraphies and painting skills are beyond techniques and strokes.

TVM

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

37

FEATURE | BEHIN

Unheard Voices of Online Learners:

We Still have Commons in Differences

by Diana Mae Lumboy

Photo from TEACHONLINE.CA

D

ifficulty is really what we experienced in our education when this unseen foe took its reign worldwide. Online learning is the alternative to face-to-face classes nowadays. Evidently, it’s not that too effective as it causes different dilemmas, not only to the teachers, but more so on us, students.

Lately, I always say that lucky are those who are fortunate enough; those who are rich and have a stable internet connection at their homes, have complete gadgets, computers, and any other material they need on their online studies. But, when Aeron responded to what I told him and said, “Awan serserbi tuy adu nga gamit ko kada napigsa a signal nu awan mut lang maaw-awatak tuy klase mi. Haan nak ngamin nalaing,” my current perception about them suddenly change.

Dissimilarity

Commonness “Aeron, imbag pay kinyam ta mayat signal kada adda gamit mo,” I told him one time when we hung out at our friend’s place.

“Awan serserbi tuy adu nga gamit ko kada napigsa a signal nu awan mut lang maaw-awatak tuy klase mi. Haan nak ngamin nalaing.”

His statement suddenly changed my conception of inequality this pandemic.

Aeron, and I are two different people in terms of our status in life: I’m poor while he is rich. Despite this difference we have, I can see a common denominator. We are both losing hope because of the hardships we face during this online class; we are both suffering from the different rocks of challenges thrown by this pandemic.

I am a kind of online student who needs to go on top of the mountain, climb up a tree, or go over under the sun’s heat just to have connectivity, and to at least participate in my class. My phone isn’t new, and it doesn’t work that well already.

Hopeful Similarities

As my phone gets full, my mind also gets full of uncertainties. As my phone lags every time I use it, my hope also lags, and it feels like I can’t surpass the complex context where I am at the moment. It’s tough to be unfortunate and unstable both in financial matters and internet connectivity.

Only the sighs of disappointment and hopelessness are what I can do to relieve myself from my awful situation. I just wish, I am also rich: able to buy my needs in this online class; and have an easier life.

I found out that we have positive similarities, and that is, we are both courageous in continuing our studies; we are fully determined to finish what we have started in our education. Moreover, we are both online learners who desire a bright future in this dark and awful situation brought by the CoVID-19.

Meanwhile, my friend, Mark Aeron D. Fontillas, who I considered fortunate, can afford to buy assistive materials for his online learning. He just sits or lies down on his bed, eats, drinks, sleeps, and plays mobile games comfortably during his class. But, despite the comfort he has, Aeron also struggles to grasp all the lessons. He is an academically challenged student, and for him, learning online is a great dilemma.

Online discussions do not really favor him.

38

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

“Diba narigat signal mo? Umay ka latta nuka jay balay.

Agtinnulung ta lattan. Agpapada tayo lang mut nga marigrigatan ita,” Aeron once offered to me, and I definitely grab the chance with no hesitation.

Thus, we shouldn’t compare our situations with one another. Instead, we should look at our similarities and determine how we can uplift ourselves. These similarities brought back the hope and light we both lost.

People may not hear our voices, but we, students, understand one another regardless of our differences. Online learning brought different kinds of hardships, but we still manage to give one another a helping hand to surpass all struggles we grapple with.

ND THE SCREENS

‘I can’t do it anymore’:

by Xyzerlyn Qea Cielos

“My toes, my knees, my shoulder, my head. My toes, my knees, my shoulder, my head.”

This song keeps playing in my head, and suddenly I realize that my toes are already peeping through my three-year-old dirty white rubber shoes.

My knees are slowly weakening like a 70-year old granny because of climbing everyday up the stairs in a three-story building.

My shoulders shrugged as if I am the only one carrying all the problems and burdens in the world.

My head is too heavy to think ways how I could live without giving up. I am tired. I am exhausted. My body can’t do it anymore. But, I need to work hard to pursue my dreams Thirteen years ago Every time I couldn’t sleep, I looked out my window to imagine and plan about my future. I am blissfully dreaming myself entering a private college campus wearing lipstick and make-up, wearing five-inch black heels, encountering different types of people, meeting new friends, and enjoying my life to the fullest while doing great in my studies. While imagining, I am astonished by the twinkling and glittering stars together with a shining moon in the sky until I fall asleep.

One decade later Finally! I completed my final year of high school. It was almost impossible to paint my emotions, and tears streamed down my cheeks as I heard my name called to receive my diploma on stage, which was the fruit of hard work in my studies. I had a four-month break and chose to work to help pay for my college expenses, so I began selling various snacks, but my earnings were modest.

‘Wanted: Cashier (at least senior high school graduate)’. A signage that caught my attention as I was heading to town to purchase the ingredients I needed for cooking. I quickly fixed my hair and clothes to be presentable in front of the business owner, and I spent no time going inside. Out of 11 applicants, I got the position. At last, my income climbs higher compared to my small business. As the opening of school approached, I worked even harder. I went into selling street foods when I wasn’t in the shop.

course is offered, I was enrolled in a public school, and the sad thing was, the course I would take is not what I reallywantedthis is what my parents choose for me to take.

As a working student, I hardly find time to comply with my assignments and review my lessons. I envy my classmates because after our class, they are free to do what they want – relax and unwind, review our lessons, or party with friends. As for me, I am stressed at school and tired in my part-time job.

Life has never been easy on me. Things got worse than ever when my father had an accident. I had no choice but to continue my job as a retail sales associate, cashier, and appointment scheduler to support myself and lessen the burden of my family. I shouldered all my expenses and needs daily, including allowance for food, dormitory, transportation, and especially academic necessities like books and school supplies. Sometimes, I get sick due to stress and over fatigue.

Because of my will to make my parents proud, I have no choice but to continue what I started.

Pandemic: Blessing in disguise While I was sipping my hot chocolate coffee early one morning, I opened my social media account. I saw the news that made a big impact on my life.

Lockdown was declared due to the virus. Due to the virus, everyone was in a state of panic. My phone riag after a few seconds. My manager informed me that I couldn’t go to the store anymore because of the lockdown.

Life is unfair I am experiencing the true meaning of how hard life is. To my fellow students who are experiencing the same as I do, you are not alone and we can do it.

yze X n rly

Slap of truth

Qe

Two days before the school opening, I went to the market to buy school supplies and other necessities. I only had one thousand and five hundred pesos, and I need to budget it.

I softly brushed away my tears as I carefully shopped for my things as I never expected my destiny would be like this - I was struck by the reality that I have to save money because I’m not a fortunate child to have whatever I desire.

s Ielo

aC

It’s 4 in the morning. My body is not in the mood to wake up. I wasn’t happy that much on my first day of school because it wasn’t what I dreamed for when I was young.

Instead of studying in a private school where my

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

39

How Tenacity trounces Encumbrance?

FEATURE | BEHIN

by Cyndie Mae Corpuz

L

aunching into the screens of distant learning is a rocket science as it implies exposing yourself to hefty and pressing academic loads and responsibilities. It also means devoting much time, attention, and effort without excuses and vindications. To some learners especially those who have not established their families yet, new normal education maybe a piece of cake, thus, surpassable but not to those who have already responsibilities to take for their family as it purports much heavier cross to carry on their backs.

Zyreen Alexis Manuel, a BSEd English major student of Cagayan State University-Lal-lo Campus and mother of her one and four-month-old son, is just one among those learners grappling under the summon of stretching and contending roles of a mother and student.

Every morning when the rays of the sun radiates through the glasses of their windows, when the roosters crow in their backyard, and when chat boxes simultaneously notify on her phone at 7 o’clock a.m., you’ll see Zyreen with a plain face, dressed with a loose sando, with dark circles around her eyes, and her chest fastened with a piece of cloth breast feeding her wailing son while attending to her virtual class, and responding to the questions of her professors on screen.

In this rough patch period, aside from the threat of the lethal Covid-19 virus, difficulty in time management intensifies her life adversities.

She struggles to balance her responsibilities as a mother and student, especially now that she’s in the third-year level confronted and showered with the bulk of insurmountable workloads. If possible, she would not want to open her eyes because whenever she does, due dates of her pending requirements and activities automatically feed her weary eyes and exhausted mind.

Photo from Zyreen Alexis Manuel FB Account

At 12 midnight when everybody is expected to be relaxing, and dreaming on their deep and sound sleep, she is with her eyes wide open, hauling her son on her chest while exerting all her powers and strength to cease her baby from bawling.

In the morning, even having a sleepless night, she is compelled to wake up as early as 6 a.m. to perform her obligations. Generally, she’s like a trumpo that keeps on spinning inside their home doing her duties as a mother: washing their towering dirty clothes and dishes, bathing, dressing, comforting, and feeding her first-born son.

“Sobrang hirap. Kumbaga para kang nagtitinidor ng sabaw. Hindi mo alam kung umuusad ka pa ba,” Zyreen forlornly affirmed.

Enervating. This is how her life goes on every single day.

Fighting. This is what she feels as she responds to her motherhood, and education voyage at the same time.

In spite of going under tormenting works at home as a mother, she still manages to sustain her eagerness in finishing her studies on time. When asked in an interview the reason why she keeps on holding onto the torch, she sincerely reflected and shared, “itong edukasyon nalang ang kaya nilang [magulang] ibigay sa amin.” Likewise, her keenness to graduate is further escalated by her son. “Kasi kung hindi ako mag-aaral, maka-graduate, makahanap na trabaho, wala akong maibibigay na kailangan ng anak

40

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

Photo from The LaSallian

ND THE SCREENS

It never leaves, it can wait

by Zyreen Alexis Manuel “Haan met nga pumanaw ta pinagbasa.”

It’s tough to decide whether to proceed what I’ve started or quit for the moment. Education is always there, but life is not. I can’t guarantee my safety and security elsewhere, but I can assure that education will be there for me when the opportunity arises.

These four corners are the ones who saw my struggle during this catastrophe.

The ceiling, wondering upon how depressed and stressed I am. Every night, my pillow noticed my grumble but quiet scream. My blanket is aware of how many tears I shed and is attempting to wipe them all away.

I’ve been contemplating about this lately, and when I asked my friends whether they had dropped their course, they all answered ‘yes.’

It’s really painful, but I’ve probably given up. I never told my parents about this, and they assumed I was still in school, but I am not anymore.

Frankly, it is terrible for me not to speak the truth, but I can no longer deal with this predicament. I was frustrated and devastated both mental and physical.

I am aware that others disapprove, but I am more bothered with my own issue. I won’t even meet the standards they’ve imposed, no matter how much time and effort I give in.

It’s tragic that the corona virus pandemic has disrupted education in some countries of the globe. These are turbulent times, but all we can do is hope that the pandemic will be gone soon.

Nobody is alone in this since we are all going through a rough patch, but what differs us is that I am not as strong as others, but just because I quit studying doesn’t mean I stopped reaching my dreams in life.

My life has a little spice and twist to it, yet it still has a great and particular taste.

ko,” Manuel asserted.

For Zyreen, giving up is out of the options. She may be in a bolt from the blue situation, drained and weakened, but she would never dare to surrender for her future and her family’s.

To all learners who are mounting the same boat as of Zyreen, this is her heartfelt and moving message to all of you “Lagi mo lang isipin na nandiyan pa yung anak mo at magulang mo na naniniwalang kaya mo kahit physically and emotionally hirap na hirap ka na.

Those sleepless nights, eyebags, stress and hopefully hindi umabot sa depression, labanan mo lang. Walang bagay na hindi kakayanin ng isang taong motivated, determined at hopeful… Eventually, all your efforts and sacrifices will be worth it.”

Zyreen Alexis Manuel epitomizes a woman of vigor amid venturing the road of rigor and austerity. She’s a living testimony that proves that every challenge, be it simple or colossal, is all meant to be overcome with firm and unflagging doggedness. TVM

FEATURE | The Valena Mug Photo from Zyreen Alexis Manuel FB Account

41

FEATURE | BEHIN

Haven in

by Benmar Torres

W

ith disinformation looming, clashes growing, and cyber-abuse transcending, social media have become a large den of toxicity, malice, and danger to many citizens who inhabit it and who may not be critical enough to deliberate what an appropriate content is. But for many students, like Gerald, who are struggling in their online classes because of financial difficulties, it is a haven that became an avenue for them to express their plight and seek for help from a greater community.

On October 28, 2021, Gerald Inay, second year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, took to Facebook his struggles and needs in online classes after his phone malfunctioned just in time

42

when the Midterm Examinations were approaching.

“Noon po ang ninanais ko lang na mabili ay laptop dahil bilang isang IT student, napakahirap po ng walang laptop.

Sa ngayon po nais ko na rin makabili ng bagong cellphone dahil ang gamit ko po ay nasira na [at] ang masaklap [pa] ay kung kailan malapit na ang aming Midterm Examination, saka naman po nasira,” the 20-year old student stated.

As a son of farmers, Gerald revealed that he has to help his parents in the field during planting seasons. And despite being a benefactor of the Agkaykaysa Financial Assistance Program of the provincial government, he still needs to help his mother in their retail store, making his quest this new normal more challenging.

ND THE SCREENS

Darkness “This pandemic nahihirapan po talaga ako sa aking pag-aaral kasi kailangan mo talagang maging flexible kasi kailangan mong mag-aral and at the same time tumulong sa mga gawaing bahay,” he said.

This native of San Lorenzo, Lal-lo, Cagayan, also experiences the same plight as other students do this distance education because of issues in internet connectivity, but this did not halt him to continue going because of his dreams in life. So when he saw in social media a trend where students who have the same difficulties as him doing campaigns to ask for donations for their studies, he also thought of doing the same but there was hesitation in his mind.

“Nang natapos ko na po [sulatin yung caption], nahihiya po akong mag-post kaya nasabi ko rin sa mga kaibigan ko and sabi naman nila i-post ko na raw [dahil] wala naman daw masama sa gagawin kong mag-ask [ng] tulong po kaya after few days pi-nost ko na rin,” the IT student said.

His reservations also boiled down from his fear of judgment and bullying that he might receive from people.

However, he saw no other intervention but to try this move.

He then posted his campaign in private at night, but received positive responses from his Facebook friends in the morning.

“I read a lot of comments po na i-public ko raw po para mai-share po nila kaya kahit man sobra yung hiya ko, ginawa ko pa rin po kasi super down na rin ako that time dahil andaming dapat tapusin na activities and sa susunod na linggo noon is our midterm examinations po,” Gerald said.

Inay was able to earn more than Php20,000 cash donations from his campaign, which enabled him to buy a laptop and a phone, which helped him ease his burdens in online classes. Last January 5, he took to Facebook again his expression of gratitude to all the people who became part of this endeavor.

ng hindi maganda,” Gerald underscored.

Black and white. Postive and negative. Good and bad.

There are always two sides to the dimension we are living.

The shade in social media world might have becoming more sinister because of netizens’ misuse, but there are always people who continue to tint it with good deeds. Facebook of which scope grows dramatically especially this pandemic is still undoubtedly the most useful networking application in the world that links people amid distance. And for Gerald, this became an advantage for him to germinate his story and spread it to other parts of the nation, if not the whole world.

Life might have been bitter for Gerald, but the sweetness of unity and compassion prevails in this last resort he had undertaken. One post of disinformation may deceive people and change their perspectives, but from one post of sincerity and heartfelt story that ripple to different people in the virtual world, it changed his life to become better. In a virtual world full of hatred and selfishness, he found a haven he never expected will aid him in pursuing his dreams.

As a witness of this development from the start when he asked for help until he was able to purchase his gadgets, we have also realized that social media is yet to succumb in darkness and hopefully, it never will.

For as long as there is a haven that radiates kindness, darkness will never prevail.

It will always become a blessing to others, like Gerald, who considers this network “a blessing from God”.

This budding IT expert wants to finish his studies first, secure a permanent job, and soon help not only his family but other people. Life may not be easy for an underprivileged student like him but what makes him continue persevering is his faith in God and his parents.

"It’s my faith in God because whatever challenges in my life that I may encounter, I will never stop chasing my dreams because God is always keeping me strong. My parents also motivate me to continue persevering because every time I see them struggling it reminds me that I need to study and work hard so that someday I can repent for their sacrifices.”

Reflecting on his experiences, he advised his fellow students who are also experiencing financial challenges to never lose hope and never give up amid the challenges they are facing.

“Huwag tayong susuko sa kahit anumang hamon sa buhay natin, laban lang, malalagpasan din natin lahat ng yan. I suggest to do the same [as I did] po if they were given a chance kasi wala naman pong masama sa gagawin nila. Ang masama po is yung magnakaw ka or gagawa ka

Photos from Gerald Inay’s FB Account

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

43

FEATURE | BEHIN

Against All Odds

by Allan Basug

Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain; we all have sorrow Another academic year is up to embarked; the sun strikes its rays as the dawn starts to break. I can feel its heat surrounding my face, which wakes me up from deep slumber.

Then I realized, it’s been more than two years have passed when the pandemic strikes our vicinity, which causes multiple casualties.

Numerous changes have been implemented, especially in education wherein the epoch of virtual classes have emerged.

Because of the limited possibilities of imparting knowledge, students are having a rough time in internalizing the whole content of the lesson resulting to failure in submitting their requirements.

Scrolling deeply on my Facebook newsfeed when I read some posts about students who committed suicide, and the suspect of these crimes is online learning. According to the posts, the victims wrote a suicide letter containing their reasons on their tragic demise. They have one thing in common and that is they are exhausted excessively about learning in online platforms that they are already suffering emotionally and mentally.

But if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow It is indeed a challenge for all learners to learn in a new field that they are not used to. In some random posts online that I unintentionally take a glimpse, there are furious learners who are intensely showing their difficulties in adjusting their gears in learning online. They reiterate that online learning is not working; thus, it drains the students more than face-toface classes, which contributes vastly on their mental health problems.

They even made a petition by posting #StopAcademicYearNow in their captions, which aims to temporarily stop the academic year until the government is ready in supporting students who don't have the means and privilege in engaging themselves in online learning. What is the use of our rights in going to school if some don't have the

44

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

privilege to continue their schooling?

Whilst, it may be an advantage for some learners since this ‘new normal’ education set up offers multiple intelligences, especially technological competent learners who are exposed in computers at early age. They can manifest and hone their skills at the same time in overcoming the ‘pandemic’ year.

Lean on me when your not strong and I’ll be strong, I’ll help you carry on “No man is an island.” A common quote that has been used in different era, but it is applicable for all ages.

This pandemic shows various realizations on learners, especially their act of helping one another. In our group chat, whenever I ask questions about a certain topic, they immediately respond on my queries. They also keep on updating us about the deadlines of some tasks, which makes my heart burst into happiness because I know that they are concern and we wanted to graduate on time together.

Having reliable friends, who will help us in succeeding our dreams, are the hardest things to find especially in this pandemic where in we are separated by the virus and connected only through virtual platforms. It is rare for someone who comforts us in times when we are demotivated because of numerous activities. It is also difficult to find someone who is willing to share his/her knowledge about the lesson, and someone who set aside their personal problems just to give uplifting and meaningful advice for those students who need it the most.

It may not be the best academic year because of challenging adversities both online and offline, but the connection that we created become sturdy and everlasting.

When times that we are experiencing heavy rains of drawback in the same umbrella, there will be someone that we can count and depend on.

For it won’t be long, ‘til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on

ND THE SCREENS

Kaya natin ito!

by Jerrymie Siriban

O

nline Class ay hindi para sa lahat, dapat na tayong mamulat.

"Pa may pera ba kayo? Hihingi sana ako pang load po para sa online class."

"Bunso ikaw na muna magluto my Gmeet pa kasi kami, pasensya na.” " Ang hina ng signal saan kaya ako pu-pwesto para makahanap ng malakas na internet koneksyon?"

"Hala ubos na daw ang mb ko, paano na yan hindi ko tapos test ko" "Ma'am good pm po, ma'am pwede po ba akong mag quiz ngayon? Wala po kasing kuryente sa bahay kanina deadbatt po ako kaya hindi ako nakapag quiz kanina pasensya na po."

"Bakit ang bagal magloading nitong LENS? Isang oras lang binigay samin na oras, 100 items pa naman 'to pano kaya?"

Ilan lamang ang mga ito sa pauli-ulit na naririnig natin sa pagpasok ng online class.

Nakaririndi. Nakabibingi. Nakapapagod.

Online Class ang malawakang ginagamit ng halos buong mundo upang makapagbahagi ng kaalaman sa bawat estudyanteng gustong matuto at dahil na rin sa ito ang tanging nakikita nilang mabisang paraan ng pagkatuto kahit na may kinakaharap na pandemya.

Sabi ng ilan madali lang ito dahil nasa bahay lang, nakaupo at nakikinig. Sa sinasabi nila, parang ipinapahiwatig nilang ang online class ay napakadali. Ito’y dahil siguro sa iba-iba kami kami ng karanasan. Akala ng iba ay madali lang. Pipikit ka lang ayos na pero hindi. Hindi sa nagiging labis ako maglarawan pero iyon ang totoo.

Noong ako'y nasa baitang 12, modular learning ang ginagamit nilang paraan na masasabi kong sobrang hirap na. Ngayong nasa kolehiyo na ako at online class naman, tila ba at batid kong mas nadagdagan ang aking pinapasan sa buhay dahil ang online class ay mas pinahirap pa. Kailangan ng load para sa pagsagot ng mga pagsusulit, kailangan ng maayos na selpon dahil kung hindi, hinding-hindi ka makasasabay at wala kang maintindihan sa ipinaliliwanag, putol-putol dahil sa napakahinang internet koneksyon ng data mo, isama pang full storage na ang selpon mo.

Ngunit wala tayong magagawa kundi

Photo from India Today

magtiis na buksan ang lumang gadyet na mayroon tayo dahil gusto nating matuto.

Kailangan pa nating magtyaga pa lalo dahil sa mapaminsalang pandemyang ito. Sa mga naririnig ko dati sinasabi na madali ang kolehiyo basta enjoyin mo lang, pero paano ngayon? Paano ngayong online class ang sinusunod na hakbang? Magiging madali pa kaya? Kaya ko pa kaya? Kaya pa kaya nating lahat? Kasi ngayon masasabi ko na ako'y nasa kolehiyo mas nalugmok ako, at mas nahila sa putik ng paghihirap.

Siguro ang magiging sagot ng mga matatapang at mga pursigidong mag-aaral ay oo dahil may pangarap sila, pero paano sa mga estudyanteng mahihina ang loob at masyadong sensitibo? Sa pagkaka-alam ko may mga tumigil na't huminto, ayaw ng ituloy ang nasimulan. Bakit hinayaan nilang sila'y maging mahina? Siguro bigat na bigat na sila at hindi na kaya. Pero ako kinakaya ko, hindi lang dahil sa pangarap kong makapagtapos kundi gusto kong maipagmalaki ako ng mga magulang ko.

Ang paglalarawan sa online class na mahirap ay hindi sapat, dahil katumbas nito ang pagpasan mo sa buong mundo. Hindi maayos o walang maayos na koneksyon sa internet. Idagdag mo pang basag-basag na screen ng selpon ko, isama pa ang walang patid na pag-iingay ng mga kapit-bahay ko, mga paminsan-minsang pag-aayos ng kuryente sa lugar namin, isali mo na rin ang mabagal na pagloading ng LENS ng campus natin.

Mga walang patid na pagpapaliwanag kung bakit nangyari ang ganito, ang ganyan, walang puknat na pagdadahilan para lang kaawaan at mabigyan ng konsiderasyon upang maka-exam o makapagpasa kahit lagpas na sa deadline. Kung patuloy na ganito kahit masipag tayong matuto, darating ang araw na mapapagod tayo sa ganitong uri ng sistema at kapag nangyari iyon naku saan tayo tutungo?

Tila nalulunod ako ngayon at halos hindi na makaahon sa mga dapat unahin at

kailangang gawin, alin ang dapat tapusin, at alin ang huwag unahin. Mas nadagdagan ang pasakit na kinahaharap ng katulad kong mag aaral lalo ngayong ganitong klase ng pagtuturo. Siguro isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ako napapagod, nahihirapan at malapit nang sumuko ay dahil alam ko sa sarili kong sariling laban ko ito at walang makatutulong sa akin. Nang dahil sa pangarap kong makapagtapos naghihirap ako ng ganito, ngunit hindi ako nagrereklamo. Laban kong mag-isa ito at kailangan kong ituloy para sa pangarap ko. Oo, sinasabi kong mahirap at sukong-suko na ako pero nagugulat na lang ako sa sarili ko kasi kahit mahirap tinatapos ko pa rin, ipinagpapatuloy ko pa rin.

Sabi ng ilan baka posibleng maibalik ang dating gawi ng pagtuturo. Dating nasa harap mo ang guro at ika'y nakaupo, komportableng nakikinig sa mga ipinapaliwanag nya. Dating gawing kapag walang pasok kaliwa't-kanan nasa sulok, iba-iba ang ginagawa. Dating magpapaalam, iihi pero sa cafeteria pala didiretso.

Dating "open notes close your eyes" ang madalas pambara ng mga guro sa mga estudyanteng nakikipag-bargain dahil hindi nakapagreview. Dating kunyari dadaan sa iyon pala may gusto lang silayan. Dating nakikipagbardagulan ka pa sa mga kaibigan mong nagpapasaya at dumadamay sayo.

Dating todo sigaw ka pa dahil sa pagchicheer sa crush mo.

Binabalikan ko palang ang mga alaalang iyon, may ngiti nang nakapaskil sa pisngi ko, posible pang mangyari yun naniniwala ako. Handa na kami sa dati, nakapagpaturok na din kami para lumakas ang resistensya namin sa pandemya, kaya sana pakinggan ang aming daing, paluguran ang aming mga hinaing dahil nais nami'y bumalik na sa dati sapagkat ang online class ay labis na nakasasakal na baka kapag lumaon pa ay syang papatay sa amin.

Sana mabasa nyo, dahil hindi lang ito pagsusumamo ng iisang tao, hindi lang iisang tao ang nakararanas nang ganito kaya sana pagbigyan nyo. Dahil hindi lahat ay pare-pareho ng estado ng pamumuhay.

Karamihan sa ami’y isang kahig, isang tuka..

Ang online class ay napakahirap sa totoo lang, ngunit kailangan nating harapin ito upang magpatuloy sa buhay. Hindi man ito para sa lahat, gamitin sana natin ang ating pangarap upang magpatuloy kahit ang laban ay hindi patas sa ating lahat.

TVM

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

45

FEATURE | BEHIN Photo by Jeremy Rigon

by Joana Mae Libanan

T

he stars come out; the evening takes on that aroma of the night; the crickets sing for the joy of living, and my bed awaits.

My thoughts slowly move like beautiful carousels, each dancing as ribbons from a kite string that reaches for sky, its colors embracing those lofty heights and inviting in the dreams that wear festival costumes while dancing in the rhythm of music. I feel the cradle of the loving universe, as if for those hours of dreaming, I am in heaven’s arms. Then my morning alarm chimed into my dreams, opening the curtain for my day.

Upon waking up, my brain replays the last few scenes of my dreams. But then I realized it’s already 6:00 in the morning, yet I’m still at my bed. My dormmates are already dressed up for their first class. I started to panic. I quickly jumped out of bed, but somehow in flurry movements. I rushed into the kitchen and ate my breakfast. After that, I brushed my teeth, took a bath then changed my uniform. Luckily, I arrived before my teacher.

I am sitting in class, my Contemporary World class to be exact. I am sitting next to my classmate named Kae Ann. She has been my closest friend since I came to college. I like to sit in the back row slightly off center on the left. Our class is somewhat empty. It was the kind of weather that just left us in a gloomy mood. As I looked outside the window, I saw some students grouped together stucked in their own mini-worlds as boredom probably engulfs them.

It was Friday. After my class, I was excited to go home. I packed my things and cleaned my room. Jenice and I rode on a multicab. The cab rocked us from side to side as we traveled those familiar roads. Our brains afforded the time to daydream. After an hour, we finally got home. Entering the house had the same feeling as the calling of a loving mother.

A day had passed. There were several news about the rising cases of “Covid-19”. I had no idea what was going on.

46

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

March 16, 2020!

Everything changed. Nationwide locked down was imposed. We were told to stay at home for at leats one week.

I was happy because I considered it as form of vacation free from juggling academic notes in class.

The outbreak of Covid19 has worsened. All establishments were forced to close. Many people lost their jobs. No one can go out except for one person per household, and lastly, schools cannot operate. This was when I began to worry. A lot of questions rushed into my mind. The questions of when can we go back to school and how can we then attend our classes birthed many other how’s and when’s.

Since face-to-face classes were suspended, all students were mandated to migrate to the virtual world of mobile phones, desktops, laptops, and other communication gadgets.

2022. Nothing has changed in our learning setup.

It felt surreal. Time flew so fast. The world has completely turned upside down. Thinking about all the challenges, I have witnessed how the pandemic has caged people until this day. Many students had stopped in their studies because the pandemic had affected their family’s source of income. These factors are holding schools and students back from achieving the equality and equity in education that all students deserve.

Although, many students tried to push despite the online classes and modules, the reality of the rising of students’ problems became so vivid. Mental health problems related to increased time in using gadgets became the hottest issues aside from fatigue, headache, lack of motivation, and procrastination.

Being a student restricted by limited resources has been very difficult. My daily routine really changed a lot. I usually wake up at 6:00 am, then fix my bed, eat my breakfast, brush my teeth, and take a bath. I noticed significant changes that happened in my usual routine. Instead of walking to school, I start to open my cellphone here at home and do the tasks via

ND THE SCREENS

What kind of online teachers do you have?

by Roldan Urbi Every day in this pandemic, students may encounter different kinds of online teachers. Most teachers’ teaching skills and strategies are technology-oriented, but some are still Jurassic in nature.

Question: What kind of online teachers do you have?

Answer: Monday: Best in Module. These teachers are bundled of dreams like the module discussion they crafted. They believed that success has three elements: dedication, hard work, and determination. They believed that one day students will reap the sweetest fruit of their sown seeds of sacrifices as they act like a candle that consumes itself to give light to others especially their students.

Tuesday: Best in Deadline. These teachers consistently set and remind their students the time or date by which activities should be completed. Also, they are strict and time conscious especially during examinations.

LENS. There are two ways of learning now. The first one is synchronous, when you interact with teachers in real-time and asynchronous when offline study happens. If I have time, I relax my eyes for 10-20 minutes in between classes by not looking at any gadget.

Our narratives might be of different lyrics, but we share this pandemic's same melody. They may be unique but, they share the same theme. If you experience struggles, you are not alone. Your narratives are valid, and we here you.

4:00. The exhausting day of school ends. My eyes keep asking me to rest, to find somewhere cold and cozy, to simply enjoy the wind. It’s as if every eye lash weighs more than it should, and gravity has been turned up tenfold. My brain feels like it’s been on a treadmill and wants so much to press stop.

Everything about me, from the muscular aches to the emotional breakdowns drags to lethargy. As my slumber lifts, I feel my soul flexes its wings. This is how my day usually works in the new normal. It’s hard at first, but I got the hang of it because we’ve been doing this for quite a long time now.

As I scroll my google account, I saw a quote from Roy T. Bennett that says, “nobody is exempted from the trials of life, but everyone can always find something positive in everything even in the worst of times”. This quote reminds me to take difficult times in my life as opportunities to be better, to strengthen myself preparing me for great things in the future.

Wednesday: Best in Story Telling. Yes, not only during faceto-face, teachers are fond of narrating their life stories even during online classes. They are dedicated in narrating their doubled barrelled gun life having two functions and purpose: being a parent and a teacher which are over the mountains far from the subject matter.

Thursday: Best in Late. These teachers are practicing flexible learning. Therefore, they meet their students five minutes before the time to give reading materials and homework.

They go through with their students' tug of war-like situation; thus, they make sure that the rope would still be balanced to ensure a productive and assertive quality of life for the learners.

Friday: Best in Health. These teachers theorized that getting into shape sounds like long wasting efforts, and a healthy life seems an elusive quest; thus, they engage students in different health-related activities to become healthy during this pandemic.

Teachers during online classes may stand like graphite and ink in the drawings in terms of their pedagogies. However, they concord like spoon and fork to provide quality education and metamorphose students to become agents of change and competent individuals armed with guns and bullets ready to brawl in the global arena.

So, what kind of online teachers do you have?

Think of your teachers and tell me what day it is today.

As I read the quote, night rolls around, and after a time the sandman comes to heavy my lids, I feel the shuttering of my synapses, quiet;y lured into slumber.

As each limb becomes heavy and my heart slows to a more peaceful beat, the comfort of bed calls again.

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

47

1st

Place

Indigenous Peoples’ Right Act (IPRA) Month Campus Photography Contest

Photographer: DAVID LOUIE ACOSTA

Bachelor of Secondary

Education Major in

Science - 3

48

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

CULTURE & ARTS

Towards the

Concealed Recognition

by Jonalyn Andaya | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Science - 4

O

ne of the Philippines distinctiveness from the rest of the world is with their diverse languages that can be found from region to nationwide individuality. Let alone add up their various cultures, practices, and origins that describe their identity, economics, natural and social resources, and spiritual beliefs—and the people behind these are our ancestral indigenous people.

The latest issued population of indigenous people based on 2015 census of International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) was estimated ranging from 10 percent to 20 percent of the national population. There was no record for their total number and only estimation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was around 14-17 million individuals. Some of them decided to travel and took a chance to venture outside and enrich their knowledge from their ancestral domain, while others remained to preserve their culture and protect their territories. In fact, there are notable persons from the indigenous groups proving their ability to gain professionalism and there are also remarkable deeds promoting their talent, marking the history of their own—with these alone, the country is more meaningful than what conquerors thought it would be.

However, indigenous communities in the Philippines are in a continuous struggle to protect their history, culture, and their ancestral land from outside forces like the government, foreign corporations, and other invasive groups. Although, there is the Republic Act 8371 that grants to protect their ownership within their ancestral domains and its natural resources, their rights to self-governance, social justice, human rights, and the right to cultural integrity. But still, there are loads of systemic discrimination and violation that occur after the implementation of the act, and even until now.

There are still issues and problems that the majority of the population did not know until reported on media platforms showcasing environmental destruction, social inequality, discrimination, loss of ancestral domains, poverty, and lack of education: the non-recognition of indigenous languages which

is the case in most schools. The economic exclusion of indigenous people leads to crucial suffering and poverty. The lack of access to traditional occupations because they are culturally distinct and inaccessible to equal education, leading to high unemployment rate. The patenting of indigenous traditional knowledge without their free prior and informed consent, as was the case of foreign invaders and even the government themselves who sieve mineral resources from their territories. The injustice killings of group of people by the so-called ‘protectants’ and excused themselves that they are just mistaken.

These concerns are only at the top line of the lists.

We will never know what comes after if we will dig deeper until the bottom. We only know that the act does not fully protect them; the indigenous people are still struggling, striving and seeking their rights which is blatantly disregarded and violated.

Furthermore, the suppression of identity and culture is a denial of human dignity that must be addressed within the human rights frameworks. This also includes their legal systems, customs, languages, spirituality, world use, concept of economic, cultural, social, and political development, traditional knowledge systems and other aspects of their ways of life that form the basis of their collective sense of who they are and their vision for the future.

Thus, indigenous people deserve empowerment, strengthening their identity, social justice, and human rights. As a coIndigenous Peoples’ Filipino citizen, what Right Act (IPRA) can you do?

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

1st

Place

Month Campus Essay Writing Contest

49

CULTURE & ARTS

Sa Lawa ng Lanao, May Maranao

by Maria Flor Pattung | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Crop Science - 4

Lawa ng Lanao.

Marahil pamilyar na kayo sa lawang ito, minsan ng narinig sa araling panlipunan o nabasa sa pampaaralang libro. Tanyag ang lawa ng Lanao sa Pilipinas sapagkat ito’y tinaguriang pinakamalalim at pangalawang pinakamalawak na lawa sa buong bansa. Kung gaano ito katanyag at kilala ay siya namang ‘di napaguusapan ang mga katutubong Pilipinong naninirahan dito na siyang nag-proprotekta at nagpapanatili sa ganda ng lawa - ang mga Maranao.

Ang Maranao na ang ibig sabihin ay “lake-dwellers” sapagkat sila ay nakatira sa lawa Lanao Del Sur. Ang mga M’rnao ay sinasabing may pinakamalaking tribo ng mga Muslim. Sila ay bahagi ng mas malaking komunidad, ang Bangsamoro o grupo ng mga Muslim na naninirahan sa Mindanao.

Kilala ang Mindanao sa kanilang makulay na sining, kultura at tradisyon. Ang pagbuburda, paghahabi at pag-uukit ay parte ng kanilang kultura. Ang mga M’rnao ay may sariling disenyo at anyo sa paghahabi. Sa paggawa ng kanilang malong ay naka-anyo sa disenyong tinatawag nilang langkit, ang paghahabi ng iba’t ibang kulay ayon sa sarili nilang pamantayan.

Sa pag-uukit, tanyag ang bayan ng Tugaya sapagkat dito nililikha ang kakaibang mga baul, tambol, gongs, at tapiserya.

Kadalasang ginagamit nila ay kahoy, tanso, kawayan, plastic beads at hibla ng abaca. Tanyag ang gawa nilang Baur, isang klase ng kahoy na baul na may okir motif at kasamang naka-inlay ang tipay o makikintab na shells.

Ang okir o okil ay tumutukoy sa geometriko at paikot-ikot na halamang baging na disenyo na ginagamit bilang motif sa sining at kagamitan ng mga Maranao. Bukod dito, tanyag din sa kanila ang gadur at kampilan bilang kanilang mga obra.

1st

Place

Indigenous Peoples’ Right Act (IPRA) Month Campus Pagsusulat ng Sanaysay Contest

50

Ang sikat na Sarimanok ay kanila ring obra, ang Sarimanok ay sagisag ng kultura ng Maranao. Sinasabing ang ibong may isda sa bibig ay naglalarawan sa maunlad na buhay at kultura ng Maranao.

Ito ay nagtataglay ng makukulay na pakpak, mabalahibong buntot at mapalamuting ulo na pinaniniwalang nagtataglay ng swerte.

Sa larangan ng panitikan, ang Maranao

din ang may pinakamatagal na nabubuhay ng epikong tula sa bansa, ang Darangen. Ito rin ay kinilalang obra maestra ng Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity noong 2005 ng UNESCO. Bukod sa makulay na sining at kultura, ang mga Maranao ay may matatag na ugnayan sa pamilya. Ngunit ibang klaseng ugnayan ang mayroon sila, sapagkat kahit kapatid ng kapatid ng kapatid, pinsan ng pinsan ng pinsan o anak ng anak ng anak at malalayong kamag-anak ay tinuturing pa rin nilang pamilya. Ang tawag nila dito ay Barabangsa o angkan ng pamilya.

Konektado rito ang paniniwala nila sa Maratabat o pagmamalaki at pagmamalasakit sa kanilang pamilya. Ang laban ng isa ay laban ng lahat. Ang tagumpay ng isa ay tagumpay ng lahat. Kung maapi man ang isa sa miyembro ng kanilang pamilya, aasahan mong buong angkan ang reresbak sa kung sino mang umapi sa isang kapamilya nila. Sapagkat ang pananahimik o pagpapaubaya sa pangyayari ay masasabing “walang Maratabat”.

Salungat sa pinaniniwalang ang mga taga-Mindanao na magulo, hindi edukado at mga bayolenteng tao ay mapagpatuloy at magigiliw na tao. Ang mga Maranao ay may tinatawag na pagana o maghain sa kanilang mga bisita. Sinisugurado nilang komportable ang mga bisita nila at hinahainan ng kanilang sariling pagkain katulad ng dodol, amik, dulay at randang.

Pinagmamalaki at pinapahalagahan ng Maranao ang kanilang kultura, sining at pinaniniwalaan. Kung kaya naman ganoon na lamang ang kanilang pagpro-protekta sa kung anong mayroon sa kanila. Hindi nila ikakailang mayroon nga silang sariling armadong grupo, ang mga Moro Islamic Liberal Front (MILF) sa kadahilanang nais nilang protekahan ang kanilang lupa, kultura at sining. Sa katotohonan, ang mga Moro ay hindi kailanman nasakop ng mga Espanyol, Amerika, Hapones at iba pang banyaga. Kaya ganoon na lamang ang pagpapahalaga at pagpro-protekta ng mga Moros kasama ang Maranao sa kanilang lupa.

Sa pagsasabatas ng Bangsamoro Organic Law, nagkaroon na ng sariling kalayaan sa pamamahala ng kanilang lugar ang Moros, Maranaos at iba pang tribo sa Mindanao. Mas nagkaroon sila ng organisadong pamamahala at pagtupad ng mga programa at ordinasyong naayon sa kanilang kultura’t paniniwala.

Sa pamamagitan ng malalimang pagkilala sa mga Maranao ay ang pagsubok na mas malinawagan ang ibang Pilipinong hindi maganda ang impresyon sa lugar na ito. Na sila ay kapwa pa rin nating Filipino na may kakaibang klase ng pamumuhay.

Katulad ng lawa ng Lanao, may higit pa sa ibabaw ang nakikita; marami pang misteryo, malalim at malawak na kaalaman tungkol sa kultura at sining mayroon ang M’ranao. Kasabay ng ating pagkilala sa kanila ay atin ring respeto at paggalang.

Ang mga tribo at katutubong Pilipino sa Pilipinas ay sinubok na ng panahon. At patuloy pa ring sinusubok ng ating henerasyon.

Sa kakasabay natin sa uso sa modernong panahon, hindi natin namamalayang nagiging banyaga na tayo sa sarili nating bansa.

At ang mga nasasabihang laos at makalumang tao ay siyang mas alam ang pagkakasarinlan at may sariling kultura’t paniniwala. #

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

1st

Place

Indigenous Peoples’ Right Act (IPRA) Month Campus Poster Making Contest

Artist: BENMAR TORRES Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English - 3

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

51

Photo from Imdb

Photo from Iya Forbes | Rappler

pinoy first

Pinoy First:

HISTORICAL MOMENTS

by Maria Flor Pattung

52

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

Photo from Netflix

FEATURE - ENTERTAINMENT the entertainment industry happened as Trese was launched last June of 2021 as Netflix’s first-ever Filipino animated series. Trese is based on the award-winning Filipino dark fantasy novel written by Budjette Tan and illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo. The series is set in a version of Manila “where the mythical creatures of Philippine folklore live in hiding amongst humans.”

The lead character is named Alexandra Trese, and she “finds herself going head to head with a criminal underworld composed of malevolent supernatural beings.”

I

t has been more than two years now that COVID-19 is living with us and still disrupting many lives and industries to operate in our country, especially the entertainment sectors. The Philippine audio-visual productions were halted while movie theaters closed.

Despite the dreadful years we have been through, who would have thought that these pandemic years would be historical years for the entertainment and music industry? It just proved that no matter what dilemmas we, Filipinos, have to go through, we will always survive and shine best in the darkest times.

At the beginning of this year, Ppop group SB19 set another historical record as their song Bazinga was logged as the longest-running song at number one on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs Chart.

SB19 song Bazinga breaks the tie with BTS, the most popular boy band in the world today. In the previous record, BTS’s Butter and Bazinga tied at number one with Bazinga for six weeks. But the latter edged out the former in the as time went by. Bazinga is now the longest-running song at number one on the chart and the first OPM song to have racked up the most weeks at number one on a Billboard chart.

In the previous year, it was also known that SB19 made their break into the worldwide music scene when they were the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act nominated to 2021 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) – a music award that is based in the United States which recognizes the hottest names in the music industry worldwide. The group made it in the Top Social Artist category along with the top global artists BTS, Ariana Grande, BlackPink, and Seventeen.

This animated series showcased mythical creatures of our country like “aswang”, “tikbalang”, “nuno”,“tiyanak” and many more.

After its trailer was released, it reached million views and was hyped by many for its striking promotional videos and billboard posters because of vandalism that appeared to have done by mythical creatures.

It is known that Japan is at the forefront of the anime industry, and it may seem difficult to break the mold and meet the expectations of the anime community. However, Trese stands out with its unique theme of Philippine mythology, giving the world a peek at the rich Filipino culture. There are also magical incantations in the Filipino language in the series that added flavors to the show. After its release, Trese topped at number 1 in Netflix Philippines and ensnared viewers beyond the country, landing in the Top 10 mostwatched content in 19 countries within a week.

From the comics that was made out of fun and was only photocopied and stapled with only 30 copies back in 2005 to the first produced animated series in Netflix; from performing on mall shows with only 20 audience to the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act to be nominated in BBMAs and setting new record breaking run on Billboards Chart, SB 19 and Trese have inked historical moments in entertainment and music industry in the country, inspiring other artists.

SB19, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo dream to promote and showcase the Filipino culture to the world through art banking on Filipino talents.

TVM

SB19 or SoundBreak19 is a Pinoy pop group consisting of five members: Pablo, Josh, Justin, Stell, and Ken. They became sensational when their practice video of the song Go Up trended on Twitter. Since then, they have made their own name in the music industry and set the standard high. Living with their mission attached to their group name, SB19 is breaking their way in the local music industry and worldwide hoping to promote Filipino culture through their music.

Regardless of not winning the said nomination, SB19 stated that being nominated in BBMAs alone was a great honor and it opened many opportunities not just to their group but also to other rising Ppop groups and artists in our country like BGYO that has also debuted No. 2 in the Billboard’s Next Sound Chart.

On the other hand, another historical moment for

Photo from Metroscene Magazine

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

53

Art by Benmar Torres

FEATURE | COMMUNITY apartment with lesser cost due to salary reduction. It was then when life gets bumpy. Bigger waves came and boisterous winds flew turning their home in gloom.

It was on the Month of May, when his wife turned ill. They thought of it as “trangkaso lang”, so they stayed at home waiting for his wife to recover. Unfortunately, when they underwent for swab testing, both of them were positive from the Covid-19 virus. As a result, they will be needing to go on quarantine facility to be healed.

Cries crept on the corners of their home as their two children ages 10 and 6 will be left together with his sister, who happen to have a polio, so, it affected her way of speaking and walking. Although she was responsible, she was unable to do laborious chores. It was hard for a father to leave his young children while in a pressing situation. His wife needs to be treated at the hospital for she was weak and experiencing shortage of breath. While he was taken at the quarantine facility because he was asymptomatic.

It was a day of exhaustion and fear for his mind was clouded with not only his safety but his family’s. He feels being imprisoned in a cage of darkness, shivering, and unable to fight for the foe was unseen. After three days, he received a call that his children could not breathe properly. They were tested and seems like another whip had come for the three of them left at home got positive. It was like he was being at the judgement day, carrying the weight of his sins and left questioning why he felt that he was God’s less favorite.

LOST IN THE SEA

by Shenee Kate Balcia

“Isang tagay pa…” This was the frequently used phrase of a 49-year old man named Allan Jove. It always bombards the ears every time he laughs with his fellow drunkards and would always declare to shot another one like there’s no tomorrow.

As irritating as it attack the ears whenever he’s drunk, this man was once drunken with sweet doses of wine not until that day when his taste buds turned bitter.

Navigation of Ship…

Stable. Life in Manila was a battle but he and his family managed to survive. He and his wife had stable jobs on a water services company- Maynilad. He was a driver while his wife was a secretary. They are blessed with two children which they longed to have ever since their marriage.

He and his wife were very determined at work for their children’s future. They enrolled their children on private school, bought their caprices, and gave them a home with an atmosphere of love and adoration. The boat seemed to be calm in the sea.

Encounter with the waves 2019 when the pandemic emerged. At first, it isn’t that felt for there were few cases in the country. There were adjustments for them as they needed to transfer to another

54

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

If many thinks that was all life has to offer, there’s a bigger event happened which blew his left sensibility. His wife died a week after due to complication and the effect of the virus in her body. An innocent mind of a six-year old boy waiting for his mother to come back and call him would shatter the heart of every person who could hear. An eleven-year old daughter who keeps asking why her mother’s belongings are being returned at home while her mother was still in the hospital. It was a battle of greatness in acting skills when the only thing that’s left for them to do is to shut their mouth, so it won’t break a children’s heart.

When the waves are tamed…

When the waters are calm, clarity comes. Acceptance will be a long process for the scar dug deep within their hearts.

After the cremation, new lifestyle awaits; life without their mother. It took them hours to reach the bounty terrain of Cagayan Valley where they currently live.

Even the miles far from the city where they created memories, it never filled their longing hearts. Finally, one sunny day, he found himself holding the jar, with the tombs around, the candle’s flame swaying with the wind, he embraced again his wife parting their goodbyes.

People will never know why we act or respond on certain things. We have to refocus and adjust our lenses to view situations fairly. It is not fair judgement that we say “tambay o lasinggero”. Every smile that someone stifle has meanings.

For him, it was longing, pain, and grief being hid on the “Isang tagay pa”. Life never gets easier, we dance with it to get better.

We may often feel the shafts of winds, the raging waters, and frightful waves of our shores, but like the Lighthouse, we will feel safe, hopeful, and guided throughout our sail to settle into the peaceful coast. TVM

FEATURE

Idolizing You

by Mark Kevin Yadao

A

s a kid, I grew up with the awkwardness and misfortune tasks done by Mr. Bean, loud laughter with the naughtiness and cuteness of Tom and Jerry. It was fun and happy imitating the dance moves of the purple dinosaur Barney and his friends.

These really made my childhood happy, especially when with friends and cousins playing.

These made me enjoy every second of being a child.

But upon reflection, I became superman on my own. Though I may not possess an extraordinary power just like superman, I believe that I have become as strong as superman in surviving all the challenges that came into my life.

Time passed by, and I had to leave my childhood and watch other types of animated movies. And that is the man of steel “superman”. I admire his physical look or posture, abilities, the way he saves people in danger, and how he fights his enemies who want to disperse desolation on earth.

I wish I could be like him. If a genie pops out a bottle and makes me wish, one wish I have to tell is to be like the man of steel- not to gain fame or any position in this world but to discover how he managed challenges and made solutions to the things that may cause harm to the place he calls home. I imagine that if truly superheroes exist, there’s no crime and our fears lessen because we know that we have superheroes to defend us.

Photo from Art Station

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

55

FEATURE | MEDIA

Clash of Trolls

by Benmar Torres Avengers, assemble!

The soundless yell from the opposite side of the alley marks the trail of a war’s ambiance. The battle tanks on their stance waits for the final signal. Hiding from their bases and getting ready for an attack, the troopers cock their guns.

It seems to be a typical assembly of an army defending their turrets, but the battle arena is far from the usual venue of bloodshed sullied with obscurity. It happens in an unending retaliation of codes and offenses. It settles in a box of digital inks, in a space where expression is freedom - the world of what we call social media.

Ticking. Clicking. Clacking.

Words are bullets that deceive. A piece of false information may shoot anyone who is not equipped enough to be protected. Bombs aim not to spurt blood from the enemy’s base, but to ensnare those who are not certainly shrewd to comprehend. Fueled by their propagandas, their tanks attack those with tongues that spice the nations’ trailblazers.

BANG! BANG! BANG! It must have been a bulls-eye, yet the critics remain stout. These wise few are also armed with facts to shield themselves and offend these nincompoops. It should have been an open space to neutralize the clash, but these trolls are like cockroaches - no way to be knocked down despite shots from the rifles of truth.

Indeed, an unstoppable offense as these avengers have always been catapulting, so the truth’s defenders deal with them by what we call “ignoring” because, it is a waste of time, a waste of words that only end up to circling ridicule. Besides, why do they have to waste their time, human resources, and machinery from unprofiled warriors?

Yes. That’s right! The identities of these avengers are concealed with numerous profiles. Stalking would be fun to see how empty their timelines have become. Sherlock Holmes would laugh to see their suspicious photos and information - too absurd, too obvious to believe in.

Like their timelines and the substance of contents they produce, the brains of these keyboard clashers are empty. Driven with money pocketed from the nations barrel, they seem to be puppets controlled by its marionettist. Spreading a contagious disease of disinformation as their frontline defense - indeed a medieval tactic, these are social media virus that endangers truth and democracy. They are the keyboard warriors inhabiting in a farm of trolls.

56

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

Be aware, because a single snap from their leader’s finger will be an end for truth and democracy. A shout of “Avengers, assemble!” can start a dust in the wind, blinding the sight of anyone who is too naive to be fooled. TVM

FEATURE | LIFESTYLE

How to Succeed During Online Class

 Cris Francisco

by Chiquetita Torres

College Survival Tips: 5 Ways to Succeed During Online Class 1. Dedicate an Area for Schoolworks Finding a location in your house dedicated just to studying and taking online classes is the first step toward success in your online education. When compared to sitting down in your study location, which can help you concentrate and be more productive, studying in numerous places might cause you to lose concentration and procrastinate.

Also, to aid concentration, keep this location quiet, tidy, and free of frequent distractions so that you can concentrate.

2. Take Time to Review and Organize You’ll have more free time after school due to the absence of time-consuming procrastination. Make the most of this opportunity. After class, set some time to read chapters and take thorough notes.

Taking notes assists you in remembering material and studying for forthcoming tests. You may also use this time to arrange yourself so that you are more prepared for the remainder of the week.

3. Make Tasks Bite-Size Having a thorough schedule of what you plan to accomplish each day will undoubtedly help you reach your objectives. I’ve discovered that breaking down knowledge is the most effective technique to learn. It’s simpler to remember tiny chunks of knowledge at a time and takes less time. Make a plan that divides your study time into 1-hour chunks with 15-minute breaks in between. This method of learning will appear less intimidating and will enable you to stay on top of your work. In contrast

to aggressive learning, when you effectively forget all the material after or even during the exam, studying in short blocks allows your brain to integrate and absorb the information, allowing for a more enriched learning experience.

4. Be in a Study Group We all suffered in the same ways with the same assignments and readings and were able to help each other once we realized this. Everyone is vying for the same prize. One of the most effective approaches to succeed is to form a study group with some study pals. The friends I’ve gained have been crucial in helping me survive and complete online courses.

We can bounce ideas off each other, hash out task requirements, prepare for tests, and unload when we’re anxious. We are encouraging one another and reminding one another that it will all be worth it in the end. Make a team of 2-3 virtual buddies, make friends with your classmates and have a desire to support and encourage one another through the ups and downs that come with studying.

5. Take a Break and Treat Yourself Reward yourself if you did well at your studies. You must keep in mind that you do have a life. Go on a night out with your buddies or take your partner to the movies. You will become exhausted if you only complete homework, so with that, give yourself a treat! Take time off for goodness sake and tell yourself to have fun when you finish tasks. It always seems easier to inspire ourselves when we know there’s something waiting for us at the finish line.

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

57

MEDIA & With the pandemic ravaging our academic lives, the shift from traditional face-to-face to online learning is evident in almost all school levels. This continuously challenges educators and students alike to become innovative to adapt to the demands of interactive meetings and interaction despite the geographical or virtual distance caused by the pandemic.

ics ph a r g

o Inf

To maintain an engaged classroom interaction even leanrers are behind their screens, the following tools can be utilized.

CLASSPOINT ClassPoint, which can be plugged into PowerPoint, is an integrated interactive teaching and classroom quiz tool that is suitable for all educators. It enables instructors to instantly convert their PowerPoint presentations into interactive quizzes, gather live replies, and comment on slides and whiteboard pages with a single click.

SLIDO Using Slido, users can get the most out of meetings and events by crowdsourcing the most important questions and engaging attendees with live polls and quizzes. Slido may be utilized by anybody who wants to encourage free discussion at a live or virtual meeting, from internal communications experts to team leaders, conference organizers, and individual speakers. Slido is compatible with a variety of video conferencing and presentation systems, and it connects with Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Google Slides, among other programs and platforms.

QUIZIZZ Quizizz is a learning platform that leverages gamification to make education more immersive and engaging for its users. Participants may participate in live and asynchronous learning sessions using any device, whether they are in the same room or across the globe. Teachers and trainers benefit from real-time data and feedback, while students benefit from gamification elements in entertaining, competitive quizzes and interactive presentations that are dynamic and engaging.

WORDWALL When used in a classroom, a word wall is a collection of words that are presented in big visible characters on a wall, a bulletin board, or another display surface. For students, the word wall is intended to be an interactive tool that provides a wide range of vocabulary terms that may be utilized in both writing and reading assignments.

58

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

B by

es orr rT a enm

& DESIGN

SEESAW Seesaw is a digital portfolio that gives students and instructors the opportunity to think critically and creatively while demonstrating their learning in a variety of contexts and formats. It is possible for students to exhibit their learning and work in real time by uploading a video of themselves solving a math problem, photographing and filming themselves reading a speech, or uploading a file from their device, cloud storage, or Google Drive.

KAHOOT

Games and questions are used to teach students at the educational website Kahoot!

Teachers may use this tool to construct quizzes, surveys, or dialogues to supplement their classroom lectures. Students play and study at the same time as they interact with the information shown in the classroom. Kahoot! encourages students to learn by playing games, which raises their interest in the subject matter and fosters a more sociable learning atmosphere.

VISME Anyone may use Visme to create presentations, infographics, idea maps, scheduling, reports and more.

Non-designers and designers alike like using the drag-and-drop editor, which is filled with features such as free photographs and graphics and a variety of customization possibilities.

CANVA Canva is a fantastic online tool for creating graphics. If you’re looking for a simple picture editing tool, this is it. With Canva, you can quickly and effortlessly make invites, business cards, brochures, lesson plans, Zoom backdrops, and more using predesigned templates.

Ss L O s

a O l E T c e V E I n i V T l I C n T o S A I r R S o E f S T N I A r

e Ryn n o t ins

by W

J. nao Da

FEATURE | The Valena Mug

59

liter Why Write?

by Cris Francisco I write to quench my growing curiosity seek for treasure far in the oasis and traverse the universe of possibilities I write to come out of the comfort zone surmount piles of insecurities and conquer the dwelling imbalances inside of me I write to vibe with the rhythm of uncertainty forget the disturbing clamors outside and chill with the melancholy of country music I write to inhale a fresh breeze of air live with the wondrous dreams to the fullest and escape the reality for a moment I write to spread my wings at its fullness fly until wrapped with the dancing clouds and discover hidden wonders in the horizon

I am not just a ‘ TEACHER’

by Zyreen Alexis Manuel I am powerful; I can help you in very little things.

I am a police who investigates things you still do not know.

I am a driver who gives you a ride to explore what book brings.

I am an arborist who makes you learn and grow.

I am a photographer who captures your development.

I am a therapist who gives you healthy learning.

I am your coach to assist you along your achievement.

I am a chef who will feed you knowledge and satisfy your cravings.

I am your parent to see you through your career ambition.

I am a doctor who cures your curiosity; I am your teacher who molds you with your desired profession.

I am more than these; I can be anybody.

60

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

Stories That We Live Through

by Chiquetita Torres

S

he doesn’t really look at peoples’ eyes; instead, she stares at the ground. She feels safer this way, since it demands nothing in return, unlike people. She doesn’t need to be embarrassed of the situations that happened to her.

It just accepts who she is right now.

She glances down at her drink, then the ground, then her drink as she sits at the bar next to me. She uttered the words, "Not a lot of people understand me.

Most of the time, their question is, 'What's your problem?' or 'Have you been beaten as a kid?' However, I never care.

I'm not in the mood to explain myself. And, frankly, I don't think they care as well."

Then, on the other side of her, a young man takes a seat.

"You're beautiful," he says. “Is it okay if I buy you a drink?" She doesn’t respond and returns her gaze to the ground. He takes the rejection after an unpleasant time, gets up, and goes away.

"Would you want it for me to also leave?" I frankly asked.

She says, "No," without looking up. "But, I'm in desperate need of some fresh air. You're not obligated to come, but if you want to, you may." I went outside with her and we sit on the street curb just in from of the place.

"It’s quite a cold night!"

"Felt the same," she adds, but her gaze is still the usual, on the ground. Her breath could even be seen as she talks. "Why did you go out to come with me?

Wouldn't you want to be indoors, where it’s warm, chatting with ordinary people about ordinary things?”

"I'm out here because I want to be, since I'm not like everyone else. Everyone else have a smartphone, but I still use a keypad phone. You as well. We both dress in a style which were the trend ten years ago" She smirks as she looks up at me, blowing her breath upward into the moonlight. "I noticed the ring that you’re wearing. You’re married right?”

"Yeah" I say. "Nicole, my wife, had finished her shift at work. We’re supposed to meet here."

She nods and then her attention returns to the ground.

"Well, now that you're no longer on the market... and probably safe, do you mind if I tell you a story?"

"I'm paying attention."

She tells her story while looking at our surroundings, gazing at the sky, looking at a passerby, then looks back to the ground.

Sometimes she would stare at me but then she goes back doing it again.

I don't say anything at all. I pay attention to every word.

And I take in the deep emotion in the tone of her speech and the depth of her gaze.

"Well, now you know my past," she adds when she's through, “you’d likely say that my life is a mess right?”

I told her to place her right hand on her chest and said, "Are you feeling something?"

"I can feel the beat of my heart," she says.

“See, that’s the difference. We are living at the moment,

rary breathing and experiencing life. Quite different than the stories that you are talking about. You have a beating heart – something that stories don’t have.”

She looked at me while placing a smirk on her face and said, “Yeah, just stories which are fleeting.”

“Just stories that we live through, and take lessons from.”

when I opened the door; an aged woman is standing outside the gate. This woman has fair complexion and a long hair, but there is something about her that resembles in my memory. I think it deeply and then I figure it out that this woman is actually my mother who abandoned me when I was a little kid.

REMORSE OF A CHILD Story and Art by Allan M. Basug

It’s already 12 in the midnight. The whole subdivision is engulfed by tranquility as the people fall deeply in slumber.

Suddenly, my phone rang noisily, which is enough to interrupt my precious sleep. I answered the phone with drowsy tone, then an unfamiliar voice started to talk on the phone asking me to come in a familiar place. I hurriedly change my clothes, got my car keys and headed straight to that place. I arrived there as soon as I can and then I was shocked when I see you. What are you doing here? Why are you here?

Another busy day is yet to approach. I need to get up swiftly because my patients are patiently waiting for me. Yes, I am a doctor in a private hospital since being a doctor is my childhood dream in order to save lives.

I got my bag and car keys so I can head in to the hospital but

She came in my house hoping that I can give her a shelter since she doesn’t have a place to stay, and of course to ask forgive for abandoning me. I refused to accept her apology but I accepted her in my abode as a sign of gratitude for bringing me out in this world nothing more, nothing less. Day after day, she always prepares and cooks my favorite meal. She made every single way to show her love for me, but I kept on refusing those caring actions of her because I still hold a grudge in my heart against her that will never be tamed by the so-called ‘mother’s love.’

One day, my mother is cleaning in the living room when she accidentally dropped one of my precious vases, which contains memories that cannot be compared with expensive things. I came towards her with furious vibe. I said some harsh and fatal words to her and I didn’t give her a chance to explain her side. She walked away with tears in her eyes. I felt guilty from what I’ve said because I know to myself that she just wanted to help in household chores. I badly wanted to say sorry.

It’s evening already yet my mother was not yet home. Until a sudden phone call wakes my spirit. One of the nurses in the hospital called me to inform that there is a mishap happened minutes ago and one of the victims, who are in a critical condition, was brought in the hospital. They need my help because they are shorthanded at the moment. I rushed to the hospital to help the victim but when I saw the patient, my body started to heat up, my senses started to numb and my tears started to fall; in a coincidently event, my mother is the patient who was brought in the hospital. She was covered by blood and surrounded by deep wounds. She regained consciousness and looked towards me with warm glance and gave a lovely smile before the operation started.

I did everything I could to treat and save her but unfortunately, she died. It is so ironic to think that I was been able to save hundreds of people in my whole career but I did not even save the life of the person who brought to me in this world. One of the staff in the hospital gave me my mother’s belonging and when I look what’s inside, there is my favorite chocolate bars bound by a glossy red ribbon with a note stating, “Sorry, ‘nak.” My tears keep on falling and my regrets keeps on growing. I did not even have the chance to say personally that I forgive her. Now, I don’t know how to face tomorrow, but I hope that when we meet again in the other world, you will forgive me, too.

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

61

Grey in a Day

by Cyndie Mae Corpuz

K

ring! Kring! Kring! It was 4 o’clock in the morning when my annoying alarm clock situated below our wooden window sounded. It propels me to wake my soul up from a deep sleep but my soft and comforting bed surrounded with six mallow-like pillows keep on magnetizing my body.

Two weeks have been passed since the start of this school year’s distance learning but my mind is still stuck on rest days and even demands for more bits of relaxation. I am about to continue my disturbed moment of dormancy when the chores in the house, unvisited lessons, unanswered quizzes and forums, and pending projects simultaneously sprang up on my mind. This startling instance has resulted me not to continue my attempt to resume my sleep; instead, it cause me to stand up and spark actions immediately.

“Sabby! Don’t forget to cook for our breakfast, bath your nephew, and do your responsibilities at home before attending to your class”, my mother shouted as she laboriously pumps water from the poso negro for laundry.

I speedily land my shaking feet on our red-cemented floor, remove my gounds, do some stretching and head my way towards our kitchen. As I take my steps, the freezing yet refreshing breath of air kisses my bare face and touches my body which energizes me to take the day lightly and optimistically with enthusiasm. Of course, a day is incomplete without fuelling my flesh with fresh brewed coffee and scenting its addictive aroma. Upon mixing my tea, I sauntered and sat in front of our small narrow rough unpainted bungalow house to wait and gaze at the effulgence of sunrise.

While savouring my tea, I captured and unlocked my six-year old gold-coated android phone on my pocket. I went directly to my Facebook, scrolled on my newsfeed, and obtained a short couple of entertainment. However, that relish was replaced with abrupt strike of displeasure brought by a sudden “ting” on my lucent screen - a chat head pops up enveloping a message from our professor.

“Good morning, class! Please join our virtual meeting on the link provided at 7 am sharp. Activities for this course are also uploaded already in your portal. I am giving you this whole day to accomplish them. Thank you.”

I take a deep sigh. It feels like there is an early storm again that brings warning before its assailment. I shook my head and restored my consciousness. The hands of the clock moves so fast that it already points 5:58 am. No chance left to manifest the sun ascending in the sky. I instantly grab our old heavy soft broom, briskly sweep and scrub the floor, and wash the mountainous dirty dishes in the kitchen.

“Tita Sabby, I am hungry. I want to eat pancit canton with egg”, pleaded by my eight-year old healthy-looking nephew who just got up from bed.

I double accelerated my action for my first hour class and address my nephew’s request immediately. The day is only starting but I could already feel its heaviness. Running out of time, I snatch my long brown clothe-made towel and take a quick bath.

Haggard and doper as I may appear, I took my phone, clicked the link, opened my camera, and participated in the discussion.

Unfortunately, despite my efforts to focus and will to absorb the lessons being discussed, disturbances within and outside the four corners of my learning area are uncontrollably surfacing.

62

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

Art

“Sabby, look out for your nephew.”

“Sabby! Give me one surf powder with the Zonrox. Make it faster!”

“Sabby, the rice you’re cooking smells burned.”

“Broom! Broom! Broom!”

“Bwok! Bwok! Bwok!”

“Aww! Aww! Aww!” Irritating. No matter how much I tried different possible ways to sustain my focus and divert my displeased mood still, I ended feeling the same.

“Ms. Sabby Flores, what are the insights you’ve taken in this discussion,” Professor Greg said on the line seriously.

Unsure of what to say because of failing to grasp the lesson, I weaved my statements and shared it to the whole class nervously.

After partaking my response, I hear some comments omitted by our professor but appeared unclear and halted.

“You lost your internet connection.”

I almost explode on my sit when this line rapidly comes out on my bright screen. I felt vexed even more. The virtual meeting room where I belong to just exited. The icons of my professor and the whole class vanished sequentially. Disheartened. Exhausted.

Hopeless. This is me and just like my internet connection, I am left lost.

How I wish I could turn back time: to combat and avert this microbe from colonizing and altering our lives, to revive all that have gone, to reinstate typical education, to bring our life back into its normal condition.

Tick-tock! Tick-tock! Tick-tock!

How I wish I could turn back time.

by B

Seven Again

By Diana Mae Ramil Lumboy

r

ma Ben

I

rritating noise, cluttered toys and pillows, hung blanket, scattered sticks, and kids acting like they were in a clash of two opposing kingdoms.

“What a mess,” Maria whispers to herself when she saw the scene downstairs.

She can’t process any other words on her mind, so she just goes upstairs and attempts to continue doing her school works. She puts her earphones on, and plays a soft and melodic music to relieve herself from the distortion. But unfortunately, the disturbing loud voices of the children overcome the whole house. She can’t focus; she can’t think. Maria just take a deep sigh to release her discomfort, yet its just too heavy to let go.

Loads of tasks on top of her desk are left untouched and unfinished. Instead, she looks outside the window, and a butterfly catches her sight. Her eyes followed the calm movements of the butterfly. It flies from flower to another flower with serenity, collecting the sweet nectars, and exposing itself to the fragrances and beauty of the flower where it lands. A moment after the butterfly flew away, Maria starts to envy it.

“What a lucky gorgeous little thing. It doesn’t experience how noises can destroy peace and concentration when doing a task. How I wish I can have peace and...”

“Titaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

A sudden nerve-cracking voice ruins the momentum of Maria.

She gets nervous and goes downstairs running, so she slips off and falls on the floor. The kids laugh so loud at her, but she doesn’t get mad. She just then laugh too.

“What’s the point of getting mad now? Nothing, indeed. I’ll just end up more dejected if I do.”

She utters only to her thoughts without saying it verbally.

“So, why you called me like its the end of your life E-jay?

Hmmm?”

The seven year old kid keeps laughing, until Maria raises her one eyebrow to let him know that she is asking seriously.

“Oh. Ammmmmm. Inang and tatang have to go to the market.”

He answered shortly.

“And?” “And you need to take care of us three. Ohh, six I should say, ‘cause Correen, En-en, and Che-che will also stay here till afternoon.

Tito, have to go with Inang and tatang.”

Maria doesn’t know what to say, but she just gives the kids a poker face.

“Tita, are you mad?” her five years old brother asks her with an innocent look. “ Don’t call me Tita! Call me ate. You’re my brother, and I’m obviously your sister.”

“Okay atita.”

The kids laugh again when they heard Dan-dan said the word he just formed. Maria gets carried away and she laughs too.

“Okay, I’ll take care of you all. But, please don’t disturb me upstairs because I will be having my class later.”

“OKAY ATITA!,” answered the six children laughing.

With a smile on her face, Maria goes back upstairs to wait for her next class. And just before her class begins, the noise becomes louder and more irritating, for her other cousins come to join the war downstairs.

“From six, now they are fourteen. Dang it! How am I suppose to study and have a clear, stable, fix, and peaceful thoughts when there’s a war happening down there?” she said dramatically to herself, facing her phone and watching the popping chat heads

es Torr

LITERARY

appear on the screen.

“Here’s the link for our meeting today. Please enter now.”

“Never mind. I’ll just attend this class and I’ll turn off the cam and microphone. No one will notice how blaring our house is right now.”

She enters her class, but she can’t understand anything from the discussion. Maria leaves the virtual meeting so empty. She hasn’t finished it, and goes again downstairs. But this time, she carries that dark aura.

“WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH YOU ALL?!” Maria shouts that hooks all the attention of the kids, and they are like frozen mummies on their position.

“Oh gosh. Now she’s mad.” Her little brother nervously whispers, holding the neck of his cousin.

Maria stares at them angrily, but her emotion changes when she realizes that the kids’ every situation is so dreary.

Her niece and nephew has no parents and they grew up with Maria’s Inang and Tatang, their grandparents. Her three cousins, Coreen, En-en, and Che-che were left by their mother because of an unacceptable reason that destroyed their family. And her other cousins have a drunkard father that causes too much hardship and pain to their mom.

“No! I’m not mad. Okay. Never mind again. I’ll just play with you.

I don’t want to study anymore. I mean, just for this day. So what are you playing?”

“CLASH OF CLANS!” the kids shouted with the synchronization of their voices, and started to move again, acting like they are destroying each other’s kingdom.

“I’ll play the role of the Goddess of war! Let the clash begin you peasants!”

With all the unfinished task she left upstairs, and the class she fails to continue attending, Maria chooses to be with the kids having a war downstairs, and becomes part of it. She forgets all the things that makes her feel so bothered and unprogressive.

Maria is blissful at that day. She plays, laughs, speaks, and moves like a kid. She has no problem - nothing to worry about. She just wants to play and feels like a seven year-old girl again, with no burdens and tasks to finish.

Art by Joshua Reyes LITERARY | The Valena Mug

63

by Quilly

Marahil ito nga ang pinakahihintay niyang pagkakataon na kung saan gusto niyang mai-lawit ang kanyang mga bisig sa nag aanyayang malawak na balikat ng isa. O kaya't kahit minsa'y damahin ng matagal ang mga nagbabadyang pag-tampal nito gamit ng kanyang mga daliriing yari sa 'di kaaya-ayang kabalintuan, ngunit para sakanya'y tila mga mithiin na kay hirap hawakan - isang pangarap na sana ay kahit minsan man lang ay kanyang mahawakan.

'Likaw ng bituka', maaring ito nga ang matatawag sa damdaming ubod niyang ikinukubli sa kaalaman ng iba.

Ngunit sino nga naman ba siya upang hindi maduwag sa maaring kahihinatnan ng kanyang nadarama?

Hindi naman sa pagiging isip-lamok, o kaya'y binalot lang ng takot na maaring hindi masuklian ang pagsintang kanyang nararamdaman.

Sapagkat, alam niya sa sarili niyang kaya naman niyang magsulat ng mga liham, kwento, tula, o kaya't kanta na naglalaman ng mga pinakaromantikong salita na maaring magwakas sa isang pangakong pang-matagalan. Mga lathala na siyang kaya niyang ilimbag, patungkol sa mga ngiti, hagakgak, haplos, yakap, hawak, sulyap, titig, bulong, himig, tawag, kapit, sandig, lapit, mga halik at ang mismong bitin na pag-ikit ng sandali na kasama ang kanyang tinatangi.

“Kung pwede lang…” bulong niyang muli sa langit.

Alam niya sa kanyang sarili na kaya niya itong pangatwiranan, subalit para siyang pinipit na luya pag ito nga'y kanyang pinag-iisipan.

Lahat ng dahil sa kadahilanang labag sa kanyang kalooban ang sila'y maaaring husgahan. Maliban na rin sa mga nagbabadyang masasakit na salita, mga pagbintang at mga paratang sa mga bagay na hindi niya rin naman kasalanan. Bumabagabag ito sakanyang isipan, dahil hindi niya maatim na ang isa'y masira't makilala sa istorya ng mga taong walang ginawa kung hindi mabuhay sa paggawa ng kwentong ikakasira ng iba. Kaya't kay hirap mang walisin ito ng binata sa kanyang isipan, nailalahad parin ang kanyang nais at kagustuhan sa pamamagitan ng isang bakol sa kanyang mukha'y lantad parin sa karamihan.

Dibuh on

i Joshu

a Rey

es

Samantala, habang bumabalik siya sa kanyang sariling isipan, na kung saan siya'y nakaharap sa taong nagsisilbing halimbawa ng mga salitang sa kanya'y siya'y nalulunod sa mga marahuyong kaisapan.

64

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

Kaya't kanyang napagtantuan, na ang kanilang pagmamahalan ay maihahalintulad sa para bang isang paglalaho na kung saan ang araw at buwan ay nagtitipon isang beses kadaapat na raang taon. Dagdag pa rito ang katotohanang nangyayari lamang kung ang pagputi ng uwak ay natataon sa pag-ikot ng sandaigdigan.

Gayunpaman, hindi maitatago na ang pag-iibigan ng dalawang taong may parehas na kasarian ay maari ngang maihalintulad sa isang duyog sa kahaliling uniberso - isang pagmamahalan na sa tingin ng iba ay isang madungis na kasalanan.

Kami ang Nauna

by Roldan Urbi

Kami ang unang dumanas sa naturang batas.

Kami ang unang lumaban para sa aming bukas.

Kami ang unang sumabay; Kami ang unang nakibagay.

Ngayong panahon ng pandemya, Kami ang unang nahirapan Sa makabagong paraan Nang pagtuturo sa modernong paaralan.

Bagyo, pandemiya, at ibat-ibang problema, Mga pagbabago sa sistema, Pakikibagay sa mga polisiya, At walang katapusang pakikibaka.

Marami ang nawalan ng pag-asa, Marami ang nangangamba Dahil sa mga hamon na pilit pumupuksa Sa aming paniniwala na kami ay magtatapos na.

Kung magbabalik tanaw tayo, Hindi madali ang naging hamon ng aming grupo.

Ngunit kami ay nananatiling pursigido At hindi hahayaang mapunta sa wala ang ilang taong pagsasakripisiyo.

ho Dibu

ni

mar Torres n e B

Dibuho ni Joshua Reyes

NANDITO LANG AKO

by Xyzerlyn Qea Cielos Hanggang alaala na lamang ang mga panahong tayo ay masaya sa ating mga kwentuhan at tawanan Yun ang katotohanan.

Lahat ay nagbago!

Tayo, ang relasyon, at ugnayan natin ay tuluyan na ngang binago ng panahon at tadhana.

Ang dating araw-araw na kwentuhan ay humantong sa 'di na pagpapansinan.

Mga araw na punong-puno ng tawanan na ngayo'y halos di na nagkikibuan.

Bespren, sister, friendship Kumusta ka na? Ako pa ba'y iyong naaalala?

Marami nang nagbago, ngunit ang pagmamahal ko sayo ay hindi naglaho.

Alam kong magkaiba na tayo ng prayoridad sa buhay Hindi ako makasarili ngunit nasan na ang pangako mo?

Pangakong walang magbabago kahit tayo ay magkalayo Naibaon mo man sa limot ang pangakong walang iwanan at limutan.

Nandito lang ako, maghihintay sa panahong ako naman ang maisip mo.

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

65

SCATTERED LIGHT

by Allan Basug Waking up early in the morning, Engulfed by the cold wind that breezes.

From my head down to my feet, trembling and shivering, I allow myself in this groove. What am I doing?

I take my seat in an old bamboo-made chair, Grabbing my worn-out pen and a piece of paper, lying.

I needed to scribble all of my works with care.

I allow myself in this groove. What am I doing?

I need to finish all my works before the dawn hits its peak Seeing all my daunting tasks make me feel weak and sick My head starts aching and wants to scream; it's tormenting.

I allow myself in this groove. What am I doing?

Why do I have to go through all of these?

Joyous times and genuine happiness are the things that I miss, Seeing my face filled with traces of sorrow, Intensely suffering with no assurance of bright tomorrow.

A rt b y

Jo s

R hua

s eye

A swift swirl of the wind swings over the air, Serenading the silent neighborhood from there.

Folks were deeply soaked into the night, blindly unaware, That tomorrow’s day is the beginning of despair.

Instead of gleam, the dawn approached hoisting the gloom, Bringing the gruesome nightmare for everyone’s doom.

The foe has just begun but kills a myriad of volume And expected this will escalate and will surely bloom.

As the dawn starts to break through the horizon, It releases heat that gives me erudition and hope to fight.

My eyes started to see the reasons for all of it.

I acted like a fool; I am totally beat.

In every momentous success, there will always be a sacrifice.

Hardship acts in our life as a spice.

Let the wind of our fate blow.

I allow myself in this groove. That's what I'm doing.

Be Still

by Cris Francisco

Now, people are left jailed mourning for help, Like a pity lion who uproariously yelps.

Panic, fear, dread, and distraught are being felt, Waiting for the time when this mishap melts.

Day by day, the pandemic is getting worse, Everybody is strained and ceased from work.

All eyes are gazing above in search of the Lord, Begging for His mercy to heal the world.

His affliction scintillates the blue sky, Sighting His beloved feels Him scarified.

But I know God, He’ll never say goodbye, His love glorifies and will never go by.

66

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

Art byBenmar Torres

Nature's Wrath and Plea

by Shenee Kate Balcia

A majestic view of an exceptional beauty, Its deafening silence is a melody.

After years of deep slumber, Waking up like a crow of the rooster The ground started to shake.

Making the people stay awake.

Vast of smoke filled in the air, Leading the folks to cry in despair.

voice of the earth

by Jeremy Rigon

Virus and pests filled the atmosphere.

Making the fowls and mankind depart Growling stomach all over to hear Flames crept, fuelling woes kept Like stripling warriors yield to battle, Take our shields and armor to protect the earth.

Hear her wielding pleas To regain resounding glee.

From the lovely tweet of a bird, There is a meaning in every word.

The way they sway in the air, free and far from despair.

As the water flow from the river, fishes swim their way to forever.

I hope they won't drown from anger and avoid every possible danger.

The light of the sun is for the warmth of a man.

Make a fire and you shall run, but you can't protect yourself with a gun Learn to convert.

Leave no trace of dirt.

Save and you won't be hurt.

Listen to the voice of the Earth.

Qu est of

A r t by

B

enm a r T o r r es

M

by Be nm ar To rr es

ind Art byBenmar Torres

In the midst of shadows, Wrenched by time, A sound of mellow, Blared with fussing chimes.

For it ticks with haste Draws one for a chase For a sprint of mastery, For a count of experience.

--- A moment invoked by another quest When head shivers from answering, When it's no time to surrender the pen

Nevertheless, It is a quest that you'll endure As long as faith blazes the shadow And the rhythm of valor sways your rowdy soul.

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

67

Ice Cream

by Cris Francisco

Two siblings, ages 8 and 9, were taking a stroll heading toward the forest. While chitchatting, one of them suddenly smelled something pungent from the distance. Out of their curiosity, they did not think twice to go and search for it. They immediately followed the foul aroma to check what it was. After minutes of roaming the area, their eyes screamed in shock as a body soaked with his own blood revealed in front of them. They had just witnessed a lifeless human being.

His blood was still runny - an indication that the body was still fresh. Perhaps, he had just been succumbed in no less than 24 hours.

They immediately called a cop since the station was only kilometer away. The children were picked up by their parents right after they were informed about what happened.

The kids’ minds were bombarded with a myriad of questions.

They could not help themselves to think about the gruesome incident a while back. As much as they wanted to move on from that spine-chilling occurrence, they could not bear to think about it over and over again.

They uncomfortably slept that night. They thrashed their bed with their trembling fist. They were perplexed, bothered, and haunted by the image of the dead man throughout the night.

They woke up exhausted and worn out. Their parents were extremely worried that was why they decided to confront them. They wanted to make sure how they were feeling since they could not mutter a single word yesterday.

The mother gathered them to the living room. The kids were seated facing their parents.

Their heads were slightly bowed down as if they

were being scolded.

“We need to talk about what happened yesterday. I know your minds are filled with questions,” the mother said.

The father sat quietly as the children poured their thoughts out.

“Who was that?”

“What happened to him?”, the children asked.

The parents already knew the identity of the boy and the reason why he succumbed, but they refused to disclose any information about him.

“What would happen when we die?”, the eldest suddenly asked.

The parents held their mouth for a moment, thinking of an answer a young mind could comprehend.

“Well, facing death can be terrifying for most people, but some consider it a blessing. For me, I value the life bestowed on me since I want to enjoy more the remaining moments I have with the people I love. I want to live a wondrous life with you because you are the greatest reason why I am living a happy life. Yes, death is painful but everything is all worth it for I have you in my life that’s why I’m not scared of death after all,” the mother said sobbingly.

“Your mom is right. We must not fear death,” the father said.

“Why not?’, the youngest asked.

‘Whether we like it or not, death is unavoidable. So, the best thing we have to do is to live our life to the fullest. Life is like an ice cream, my children, that’s why enjoy it before it melts,” the father said smilingly.

The children grinned, got up, and hugged their parents.

“Now, who wants ice cream?”, the mother said. TVM

One day, when the sun shines so bright Which makes me grin because of its light, Each ray gives me courage, hope and might, Looks like the birds join in a flight.

68

The road finally ends which makes me astound The grief on other people’s faces was the only thing that I found.

Mournful atmosphere in the air and in the ground, So much tears were the only thing that surround.

by A

Basug llan

While drifting this creepy place, The leaves flown like a race.

It gives me chills and melancholic trace.

Feelings of too much sadness were drawn in my face.

TRACES

en B y b Art

rievance g f o

ma

rT

orres

But when I took the path on the road, Fear and being skeptical changed my blissful mode Wondering if this road is right enough, Not knowing that this road is so tough.

Their queen died in the ward But they knew that the queen tried her best to fight.

Battling this virus with unknown force is hard.

Her body might be resting, but her soul remains in their hearts ‘till day to night.

Deje ted

by Diana Mae Lumboy

Burdens, doubts, and negativity begin to utter I closed my eyes, cover my ears - I tried not to remember Yet, it started to roar(!) my strength surrendered With all the hope and smiles, I place it on the corner.

Please let me sleep!

You're putting me again in darkness so deep That I’m begging you to please stop this pain!

I'm so tired all the time, it's all what I've gained.

And now my tears begin to burst I feel so empty-am I cursed?

Yet, I'm not and I'm so certain.

Please end this drought and bring me some rain.

My grief grows; this wound deepens.

My blood flows; this life's sinkin'.

The beam of hope starts to fade.

The courage I have is now in a grave.

Art by Diana Mae Lumboy

From a bright sky illuminated by the yellowish sun, Ragged clouds suddenly dominate, Like armies attacking an unknown enemy, Like canyons firing to the north, With their jet-like smoke, I don't know what it could be.

But it tells me I shall hide, Because it may be an ominous sign.

Allan Basug

So I halt at the middle of the empty street Benmar To look somewhere to shed under. Torres Having no choice, I immediately went To lowly covered aluminum shed near side.

But it's not enough for my quivering body to hide.

There I wait for a sign to go out, If I hear no more horrifying sounds, If lights from bolts of angry Zeus would cease.

Suddenly, I already see the bright sky again, Lighted with spots of sunlight.

So I immediately go out, Not even sure if it's safe outside.

Art byBenmar Torres

I see a war

by Benmar Torres Then I trudge my way home Only a few meters away.

Though the army above is a traitor.

Three bolts of lightning strike me.

My body cramps and obscurity prevails.

I only hear people wailing from afar.

My mom rushes to me and calls my name.

But I suddenly wake up from sleep, Dumbfounded with this horrifying dream.

I thought it is the end - the end of my life.

As the melancholic harmony begins to play, I close my eyes again.

LITERARY | The Valena Mug

69

DEVCOM | FEATURE

70

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The Valena Mug

Brewing Collective Progress Through

Cafe Valena

by Shenee Kate Balcia

W

ithin the vast green terrain, 2.7 kilometers away from the Maharlika Highway will rise a giant cup, brewing an aroma and taste of sustainable community development.

Communities surrounding Cagayan State University at Lal-lo will soon savor the rich aroma of sustained development efforts as soon as the CAFE VALENA program fully establishes its roots in production, processing and marketing of coffee products. With roughly more than 40 hectares of coffee plantation, the brewing progress concocted from concerted efforts of Cagayan State University and the Department of Science and Technology will blend the overarching taste of development not just in the academe, but most importantly, in the communities the institution adopts.

Standing at the converging pivot connecting municipalities and provinces in Northern Cagayan, Cagayan State University at Lal-lo prides itself on being the largest campus of Cagayan State University in terms of land area. Strategically located 2.7 kilometers away from the Maharlika Highway, the campus sits at the middle of an expanse of land of roughly more than 1,700 hectares granted to the institution by virtue of Presidential Decree 239.

FOLLOW STORY | p. 72-73

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The Valena Mug

71

Brewing collective progre

With its land area stretching within the perimeters of five barangays in the municipality of Lal-lo, CSU Lal-lo strategically covers hundreds of hectares groomed for agricultural activities and research development.

Strategic location A notable resource the campus prides is the Valena Site where mature coffee trees of three species: Excelsa, Robusta, and Liberica, robustly grow for more than 40 years now. Aside from coffee trees, the area also showcases its unique landscape featuring different vegetation cover, aquatic resources and geographical features like rock formations and cave systems.

Considering its unique and strategic location being part of the protected area within the Magapit Forest Reserve, a Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, declared as protected landscape under the Proclamation No. 285 by former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada in 2000, the Valena Site offers a potential economic enterprise not just for the campus, but for the community.

With the not less than 6,000 mature coffee-bearing trees, in the site, the campus in partnership with DOST, endeavors to rehabilitate and develop the Valena site to become the number one coffee producer in northern Cagayan.

commercial crop which ultimately result in uplifting the lives and economic conditions of farmers and the whole community within the vast expanse of CSU Lal-lo’s influence. It specifically targets strengthening the quality of production and technical processes to provide more opportunities like livelihood projects and business enterprises that can help rural households and farmers improve the quality of their living.

With the pandemic ravaging the local economy and of the country’s at large, the project tries to respond to the call of uplifting communities through developing

CAFE Valena Brand The CAFE VALENA program is the offshoot of this collaborative effort. The program flags its brand centered on Coffee-based Agri-forestry Endeavors Value Adding for Livelihood Employment and Nutrition for All. The program aims to establish a more sustainable production of coffee beans and its recognition as a high-value

72

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The Valena Mug

technologies on management, production and processing of quality coffee products.

The established coffee production sites in the country, especially in the CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions, have been facing production constraints due to natural calamities like the recent volcanic eruptions, insect infestation, among others. These have been causing blows in the production of quality coffee beans in the country, lowering the

ess through CAFE VALENA supply of quality coffee products in the market.

While these established sites grapple with and recover from these wallops of environmental dilemma, the CAFE VALENA program tries to respond to the possible shortage of coffee supply in the province of Cagayan through advance research studies, extension, and production in CSU Lal-lo.

CAFE Valena through STRIDE and Community Empowerment The program highlights two distinct research projects that CSU Lal-lo currently implements: the CAFE Valena through STRIDE: Science and Technology on Coffee Production Towards Community Development and Resiliency; and, CAFE Valena Value Adding towards Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development.

The CAFE Valena through STRIDE: Science and Technology on Coffee Production Towards Community Development and Resiliency aims to manage technologies that can innovate the production coffee varieties including training of potential coffee growers, establishment and maintenance of coffee production area and putting up of coffee nursery inside the campus as well as in communities where partner growers reside.

Led by Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico, campus executive officer, the Php1.19 million worth project will bring viable technologies for coffee production and enterprise to the community, especially in the northern Philippines.

On the other hand, the CAFE Valena Value

Adding towards Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development project, amounting Php1.52 million, primarily targets to develop innovations and process institutionally harvested coffee berries in Valena site, and produce Valena Coffee Blend in three marketable forms, in drip, ground and roasted types.

The project also pushes for the upgrade and enhancement of the Product Development Training Center in the campus to attune to the state-ofthe-art coffee processing facilities and equipment.

A challenge of empowering communities More than the technical procedures in the implementation of the two projects are community development activities undertaken to empower communities in Northern

Cagayan. With the two projects, the campus adopts communities and institutionalizes organizations of coffee growers in nearby municipalities like Lallo, and Alcala. All these efforts point to community development and resiliency and the emergence of local coffee industries not just in the province, but in the entire Cagayan Valley region.

The aromatic blend of science, technology, and community empowerment through the CAFE VALENA program will indeed spell an aromatic scent of progress in the emerging Coffee Center of the North.

TVM

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The Valena Mug

73

DEVCOM | NEWS FOR THE GREATER GOOD. Through the continued collaborative efforts of the faculty and staff, roughly more than 1.5-hectare demonstration farm of fragrant grasses has been established by the campus to help local producers and processors of essential oil from Citronella and Lemongrass extract the best technology for the establishment of the Essential Oil Industry in Cagayan Valley.  Jenerwin Columna

A

S PART OF the major undertaking in the Php1.15 million worth Fragrant Grass and Essential Oil Industry Development Program led by Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus, the launching for the establishment of a roughly more than 1.5 hectare plantation of Cymbopogon Grasses rolled out last October 15, 2021.

Located at the back of the CSU Lal-lo Piggery Project Site, the plantation area was planted with

Fragrant Grass production in CSU Lal-lo rolls out

by Shenee Kate Balcia

Citronella and Lemon Grasses to produce enough supply for oil extraction and to demonstrate proper cultivation and production of the grasses.

Project Leader Prof.

Nenette T. Columna, campus research coordinator, said that the activity is a major part of the implementation of the million worth project which the Department of Science Technology and CSU agreed to implement through a Memorandum of Agreement signed last

February 15, 2021. The project is expected to be finished this December 2021.

Aimed to manage technologies that can innovate the production of Cymbopogon grasses, the project endeavors to concretize the oil industry niche in Lal-lo through Science and Technology interventions.

It is noted that extraction and processing of citronella essential oils into various products has been an emerging practice in Lal-lo establishing the Citronella enterprise in the municipality.

Reports reveal however that “a very few” systematic, comprehensive, and research-based production studies support the emerging local enterprise.

“This is where we, as members of the academe

involved in research, want to enter helping the local enterprise establish its scientific foundation,” the research coordinator stated.

The research coordinator also shared that the project will not only focus on Citronella but also considers other Cymbopogon grass species like Lemon grass as a potential source of essential oils.

The project team composed of Asso. Prof.

Columna, Ms. Zarina Kate C. Laggui, Ms. Rojie Marie A. Clemente and Asso. Prof.

Lauro J. Julian ventures on the analysis of oil yield and extraction process to scientifically assist the local growers of Cymbopogon grasses for the establishment of essential oil industry in Cagayan Valley. TVM

Product dev training center rises in CSUL Benmar Torres AS A MAJOR development result of the CAFE Valena research program, the Product Development and Training Center (PDTC) in Cagayan State University Lal-lo has been formally inaugurated during the Regional Science and Technology Week hosted by the Department of Science and Technology last December 03, 2022.

Amounting to Php150,000, the establishment and renovation of the PDTC building is part of the Php1.52 million worth research project titled “CAFE Valena Value Adding towards Community Empowerment and Sustainable

74

Development” led by Asst.

Prof. Althea A. Manuel under the CAFE Valena research program umbrella.

The PDTC according to Assistant Professor Manuel is primarily used by the Coffee research projects especially on the innovation, processing and prodectuin of marketable coffee products.

Aside from the renovation, the research project also led to the purchase of facilities and equipment in the PDTC amounting to Php750,000.

The equipment acquired include coffee machine, coffee mixer, plastic crates, double espresso, percolator and other processing machines used for roasting,

pulping, and packaging.

The PDTC is now used to process the VALENA Coffee Blend which the campus has been marketing since last year. TVM

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The Valena Mug

PROCESSING COFFEE-BASED PRODUCTS. The Product Development and Training Center in Cagayan State University Lal-lo stands as a hallmark of quality coffee products which shall be launched in the market soon with its Php1.52 million worth project on valueadding to coffee production.  Jenerwin Columna

Decade-old buildings get facelift

LEARNING WITH THE EXPERTS. Fifty farm cooperators from San Mariano, Lal-lo, Cagayan take advantage of the two-day training course provided by the campus on November 12, 2021, to learn recent development and technologies in coffee and cacao production.  Rhodel Cabang

DEVCOM | News

by Cris Francisco The academic populace of Cagayan State University at Lal-lo will enjoy more conducive workstations and academic buildings as soon as the five million-worth repair and rehabilitation of campus buildings will be finished.

With the formal contract signing on January 17, the rehabilitation effort has commenced on January 19 and is expected to be finished within 180 days with the MARB Civil Engineering Construction manning the entire repair works.

In the program of works, the repair activities include the rehabilitation of the college buildings of the four departments, Community Outreach Center, Student Center, and the CEO’s Office.

The five million subsidy, according to Campus Executive Officer Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico, was given by the central administration.

Extending Hands

50 farmers benefit from CSU Lal-lo's extension efforts Xyzerlyn Qea Cielos

A

TOTAL OF 50 farm cooperators of Cagayan State University Lal-lo were trained and capacitated on November 12, 2021, as the campus continues to extend its extension and technical services to farmers and local leaders across its neighboring communities.

The farmer-participants from barangay San Mariano, Lal-lo, Cagayan underwent a series of lectures and hands-on activities on different topics, including Mainstreaming

Gender Sensitivity, Coffee and Cultural Management, Potting Mix Techniques and Procedures, Product Marketing, and Records Keeping.

Aside from the lectures and demonstration or handson activities, the participants also visited the Valena area, where mature coffee trees are grown and maintained.

Coffee Tree planting in the established Coffee demonstration area of the campus also highlighted the event.

Spearheaded by the College of Agriculture, the

two-day program aimed at strengthening farmers’ scientific skills on coffee growing, production, and management, extending technical expertise on soil media preparation, sexual and asexual propagation of cacao and coffee seedlings, among others.

The program is also anchored on the AGRISIKAT(Agrikulturang Sama-samang Institution tungo sa Angkop na Technolohiya) extension project of the college. TVM

workers but come as a group.

One group, for example, is assigned for the fence, the other for the antenna, different group for the building of the tower, and so on,” the CEO said.

Meanwhile, it was the CEO’s choice of the athletic oval as the erection site of the tower due to possibility of its wider accessibility.

“The area near men’s dormitory is the engineer’s

first choice but I suggested that it would be better if it will be erected on the eastern side of the athletic oval because it will be more accessible not only to the academic community but also the outsiders,” the CEO said.

It was during the administration of Dr. Ricardo Casauay that the said project was offered to the campus.

TVM

SMART tower in campus

NOW OPERATIONAL Cyndie Mae Corpuz Slow internet, no more!

After years of complaining about the poor internet connectivity in the campus because of its remote geographical location, the academic community of Cagayan State University - Lal-lo Campus is now enjoying a better internet connectivity as a SMART Tower at the eastern side of the Campus Athletic Oval is already operational.

As part of the memorandum of agreement, the campus shall receive Php25,000 aside from better internet privileges that the campus will experience.

Dr. Florante Victor M.

Baltico, the campus executive officer, told The Innovator on November 2, 2021, that the telecommunication company also promised to offer discount packages for faculty and staff aside from monthly rental, so they will not suffer at any cost.

“The benefits that we can get except the monthly rental are the discount packages for the staff and teachers,” he said.

The pacing of its construction, on the other hand, is attributed to different laborers managing the construction of the cell site.

“They were not the same

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The Valena Mug

75

DEVCOM | NEWS Campus eyes infra, land dev’t through LUDIP Leideehlie Perciano THE ACADEMIC POPULACE of Cagayan State at Lallo University Lal-lo sees no reason not to rejoice with the idea that the campus is embarking on a major facelift with the implementation of the Land Use and Infrastructure Development Plan (LUDIP) Act. EXTENDING HANDS AMID PANDEMIC. Along with other CTE faculty and the CTESC officers, Mr. Raymond Domingo, and Dr. Mia Q. Columbano sit for a tutorial session with around 70 children beneficiaries at Sitio Golden Valley in San Mariano, Lal-lo for the commencement of the Each One, Teach One Program of the college.  Roldan Urbi

With CTE’s continuous literacy and numeracy effort

AROUND 70 CHILDREN from the Agta Community of Sitio Golden Valley, San Mariano, Lal-lo, Cagayan, will be eased of difficulty coping with their academic subjects in school as they currently receive free tutorials from the pre-service teachers and faculty of the College of Teacher Education (CTEd).

Coming from different families from the 48 household units comprising the Valley, the children aging 2-14 receive enrichment activities to master the basic numeracy and literacy skills in a programmed basis.

According to Mrs. Mylene T. Urbi, college extension coordinator, the college sees the importance of honing young minds of the Indigenous People (IP) to help them improve the quality of their lives through education.

Commenced last December 13, 2021, the extension effort combines the teach and give approach where IP learners are not only tutored on basic numeracy and literacy skills but are also given materials to facilitate them

76

learn in their own pacing.

Aside from adopting the IP community as the focal point of the extension project, Mrs. Urbi shared that education students are also attending to the Adopt-A-Community: Each One Teach One (EATO) effort requiring the future educators to adopt at least one learner in their respective barangays to guide, and teach during the distance learning set-up.

“Under this extension effort, tutorial approach is the main strategy where each of the faculty or students of the college assists and help the learners within their Barangays accomplish their learning modules of course following the IATF Protocols with respect to the current pandemic situation,” she said. TVM

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The

Dr. Manuel said the campus projects its development in 2023 kicking off with the construction of a 2-storey academic and laboratory building in the campus.

“The project is designed most probably for the College of Agriculture considering its academic buildings are now dilapidated,” she added.

In the campus LUDIP, the academic community hopes the realization of the construction of two-storey administration building, two-storey academic and “The law is very timely laboratory building for COA, for our campus so that we three-storey academic can plan for our physical building with state-ofdevelopment considering the-art equipment and that infrastructures in facilities for CTE, three-storey our campus are obviously smart building for CICS, getting old. Some are already steel-framed three-storey dilapidated,” she said. academic building with Republic Act 11396, state- of-the-art laboratory also known as the State facilities for CHM, twoUniversities and Colleges’ storey E-Library, Research LUDIP Act, is a legal mandate Innovation, Development, requiring all state-funded and Extension Center for higher educations to prepare fragrant grasses, elevated their 10-year physical and concrete water reservoir land development plans covered walk connecting starting this Calendar Year academic buildings and 2022-2032. offices, Campus Staff House, Research Innovation The law guarantees Development the implementation Extension and of any development Production Maaabutan effort proposed for Coffee, pa kaya natin, by the SUCs for Male and ka-Innov? as long as the Female Department of Dormitory, Budget and Finance Supply Office, would allocate funds Integrated Farm for it, and no Mechanics Center, Tissue development Culture Laboratory, Semishall be automated Greenhouse, started Campus Disaster and Risk unless Reduction Management made as Center, Campus Business part of Incubation Complex, the State-of-the-Art Sports Complex, CSU Lal-lo Hotel, Plant Pathology laboratory, rehabilitation of the Campus Gymnasium, and establishment of High-Value Commercial Crops Research, Development and ValueValena Mug Adding Center. TVM

IP children receive free tutorials Roldan Urbi

According to Dr. Edenjoy Manuel, Campus Planning Officer, the LUDIP is an answer to the clamor of SUCs like CSU for continuous physical development as well as the utilization of its land resources.

LUDIP.

TVET registers new training, assessment programs Maria Flor Pattung EXPANDING ITS SERVICES and living with the commitment of equipping the students, communitybased youth, professionals and other clienteles, with skills and competence, the Cagayan State University Lal-lo (CSUL) Campus Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Office registered four TESDA courses and an assessment center this 2021.

campus also registered 3year Diploma in Agricultural Technology as a course program under TVET funded by the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority.

According to Mr. Boyet C. Pattung, campus TVET and extension coordinator, the campus is now registered as a training center for Coffee Production Level II ,Animal Production (Poultrychicken) NC II, and an assessment center for Food and Beverages NC II, Crops Production NC II and NC III.

“At the moment, we have accommodated 15 second year and 25 first year scholars for this program. This program is completely free.

The students are provided with free trainings and given stipend every semester,” the TVET coordinator said.

“Registering these new training and assessment programs was our initiative, to be able to cater to more clienteles who are willing to undergo training through TVET programs of the campus, especially our students and even the people in our community,” Mr. Pattung said.

The TVET coordinator also highlighted that the

In the program, the scholars are expected to finish 12 training sessions along with assessments like Agricultural Crop Production, Animal Production, Swine Production, and Shielded Arc Metal Welding.

Mr. Pattung, however, clarified that while the program is free and offers scholarship, TESDA determines the number of slot to be given to the campus. TVM

Winston Ryne Danao Jr.

Aimed to mentor the SK officials on the use of Adobe Photoshop as a basic graphics editing software,

DEVCOM | News

Geared towards producing agriculture graduates skilled in producing technology for agriculture, the three-year academic program started in School Year 2020-2021.

CICS adopts SK for basic editing graphics webinar WITH THE DEMAND of basic Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills this pandemic, the College of Information and Computer Science (CICS) facilitated an online seminar on basic graphics editing among Sangguniang Kabataan officials, last December 1114, 2021.

RESILIENT. Despite the threat of the African Swine Fever which devastated the Hybrid Swine Production project of the campus in February 2021, the native pigs produced in the campus are kept safe and are growing in number. The campus hopes to repopulate the hybrid swine this year.  Jenerwin Columna

the webinar gathered 100 participants across the municipality.

CICS Extension Program Coordinator Fernan W. Ammaqui said the college has also conceptualized a series of computer literacy activities that will focus on capacitating members of the local government unit in the barangay level, specifically barangay secretaries and treasurers within the municipality of Lal-lo. TVM

With DA’s 3M subsidy

Campus to repopulate hybrid swine Maria Flor Pattung

AFTER 10 MONTHS since it was ravaged by the African Swine Fever (ASF) infection, the hybrid swine project of Cagayan State University at Lal-lo is targeted to be revived this 2022.

This is what Dr. Justina C. Mamalio, campus veterinarian, assured after the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 has granted the campus a total of 3 million pesos for the establishment of Swine Multiplier Farm to repopulate hybrid swine in the campus.

According to the campus veterinarian, the repopulation efforts immediately started in December 2021 after the funds has been downloaded to the campus in November 2021.

“Execution of our program of works already commenced in December right after madownload yung pondo. Nagplan muna kami sa activities na gagawin then we proceeded na sa pag-ayos ng piggery,” she said.

It can be remembered that all of the 38 hybrid swine of the campus composing of boar, sow, fattening and piglets were culled due to African Swine

Fever (ASF) infection in February 2021.

Dr. Mamalio highlighted that the repopulation effort focuses on the acquisition of 20 sow-level swine from a DA-accredited supplier with good animal husbandry practices and the repair and establishment of a biosecured piggery.

“The subsidy covers all the necessary works to ensure the revival of the swine project within 18 months. Maswerte tayo kasi, I think, sa tatlong allocated for Cagayan Valley, isa tayo sa mga napili,” she said.

The resident veterinarian shared that the gradual reestablishment of the project will follow identified protocols to ensure that the production area will be free from ASF. “There will be series of tests and procedures involving 12 trial heads. After 40 days, they will be subject for blood test to determine if they are free from ASF. Kapag okay na, we can proceed to acquire the 20 stocks,” she said.

The lady veterinarian hopes that within the 18-month period, the swine multiplier farm will already serve its purpose to revive the campus loss from the hybrid swine project. TVM

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | The Valena Mug

77

news Delayed UniFAST subsidy now released;

CEO says campus resorts to external, institutional funding amid budget cuts Benmar Torres FINALLY! After one school year of its non-release, the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UniFAST) subsidy allotted for the Cagayan State University (CSU), covering the first semester of the Academic Year 2020-2021, was finally released this December 10, 2021.

In a press release posted by UniFAST in their Facebook page last December 22, 2021, Commission on Higher Education, which allegedly withheld the budget for CSU amounting to Php157 million, stated that the issuance of the subsidy was immediately executed due to the passage of a board resolution appointing CSU Vice President in Academic Affairs Dr. Mariden Cauilan as the duly designated representative of the university in signing a Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) with the UniFAST committee to receive the university’s reimbursement of tuition and miscellaneous fees under the Universal Access to Quality Education.

“When Dr. Cauilan signed the MoU, the funds were immediately downloaded to CSU to pay the salaries of its contractual and part-time employees and implement its projects,” CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera said.

CSU Vice President for Finance and Development Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino replied, however, through a comment to

the post, that Professor De Vera “had to wait for Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Richard Gordon and others who helped CSU such as Alumni Regent Mayor Camello Villacete to take him to task before finally releasing the budget”.

VP Aquino also said that the funds for the second semester of A.Y.

Kailan naman kaya namin makukuha incentives namin?

20202021 is still yet to be released.

It can be noted that CSU and CHED are currently in a legal pursuit as the commission does not recognize the reappointment of President Urdujah A. Tejada as the head of the only statefunded university in the province.

Compromised Operations Campus Executive Officer Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico told The Innovator in an interview last November 2, 2021 that instruction was the most affected among research, extension, production, and development operations during the period of the non-release of funds that were supposed to augment the immediate needs and important operational expenses of the campus.

The campus internet connection was cut after the campus failed to pay its monthly dues to PLDT on time, resulting in a week-long

78

inaccessibility of the campus’ Learning Environment Network System (LENS) utilized as the main learning platform of CSU this distance education.

“We can achieve our targets, but we cannot meet our timetable. We pay, but timing is our problem because of the limited funds,” Dr. Balatico said.

Dealing with the crises To address basic necessities such as bills on internet connectivity, water, and electricity, the campus depended on institutional funds through the Maintenance and Operating Expenditures (MOOE) amounting to no less than Php300,000 released by the central administration, and Income-generating Projects (IGP) proceeds available in the campus, including surpluses from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) funds.

Subsidies from the central office were also used to pay part-time employees and service providers.

Meanwhile, to answer the problem on the week-long internet disconnection which hampered the instructional operations of the campus, the CEO admitted resorting to asking financial back-ups from other campuses with larger funding .

“What is good in our university is the small brother-big brother spirit and we adapt that scheme,” he said.

Research and extension projects, on other hand, prosper amid budget constraints through external funding assisted by the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 2 (DOST RO2).

“The outcome of research and extension activities is satisfying because we have a very good team of researchers in the campus,” the CEO said.

Dr. Balatico commends the research team because of working papers that were readily available upon his full designation as the CEO on March 3, allowing the campus to source out funds from external agencies.TVM

The VALENA Mug Volume I - Issue 1 August 2021 - January 2022

STUDENTS

Student, faculty vax rate in CSU Lal-lo exceeds 85%

Limited face-to-face classes to depend on high jab mark, CEO says Cyndie Mae Corpuz

86.63%

Among 1, 518 students of CSU Lal-lo, 1, 315 or 86.63 percent are inoculated, 1, 075 of which already completed the vaccine, while 240 are yet to receive the second dose.

FACULTY

98.18%

T

HE VACCINATION RATE among faculty and students of Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus continues to rise towards the end of the semester breaching the 85 percent mark for both populations of faculty members and students across the five degree programs.

On the latest data as of January 10 released by the Office of Campus Academic Coordinator, 98.18 percent or 54 of the faculty members received at least the first dose of an anti-COVID-19 jab, leaving only one unvaccinated.

Inoculated students of the campus, on the other hand, registered a 86.63 percent vaccination rate totaling to 1,315.

One thousand and seventy-five (1,075) already completed the vaccine, while 240 are yet to receive the second dose.

Among the colleges, the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) achieved the highest student inoculation rate of 91.90 percent, followed by the College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS), College of Teacher Education (CTE), and College of Agriculture (COA) with 91.94, 83.75, and 79.15 percent, respectively.

Basis for limited face-to-face IIn an interview with the Innovator on November 02, 2021, Campus Executive Officer Dr. Florante Victor Balatico stated that the vaccination rate of students, faculty, and staff would be crucial in deciding whether or not the campus and even the university will push for the limited face-to-face (F2F)

class set-up.

While he did not mention a specific vaccination rate to qualify for the limited face-to-face class, the CEO said that an at least 50 percent achieved vaccination rate considering the entire academic populace is already “an optimistic sign” to gradually go back to said learning setup in the different programs offered in the campus.

“I am optimistic that we will be ready

by January next year, but low vaccination rate of either the employees or students may serve as a ground to postpone the conduct of limited face-to-face classes.

Kahit sabihin natin na we will be ready kung ‘yong response ng tao sa bakuna ay mababa pa rin baka maiatras, baka hindi natin marealize ang January,” Dr. Balatico stated.

Pioneer program for face-to-face Considering the recent pronouncements and memoranda released by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the CEO also mentioned that the only program in the campus qualified to apply for the limited face-to-face set-up is the Bachelor

Continue to page 81

Colleges to deploy studes for OJT amid pandemic Maria Flor Pattung

Among 57 faculty members of the campus, 54 or 98.18 percent received at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

CSU Lal-lo Vaccination Status As of January 10, 2021

DETERMINED TO EQUIP the students with skills and first-hand experiences, the different colleges of the Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus are positive to deploy graduating students for their on-the-job trainings (OJT) in the different partner institutions amid the current pandemic.

The college deans iterated, however, that deploying their students for their OJT considered the minimum health protocols set by the Inter-agency Task Force, Local Government Units, and the Department of Health.

According to Dr. Eden A. Manuel, dean of College of Information and Computing Sciences, fourth year Bachelor of Science in Information

Technology students will render 500 hours for their internship program.

“We will coordinate with the different Local Government Units (LGUs) and other private sectors and implement location-based approach to minimize the risk exposure- kung saang municipality yung estudyante na yun doon na siya,” the dean said.

Prof. Gemma R. Pascual, dean of the College of Teacher education, also said that they have coordinated with the different cooperating schools for the field study of their students and will do the same for their practice teaching.

“Our practice teachers will stay in Continue to page 85

79

news

The VALENA Mug

Amid pandemic

Studes can now transact COG, COR online Registrar

Pre-service teachers undergo field study Cris Francisco

W

ith the guidelines imposed by the university, Cagayan State University – Lal-lo Campus deployed the fourth year education students to their Cooperating Schools (CS) on October 16, 2021 for their field study despite the current COVID-19 crisis.

Dr. Florante Victor Balatico, campus executive officer, told The Innovator in an interview on November 2, 2021 that the campus is keen to pursue the field study since Commission on Higher Education (CHED) already released the guidelines regarding its strict implementation among fourth year students.

“All universities were clearly guided by the Memorandum Order issued

by CHED,” he said.

Meanwhile, the College of Teacher Education (CTEd) secured Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) between the campus and the CS to be executed by the university president and the school

2000

Xyzerlyn Qea Cielos

ON MARKS. As part of their field study at Lyceum of Lal-lo, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English student Roldan Urbi and Bachelor of Elementary Education students Kristine Los Banos and Fely Jane Mendoza prepare for their benchmarking in online classes. Roldan Urbi

head.

“May mother MoA tayo with University and DepEd. From the mother MOA, gumawa tayo ng localized MOA,” the CEO said.

Since blended learning in some schools are not implemented, the campus altered the preceding proposal requiring cooperating schools to be in a blended setup.

Enrollment Difference of CSU Lal-lo in the last three semesters

Continue to page 84

Highest since K to 12 Transition

Enrollment soars by 49% Xyzerlyn Qea Cielos

1500

1000

500

0

First Sem

Second Sem

A.Y. 2020-21

First Sem A.Y. 2021-22

AS THE CAMPUS slowly fills all the year levels across the different programs, the student population continues to grow registering a 48.68 percent increase this semester.

Data released by Mr. Leslie A. Panaligan, campus registrar, show that the campus welcomed 1,527 students this semester compared with the 1,027 registered students

80

“Ang diskarte na lang natin ay ‘yong how long are they going to stay there and when sila magsstay doon physically,” Dr. Balatico said.

Though the response is positive with all CS agreeing to the final proposal, there are changes that were needed to be done due to the geographical proximity of some schools,” Dr. Balatico confided. TVM

STUDENTS OF CAGAYAN State University Lal-lo have two options in transacting their Certificate of Grades (COG) and Certificate of Registration (COR) and other concerns in the Campus Registrar’s Office.

Mrs. Maricon P. Yadao, assistant to the campus registrar, told The Innovator in an interview on November 2, 2021 that students can access their records through the Student Information and Accounting System (SIAS) portal or can request physically the needed documents at Registrar’s Office.

She said that the adoption of the SIAS enables the students to access their records and process their enrollment online.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, the office has worked for the implementation of the SIAS to allow you [student] to transact with the office online para kahit na ganito [pandemic], makakaenrol at makikita

during the same period last school year, notching the highest population growth rate since the transition period for the K to 12 Curriculum.

Among the colleges, the College of Hospitality Management has the highest number of enrolees with a total of 432, followed by the College of Teacher Education with 406 students, while the College of Agriculture and College of Information and Computing Sciences trailed next with 356 and 333 enrollees, respectively.

Aside the percentage

increase, the campus registrar also revealed that during the transition period, the campus suffered the lowest enrollment rate during the second semester of the school year 2020-2021 with only 959 students registered.

The campus registrar shared that the increase is attributed to the gradual transition to fill all the academic levels of the different programs offered in the campus.

TVM

news CTED inks 75% rating in September BLEPT

Volume I - Issue 1 August 2021 - January 2022

Maria Flor Pattung out of the four graduates of the Bachelor of Secondary Education program who took the examination successfully passed. No taker was recorded under the Bachelor of Elementary Education program.

D

ESPITE THE CHALLENGES for the graduates’ preparation brought about the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Teacher Education proves its capacity to prepare its graduates for the board licensure examination as it did not only surpass the national passing rate but topped among the campuses in the

Behind CTED Lal-lo is CTED Sanchez Mira with 72.22 percent passing rate while CTED Andrews trailed next after achieving 67.37 percent average passing rate across the different teacher education programs it offers. university offering teacher education programs.

Data released by the Professional Regulation Commission, CTED Lallo notched 75 percent average rating in the September Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers outperforming the other campuses in the examination.

It was reported that three

COA to adopt new strategic preps for ALE Maria Flor Pattung TO IMPROVE ITS rating performance in the board examination, the College of Agriculture (COA) is scheming new strategies to be implemented this year for the preparation of its graduating students who will take the Agriculturist Licensure Examination (ALE).

This is after the college suffered a decline in its board performance going down to 16.27 percent overall in the November 2021 ALE, lower than the 29.84 percent national passing rate.

Data provided by the Professional Regulation Commission revealed that the college harvested only six of the 27 first-time takers recording a 22.22 percent rating while none of the 10 retakers passed the examination.

COA Dean Dr. Maribel Fernandez said the college will strengthen its comprehensive

review classes to prepare well the takers for the LEA. She also added that students who will not pass the mock board examinations will not be qualified to take the board examination.

She further elucidated that the college will also require the students to have a certification from their review centers that they are capable of taking the licensure examination.

"We have existing TPEP program which will be conducted on summer, pero nasa estudyante pa rin kung saan nila gusto magreview. Basta we will not allow graduates to take the board exam without having certification from the review center,” she said.

The college dean also said they will invite experts from the top agriculture universities as reviewers to improve their ratings. TVM

Lasam, Carig, Aparri, Piat and Gonzaga campuses trailed behind with 66.67, 65.43, 58.33, 50, and 25 percent rating, respectively.

Despite lauding the performance of the takers as this manifests the quality of instruction and other curricular experiences offered in the college, Prof. Gemma R. Pascual, college dean, said the college is finding other “effective” mechanisms to

improve its performance as well as the number of takers.

"We planned for face-to-face sana ang review. Kaya we make sure that everybody's vaccinated. If they will allow, we will conduct their comprehensive review kahit during Friday lang."

Prof. Pascual said.

The dean also shared that the college is also planning to rebuild and relaunch a review center exclusively for the campus.

"Since nagpapareview rin naman ang faculty natin sa ibang review centers, why not dito na lang sa campus para mamonitor din natin ang mga estudyante namin at hindi na sila lalabas pa," she said.

The dean hopes to achieve a better performance in the coming BLEPT. TVM

Student, faculty vax rate... from p. 79 of Science in Hospitality Management.

He, however, clarified on Thursday, November 18, that the university, during its management committee meeting earlier this week, is preparing a position paper to request CHED for its approval also of face-to-face classes for education and agriculture programs.

“Part of those we tackled was our plan to make a position paper for these [education and agriculture] programs also to be approved for this set-up, especially for the graduating students who will soon take the licensure examinations,” he said.

While he commends the faculty and students for the increasing vaccination rates, the CEO encourages the students, faculty, and staff who are still unvaccinated to get inoculated for the request

to be considered.

“The list of things to prepare is actually very long.

Retrofitting alone is very difficult to achieve, but I am hoping that we help one another by encouraging our students to get vaccinated para walang rason na hindi tayo matuloy,” he stated.

Protocols on entering the campus premises Commenting, on the other hand, on the students’ request to enter the campus premises, the CEO stated that students who are already vaccinated can enter the campus for their official transactions.

Entering students in the campus, according to him, just need to present their vaccination cards and school IDs to the guards in duty for recognition and identification.

TVM

81

news

The VALENA Mug CSU Lal-lo markets new coffee blend;

production sustainability yet to address - CEO Diana Mae Lumboy Ingredients Dean Manuel said in an online interview that the coffee blend is a mixture of Excelsa, Robusta, and Liberica coffee beans harvested from the 40-hectare coffee plantation of the campus.

READY FOR BREWING. Business Director Andy Catulin takes pride in promoting Valena Heritage Coffee Blend displayed at Lighthouse Cooperative Store, Tuguegarao City on July 23, 2021. Office of the University President CSU

FOR SALE: VALENA Heritage Coffee Pursuing its bid to become the “Coffee Center of the North”, Cagayan State University (CSU) Lal-lo Campus started distributing its Valena Heritage Coffee blend to identified marketplaces last July 23, 2021.

The 200-gram packed coffee blend is available in the Business Office of the campus, in the University Business Office at CSU Andrews Campus and Lighthouse Cooperative in

Tuguegarao City.

The processing, packaging, and marketing of the coffee blend is a major undertaking of the “CAFÉ VALENA: Value Adding Towards Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development” research project led by College of Hospitality Management Dean Althea A. Manuel with the support of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 2 (DOST RO2).

“This coffee blend is distinct from other coffee products because it is a blend of three coffee varieties, including Robusta which gives in-depth flavor and crema; Liberica which makes it stronger and produces a smokey aroma; and, eExcelsa which adds extra thickness and flavor when combined with other coffee beans,” Dean Manuel said.

The assortment of the coffee beans is attributed to the ongoing varietal authentication of the coffee trees, according to Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico, campus executive officer.

“We can identify some varieties, but we need authorities to authenticate

CEO urges studes to conduct tree planting at home Zyreen Alexis Manuel New Pandemic Trend: Tree Planting at Home

environment and physical exercise of people,” he said.

Campus Executive Officer Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico is encouraging the students of Cagayan State University- Lal-lo Campus to conduct and promote tree planting in their own houses and communities.

Amid limitations brought

by COVID-19 protocols, the CEO suggested the use of digital platforms to see whether the students are participating in the tree planting campaign.

Despite their physical absence in the campus, there should still be a way for students, the CEO said, to participate to the reforestation advocacy of the campus at least in the premises of their own community.

“It is not only advocating clean and green but also a way of contributing to the

82

Meanwhile, reforestation and planting activities of the campus continues with the conduct of Alay Kalikasan Program as distance education persists and students are still confined in their homes.

of Science and Technology, and alumni of the campus, took to the two-hectare area of the campus to plant trees on October 15, 2021.

Coffee and mango seedlings, and fragrant grass were planted.

To maintain the good growth of the newly planted trees, Dr. Balatico said that the Contract of Service Employees under the Business Affairs Office of the Campus were assigned to take care of them. TVM.

them. That’s why in the meantime, we are calling it a coffee blend,” the CEO said in an interview with The Innovator on November 02, 2021.

Dr. Balatico also added that the campus has already applied for utility model, now pending for approval, while the new packaging machine, along with the coffee roaster, grinding machine, and depulper, is already operational in the recently launched coffee processing center of the campus.

Issues to address Despite the availability of the product in the market, the sustainability of its production is yet to be addressed according to Dr. Balatico, after conducting an initial assessment on the coffee plantation.

“Kasi ang napansin ng mga original na taga-CSU, na mga gamay na ang areas, kailangan pa ng additional inputs para ma-sustain, such as fertilizers,” he said.

Scarcity in funds, water resources, and human resources are also seen as factors that affect the maintenance of the plantation.

“We need to rehabilitate the area, but it is costly and takes manpower, so we identified those areas and ni-rehab,” he added.

The CEO concluded, however, that the profit from marketing the coffee product will be used to reinvest for its production and sustainability.

TVM

Staff of the institution, along with volunteers from Knight of Columbus, stakeholders from Department of Education and Department ENCOURAGEMENT. Campus Executive Officer Florante Victor M. Balatico shares, in an interview last November 2, 2022, the updates on tree planting activities conducted by the campus and its stakeholders, encouraging students to take part of it at their homes.  Winston Ryne Danao Jr.

news

Volume I - Issue 1 August 2021 - January 2022 LET’S TRY IT. CHM Dean Althea Manuel, together with Mr. Mark Gregory Asejo and Mr. Ronel Collado, tries the newly purchased equipment for coffee processing in the Product Development Center as the campus ventures on promoting its Valena Heritage Coffee Blend.  Jenerwin Columna

CEO, CHM dean honored as ‘best’ STI partner, outstanding educator Shenee Kate Balcia

DOST RO2 features CSU Lal-lo’s projects in Reg’l Scie-Tech Week Maria Flor Pattung BRINGING THE BRAND of Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus to a platform reached by a larger audience, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 2 virtually featured the research projects and niche programs of the campus last December 3, 2021, during the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration this year.

The celebration highlighted the CAFE VALENA (Coffee-based and Agri-forestry Endeavors: Value-Adding for Livelihood Employment and Nutrition for All) research projects, namely: CAFE VALENA through STRIDE: Science and Technolgy on Coffee Production Towards Community Development and Resiliency led by Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico, Campus Executive Officer, and CAFE VALENA Value Adding Towards Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development spearheaded by Asst.

Prof. Althea A. Manuel.

Both projects are funded by DOST RO2.

These projects aim to manage technologies that can innovate the production, and

processing of coffee beans produced locally within the almost 40-hectare coffee plantation in the campus, gearing up towards pursuing the title of “Coffee Center of the North”.

Also, among the featured projects are the Fragrant Grass and Essential Oil Industry Development Program in Cagayan Valley led by Asso. Prof. Nenette T. Columna, campus research coordinator, and the inauguration of the coffee processing center which already houses coffee processing equipment and machines.

The Fragrant Grass Project, in collaboration with DOST and Rural Improvement Center (RIC) of Lal-lo, aims to create and develop sciencebased and research-based management technologies that can innovate the production of Cymbopogon grasses at CSU Lal-lo, and

extend it to the municipality and other neighboring municipalities.

As of 2021, the project has 1.2 hectare and 0.3-hectare production areas for citronella grasses lemon grasses. respectively.

University President Dr. Urduja G. Alvarado said in his pledge of support that Cagayan will establish its distinct aroma through these projects.

“We promise that through my vigilant monitoring, all the authorities of the programs will be well executed in which the funds will be accounted for,” the president said.

CSU Lal-lo is positive for the long-term objectives of these collaborative projects that will provide and support the community and the university for innovations and developments. TVM

CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY Lal-lo Campus Executive Officer Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico and College of Hospitality Management Dean Althea A. Manuel were recognized by two separate agencies for their contribution in the community and as transformational leaders.

CEO Balatico was honored as one of the best Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) partners of the Department of Science and Technology in Cagayan province on December 01, in line with the Science and Technology week celebration.

With the establishment of Coffee and Fragrant Grass Processing centers in the campus, DOST recognizes Dr. Balatico’s contribution and support to the agency's STI programs, projects, and even promotions and advocacies.

On the other hand, Dean Manuel was identified as one the “Phenomenal and Outstanding Educators of the Year” by the Alliance of Hospitality and Tourism Movers of the Philippines.

The award was given to Dean Manuel on February 14, 2022 in recognition to her efforts and contribution in uplifting hospitality industry in the country.

TVM

83

news

The VALENA Mug

2 faculty members now full-fledged professors Roldan Urbi

STAMPING A MILESTONE in their lives as teacher professionals, two faculty members of the Cagayan State University at Lal-lo finally amassed the fruit of their long-way journey as professionals after being acknowledged among the university faculty members granted of academic rank as full-fledged professors.

College of Teacher Education Dean Prof. Gemma R. Pascual and Campus Quality Assurance Officer Prof. Cherry S. Wanya have

Studes can now transact...

From p. 80

ninyo yung mga grades ninyo,” she said.

She clarifed, however, that the online transaction is limited to viewing records due to some considerations.

“You can download your unofficial assessment form in the portal but not your grades. You can only view them,” Mrs. Yadao said.

Mrs. Yadao reasoned that official COGs and CORs cannot be downloaded as these can just be edited when soft copies are available,” she said.

She said when the documents are needed for official purposes like submission for scholarship, students still need to communicate with the office personally to secure the official documents.

“There are some institutions that are not accepting records without the official stamp seal in the form. Therefore, it is advised that students should physically negotiate to the school to acquire the official copies of the documents,”she said.

She stressed that grades accessed and the documents downloaded, like the assessment form, in the SIAS are only for personal viewing and not for generating official documents. TVM

84

successfully surpassed the “arduous process” of professorial accreditation and were formally instituted as professors last December 18, 2021 at Isabela State University-Echague Campus.

Prof. Wanya said the recognition should have been conducted earlier in 2019 but due to the typhoon that devastated Northern Cagayan, it was rescheduled in March 2020 but with the lockdown, it was postponed until December of 2021.

“It was rescheduled twice because ISU wants to conduct the oath-taking face-to-face kaya nagging December this year,” she said.

Prof. Pascual highlighted that the journey was a “long and arduous” process as the two underwent a number of screening stages to secure the position.

“We need to conduct and present series of research papers at local, national, and international conferences as well as attend seminars and workshops for continuing professional development,” Prof. Pascual said.

The two also shared

that they learned a lot in the entire process of accreditation including the misconception in the use of profession as an honorific title.

“I was enlightened that we should not be using the word professor as a general title for teachers in college because it is earned,” Prof.

Wanya stated.

According to the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, the distinguished body that regulates the awarding of the academic rank, professor is an honorific title that is only given to those who have excelled in

various fields of education, such as teaching, research, extension, and among other fields in education.

Moreover, such a title can only be used to address a person teaching at the tertiary level who acquired the academic rank through the process of accreditation.

Aside from Prof. Wanya and Prof. Pascual, Prof Florante Victor M. Balatico, CSU Lal-lo campus executive officer, was also given the professorial rank this year and is just waiting for his formal accreditation.

Prof. Wanya, Prof. Pascual, and Prof. Balatico occupy the same rank as Professor 1. TVM

2 COA faculty qualified for int’l scholarship training course Winston Ryne Danao Jr. TWO FACULTY MEMBERS of the College of Agriculture (COA) were accepted as grantees of the International Continuing Professional Education Program (ICPE).

On a letter dated on October 01, 2021, Dr. Maribel Fernandez, COA dean, and Mr. Boyet Pattung, campus extension coordinator, were confirmed to undergo shortterm training programs under the Levelling-Up Philippine Higher Education

Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR) project under the Commission on Higher Education.

Commencing in October 2021 and will be finished in February 2022, the ICPE Program aims to upgrade the institutional capacities of the 75 State Universities and Colleges-Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines, Inc. (SUC-ACAP) members through short-

term training programs and cross-visits, and participation in university consortium activities.

The project is initiated by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in collaboration with the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources. TVM

news

Volume I - Issue 1 August 2021 - January 2022

Normalize talking

about our mental health - Psychologist Maria Flor Pattung

and shame, Mrs. Bueno shared the importance of recognizing early the signs and symptoms of any mental issue since these issues, when not attended to, may lead to tragic incidents of suicides.

TALK OF WISDOM. Mrs. Estelle Gaye C. Bueno, resident psychologist of Department of Social Welfare and Development of Cayagan Valley Regional Center, discusses the ways to overcoming negative self-talk during the Mental Health Webinar last October 26, 2022. Screenshot from FB Live

"WE KEEP ON talking and raising the awareness of mental health issues until the time we can talk about it like how we talk about our physical health."

This was emphasized by Mrs. Estelle Gaye C. Bueno, resident psychologist of the Department of Social Welfare and Development of Cagayan Valley Regional Center, during a webinar conducted by the Campus Guidance Office in partnership with College of Hospitality and Management (CHM)

Student Council on October 26, 2022.

She iterated that mental health issues like anxiety, depression have different faces, and must have to be taken seriously.

“Rather than labeling people who are suffering from mental illness, we should recognize and acknowledge their feelings, and we should communicate with them sympathetically and empathetically”, she said.

Discussing how to eliminate the stigma

Colleges to deploy studes... from p. 79 their cooperating schools for the whole week in a two-month period. This way, we can minimize the risk that may encounter from traveling,” the dean said.

She shared that the fourth year education students will be housed in the campus after two months of practice teaching for their comprehensive review ready for the licensure examination.

Dr. Maribel Fernandez of the College of Agriculture is also hoping that the agriculture interns will be able to conduct their OJT face-to-face.

Aside from local training, the college,

according to her, is also preparing to engage into an international internship program.

“Pinag-aaralan namin yung proseso kung paano maging qualified sa mga internship programs abroad. Katulad sa Agrostudies, nakikipag-usap kami sa mga naging recipient ng program na iyon para alam natin ano ang gagawin,” Dr. Fernandez shared with The Innovator.

It was reported that passing the Level 2 accreditation enabled the college to engage into said international training efforts. TVM

"May pasyente ako at tinanong ko siya with how it feels like to have depression.

This girl is beautiful that you'll never expect she is suffering from depression and anxiety.

She told me that the sadness she feels inside is triple the feeling of losing someone and she feels it everyday," Mrs. Bueno shared.

The psychologist highlighted the importance of early intervention with people who suffer from a mental illness and gave information on how to feel empowered, do self-care and provide support.

She encouraged every student who participated in the webinar to be

sympathetic and be vocal about what they feel and normalize talking about their struggles since communication is considered a vital aspect to get away from mental health issues.

In his opening remarks, on the other hand, Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico, campus executive officer, commended the initiatives and efforts of the academic community to help another in this time of a pandemic.

"In celebration of Mental Health Month, I am glad the CSUL is leading the pathway to maintaining the mental health and wellbeing of our students."

The webinar was conducted via Zoom and streamed live via Guidance Counseling Center, CSU Lallo Campus Facebook page. TVM

Guidance Office partners with CICS ColSC for netiquette webinar Maria Flor Pattung LIVING WITH THE pandemic for years, people are forced to adapt to the "new normal" set up where technology becomes an essential survival tool. With this reason, the Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus Guidance Counseling Center partnered with the College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) Student Council to conduct a webinar on netiquette, October 04.

With the theme "Netiquette: A guide for Students Attending Online Class" the webinar talked relevant issues in the digital

landscape highlighting the role of proper behavior in the virtual world to be successful this online or distance learning set up.

Dr. Florante Victor M. Balatico, campus executive officer, said the webinar is one of the initiatives that will address the challenges we encounter in this new setting of learning.

"Through this webinar, we will be able to adjust to the challenges posed by online learning. Marami tayong limitations - yung hindi pag-conduct ng faceto-face classes. There are Continue to page 86

85

news

The VALENA Mug

CSU Lal-lo taps CavSU’s expertise for coffee-based projects Cris Francisco is an offshoot of the visit of CSU officials led by Pres. Urdujah Alvarado last December 23, 2021 where an agreement between President Alvarado and CavSU President Hernando Robles was made to strengthen the Cafe Valena Project and train coffee growers in CSU especially on production, processing and commercialization through the mentorship.

CavSU has been known as the country’s leading institution on coffee research, development and extension (RDE) since 2004.

LET ME SHOW YOU HOW. A member of the Cavite State University Coffee Technical team demonstrates in the presence of CEO Florante Victor M. Balatico and University Extension Direction Josie Y. Bas-ong the proper way of pruning coffee stems for a better coffee bean yield. Jenerwin Columna

WITH THE AIM to strengthen its CAFÉ Valena Program, Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus tapped the coffee experts from Cavite State University (CavSU) to assess the pre-existing conditions of the Valena Coffee plantation.

Led by Dr. Gerry M. Castillo, director of the CavSU National Coffee Research and Development and Extension Center, the team composed of eight coffee experts conducted, on January 11, 2022, a survey visit at the almost six-decade-old coffee plantation of the campus.

During the pre-assessment visit, the team examined the current status of the coffee plantation and identified grown species and varieties of coffee trees in the area.

The team also visited the expansion area of the plantation to recommend interventions for better coffee production and processing practices as the campus pushes its aim to be the “Coffee Center of the North”.

It has been reported that the campus maintains a roughly more than 40-hectare coffee plantation, where mature coffee trees grow and bear fruits.

After the visit, the team proceeded to CSU Gonzaga campus for the training

86

workshop where the experts discussed the initial findings and observations from their pre-assessment activity. The training continues today, January 13.

According to the office of the University President, the collaboration

In the press release of the Office of the University President, President Alvarado expressed her gratitude to President Robles for sending the CavSU’s coffee experts to CSU. “She hopes that this initial activity will bring new frontiers in the coffee industry especially in Cagayan. She also hopes that this may signal more synergy in research and the practice of sharing expertise among campuses as they work together towards one goal,” the press release stated. TVM

Guidance Office partners with CICS ColSC... from p. 85 many challenges to address and the conduct of this webinar today is one of the many initiatives so that we will be able to cope with online classes,"CEO Balatico said.

Meanwhile, Campus Guidance Councilor Mrs. Roselyn Agpoon said that learning about netiquette through the webinar will give the students guidelines on how to communicate with people on digital platforms.

"Online classroom is the new environment and netiquette guidelines are necessary when communicating to our professors, our friends, and our classmates. These values dictate what peaceful and respectful online behavior is," Mrs. Agpoon said.

Mr. Domingo D. Dela Vega,

resource speaker of the said webinar, discussed netiquette on video conferencing and how a student should properly message their teachers.

"Noong face-to-face classes pa, nagbibigay [ang] mga teachers niyo ng house rules o classroom rules.

Ganoon din sa online class. May mga rules o guidelines tayong dapat sundin para maging smooth ang online learning natin," Mr. Dela Vega stated.

Sharing the common problems during online classes and how the students can avoid them and cope with them, Mr. Dela Vega discussed the 15 tips or guidelines that can help the students to have a smooth and good learning space for their online classes. TVM

SPORTS

Volume I - Issue 1 August 2021 - January 2022

commentary

Aces, Titans reign supreme in Intrams 2022

Vigilante

It could’ve been

BETTER

Benmar Torres DESPITE CHALLENGES ON internet connection and scheduling, the first-ever virtual Intramurals ended successfully with overall championship in sports and socio-cultural events favoring College of Information and Computing Sciences Aces and College of Teacher Education Titans, last January 7-8, 2022.

After a neck-to-neck duel, Aces edged its greatest rival Titans with one gold advantage in sports category, 18-17, as they ruled all other colleges in the newly adopted E-sports tournament.

Trailing behind Titans is College of Agriculture Hybrids after earning six gold medals, while College of Hospitality Management Flaming Shots settled at the fourth spot with two gold finish.

Titans who fell short with one gold in sports category, however, stood towering over other teams after earning an undisputed 78-point finish in sociocultural events.

championship was separated this intramurals due to tally system managed by the Campus Student Council (CSC).

CSC President Janice Tolentino said that the overall winner in sports was determnined by modified medal count while winners in socio-cultural events are equivalent to the corresponding points: Champion -10 points 1st runner up - 7 points 2nd runner-up - 5 points 3rd runner-up - 3 points No entry - 0

Flaming Shots trailed next with 70 points while Aces landed on third and fourth places with 53 and 48 points, respectively.

The overall Sports

Culture and Arts

COA Hybrids

48

6

8

13

CHM Flaming Shots

70

2

8

12

78

17

13

12

53

18

12

2

CTE Titans

CICS Aces

Winston Ryne Danao Jr.

T

his pandemic truly caused a large gap that prevented us from accomplishing things we usually execute when we were still in our normal lives.

However, it did not hinder our might in celebrating the campus intramurals which made a virtual comeback last January 7-8, 2022.

Everything was smoothly conducted according to the guidelines. Each department was spiced up with the competition and was eager to reign.

I thought it will be another burden to us because it might disturb our focus on academics which is also tough, but it temporarily saved us from enervation.

The amount of time we had in conducting it was indeed memorable. The pain and stress were all paid off because we were able to finish all the events not until the unfriendly internet connection and seemingly unprepared live streaming of the events tore down our momentum.

Whether we deny it or not, the streaming really caused trouble that disrupted the opportunity of the viewers to comfortably witness the most anticipated event this year even when they were lying on their couch at home. I thought that the technical difficulties would only last for the streaming of the opening program, but I was wrong.

The streaming crumbled us to a nail-biting situation until the last day. Not to mention that all the streaming did not start on the scheduled time.

This is another adverse effect of tight schedule that

put planning all in a haste.

As a result, the production failed, even though in general, the intramurals can be considered successful. It could’ve been better if we only had more time.

It could’ve been better if we already expect for these issues, which I think, we already did prior to its conduct. However, we became complacent that it made the quality of our production a bummer, especially that it was streamed publicly.

In streaming, all production members must be alert, especially when it comes to technical issues. It should be solved immediately to avoid decline on viewers.

PowerPoint and Zoom for streaming media are not the only options in streaming.

There are other applications and media for streaming live like Open Broacaster Software (OBS) Studio and Xplit which are high quality streaming apps.

Another, the organizers should have already thought in advance the connectivity issues because of the campus’ location and should have already slip a back-up plan into their sleeves.

The production indeed did not live up to our expectation, but I understand that the outcome must not be attributed only to the organizers but also to the circumstances that impeded our capability to do better. I know that with all these deficiencies that we experience this year, we will reflect and learn to make our output not only better but also the best next time. TVM

87

sports

CHAMPIONS ANEW

Titans strut to 4 gold, 4 silver medals in dancesport Roldan Urbi & Cyndie Mae Corpuz

TITAN COUPLES CONTINUE to reign supreme as they grooved their way to dominate the dancesport competition, racking up four gold and four silver medals in sports category in this year’s Intramurals.

Defending Latin pair Alejandro Agustin II and Kristine Mae Los Baños remained on the throne pocketing gold medals in Jive and Rumba while emerging tandem Francis Joseph Baloran and Ahmie Chelle Dela Torre clinched gold in Cha Cha Cha. Stunning their competitors, the Titan couples just exchanged places in Latin category collaring all silver medals at stake in the competition.

Further proving the legendary might of the gigantic titans, newly paired Stephen Wendell Agtarap and Angelica Mae dela Torre swayed to

88 24

the top in Standard category stamping victory over Tango, Waltz and Quicksteps while the tandem of Edmar Tumamao and Aiza Jovinal stepped to the the silver podium finish.

Meanwhile, Flaming Shots Standard couple Albert Clark Aquino and Alyssa Mendoza descended from their gold throne last intramurals to finish at bronze medals this year in all standard categories while Mark Kevin Rabano and Joylyn Orpilla also finish at bronze in Latin category.

“We are very thankful to the CTED family for their unending support and not letting us dance alone in the limelight of the dancesport competition,” defending educ pairs exclaimed after knowing the results. TVM

The VALENA Mug

SPORTS

Volume I - Issue 1 August 2021 - January 2022

CHM Flaming Shots rules in dance, musical tilts Benmar Torres Who says the future hoteliers won’t slay?

College of Hospitality Management Flaming Shots proved their eagerness to clutch points in culture and arts, after dominating the musical and dance competitions.

Flaming Shots secured the championship in Contemporary Dance, Hataw CSUan Hip-Hop, Vocal Solo and Duet competitions, hacking-out 40 points to ascend their team in the socio-cultural events category.

Hip-hop defending champions College of Agriculture Hybrids fell to first runner-up in Hataw and Contemporary Dance, followed by College of Teacher Education Titans and College of Information and Computing Sciences Aces who landed in the bottom two.

Meanwhile, in Vocal Solo and Duet tilts, entries of Titans, Aces, and Hybrids clinched first, second, and third runners-up, respectively.

Titans, however, managed to secure 20 points to maneuver a close fight to the Flaming Shots in culture and arts, after winning Pop and Instrumental Solo contests.

Flaming Shots who placed third and second

runners-up in Pop and Instrumental Solo, earned 50 points, edging Titans with 47 points in the early tally of socio-cultural events.

Aces, on the other hand, docked on first and second runners-up in Pop and

Instrumental solo, respectively, to gain an early 28-point increase, neutralizing Hybrids who settled in second and third runners-up in the same events. TVM

CICS shuts down CTE Titans in CODM Jeremy Rigon PRIMED UP AFTER their defeat in the third round, Aces of the College of Information and Computing Sciences outsmarted Titans of the College of Teacher Education, 150-134, in the final match of Call of Duty Mobile tournament this Campus Intramurals 2022.

The Titans extended their winning streak to three after outlasting Aces in the third round.

It should have been a closed fight between the teams when three

members of Titans nipped the other three members of Aces in their final scores, but the tide was turned when Aces’ Krazykush set the tone early.

Shocking the leading Titans, Krazykush hacked out 32 first-match kills, making all three of his operator skill shots including hunter drones.

Wanting to end the game in favor of Aces, Asyuji added 22 kills, backed by Kedsalnathis who fired out 20 kills and tied an enemy with 12 assists.

Krazykush clinched Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Aces, while Azur who contributed 26 kills is Titans’ MVP. Meanwhile, Flaming Shots of the College of Hospitality Management and Hybrids of College of Agriculture trailed behind Aces and Titans after landing to second and third runners-up, respectively.

Each team which consists of five members was given five medals each.

TVM

89

sports

CICS Aces dominates in E-sports tilts Benmar Torres

After championing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), and Defense of the Ancients (DOTA 2) tournaments this Campus Intramurals 2022, College of Information and Computing Sciences Aces reigned supreme in the newly adopted e-sports, hauling 15 golds in the sports category.

GLAMOR AND WIT. Mister and Miss CSU Lal-lo Campus 2022 title holders (from L-R) Oliver Vega and Honey Jane Los Baños (first runners-up), Jhon Greecks Albalos and Clarisse Battad (Mr. and Ms. CSU Lal-lo), and Johnmark Vite and Hariet Agag (third runners-up) pose their beaming pride after the nail-biting Question and Answer portion held live on site during the second day of the 2022 Campus Intramurals  Maria Flor Pattung Pattung

Stamping back-to-back feat

CTE Titan beauties reign anew

by Cyndie Mae Corpuz & Roldan Urbi

C

ollege of Teacher Education Titans continues their monarchial reign in the most prestigious pageant in the campus as its beauties succeeded the coveted crowns once again from their Titan seniors during the search for Mr. and Ms. CSU Lal-lo 2022.

Stood towering over their competitors, first-year Jhon Greecks Albalos and secondyear Clarisse Battad of Blue Titans bested seven other rivals of the crowns after a series of appearances and two rounds of question and answer.

Trailing a back-to-back victory in the competition, Albalos and Battad succeeded the crowns from Titan pair Aerenz John Sinco and Mar-Neli Butac from the 2019 Campus Intramurals reigning titleholders.

History reveals that Titan beauties consistently penetrate final cuts eventually winning at least one crown in the campusbased beauty pageant in the last three years.

90

Albalos, when asked about a possible question he would ask from the President of the Philippines, said he would focus on asking how to end poverty.

“The question I will ask will be how can we fight poverty... poverty is a very serious issue in our country because a lot of people are suffering from this and [deprivation] of education opportunities is one of the major causes of extreme poverty. As a future educator, I encourage everyone to strive harder and value education because education is one of the passports for a better future,” the 19-year-old first-year education student said.

Meanwhile, Battad, in her response to the final question, expressed her encouragement to young

learners to enroll and venture into Science as it is a field needed in a thriving community.

“As an education student, I encourage students to take Science because Science is not just a simple subject but it is a subject that is full of learning which may help our community to prosper.”

Besides Albalos and Battad, Titans male bet Johnmark Vite also penetrated the top three cut finishing at second runnersup along with Hariet Agag of the College of Agriculture Hybrids.

Meanwhile, Hybrids bet Oliver Vega, and Flaming Shots beauty Honey Jane Los Baños clinched the first runners-up titles. TVG

A team of five, Aces defeated Flaming Shots of College of Hospitality Management in the final game of MLBB, while Hybrids of the College of Agriculture and Titans of College of Teacher Education fell to second and third runners-up, respectively.

Aces also ended victorious in CODM against Titans, while Flaming Shots and Hybrids landed in the bottom two.

With two teams each consists of five members only clashing for gold, triumph in DOTA II still favored the would-be information technologists over Hybrids.

The Aces’ four-member team, however, fell short in PUBG after losing to agriculture students.

Meanwhile, Titans and Flaming Shots landed on second and first runners-up respectively.

The number of players is equivalent to the number of medals to be included in sports category. TVM

The VALENA Mug

SPORTS

Volume I - Issue 1 August 2021 - January 2022

CHECK. Titan woodpusher champ Analyn Pascual manuevers her tactics while getting serious against her opponent in their face-to-face match at the campus library during the first day of the Intramurals 2022.  Maria Flor Pattung Pattung

Securing chess crown

Titan woodpushers collar 9 golds, slip 1 to Aces Maria Flor Pattung PRIMED WITH THEIR wit and strategies, College of Teacher Education Titan woodpushers became unstoppable as they once again ruled the chess tournament during the Campus Intramurals 2022 held face-to-face at Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus.

After a season of rest due to the pandemic, Titans grounded other competing teams, dominating the chess board in both men and women division with four golds and five golds, respectively.

During the course of three rounds, the CTE Titans tallied 9 points in men, while 12 points in women edging out College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) Aces who registered 8 points in men and 9 points in women division, bagging silver in this year’s intramurals.

Running in third to clinch the bronze medal in women division are both College of Agriculture (COA) Hybrids and College of Hospitality and Management (CHM) Flaming Shots who scored with 3 points while in men division, CHM Flaming shots who scored 3 points throughout the tourney.

The CTE Titans women woodpushers Venos Apron, Glecel Salamero, and Cheryl Baingan made an easy win as they dominated their own board games with three wins and no lost, while Analyn Pascual had to break the tie with CICS Aces and CHM Flaming Shots on Board 2.

Pascual, however, refused to be outsmarted and eventually added another 3 points to her team after breaking the tie.

“Masaya and relieved po na nanalo kami. Nakakagaan ng pakiramdam, worth it po yung pagpunta namin dito at uuwi kaming panalo,” CTE Titans Salamero shared in an interview.

In the men’s division, CTED Titans woodpushers Gerry Cave, Lander Pol Marzo, and Jamil Dela Cruz atop their own board games, contributing three points each and amassing a total of nine points to get the gold medal for the team category.

Meanwhile, Jaymar Aguinaldo of CICS Aces clinched gold on the second

board game.

“Kabado pa rin po. Medyo nahirapan [during the game] lalo na kapag alam mong akala mo mananalo ka na pero may maiisip pa rin yung kalaban for defense tapos a-attack ulit po,” said Marzo in an interview.

Jamil Dela Cruz also shared in the interview that he still prefers face-to-face chess games rather than online. He said he can focus more on playing on the board rather than online because during a game, disconnection is one of the distractions which may lead to losing the game.

“Magagaling lahat ng players natin pero kailangan pa rin nilang mag-practice kasi online na ngayon. Ang nakikita kong problema natin ay yung pag-secure ng connection at paghahanap ng site kung saan maglalaro ang mga players natin,” Mr. Allan Tabuyo shared his plans for training the selected players in preparation for the upcoming University Meet.

TVM.

91

Illustration by Benmar Torres

vALENA m g

The

2022