The Kawayan Communicator

ISU conducts webinar on SMART University Development

In celebration of its 44th Founding Anniversary, Isabela State University spearheaded a webinar on SMART University Development via Zoom on June 8.

Mr. Boyet L. Batang, Vice President of Academic and Related Affairs, introduced in his opening remarks the speakers from ISU-Cauayan City Campus, namely Dr. Arnel C. Fajardo and Campus Director for Planning and Development Dr. Mary Jane S. Bitanga, discussed the different concepts of alignment in the strategic plan for SMART Campus Development.

Dr. Bitanga discussed SMART Education and Governance, SMART Research and Extension, and SMART Resource Generation, as well as examples of ISU-CCC SMART projects like the BPOTS Center, SDG Center, BIRD-C, and the installation, configuration, and upgrade of Campus Network Connectivity, Surveillance Camera, Telephony and SMART Digital Library.

In addition to the initiatives for the SMART University Development, Fajardo emphasized the need to consider the necessary inclusions in the proposed development: the professors and laboratory.

Attended by 200 participants, the said webinar aimed to promote interconnected, inclusive, and innovative SMART University Development.

Philippines’ first SDG Center launches at ISU-Cauayan

By Precious Mae G. Bacudo

CAUAYAN

CITY, Isabela - “The SDG building inauguration is a very significant step in highlighting our adherence towards the achievement of sustainable development goals,” said Prof. Fortunato De La Peña, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the grand launching of the United Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Center located at Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing of Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC), Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (BTFIH) & Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH).

With the partnership of

DOST, Local Government Unit-City of Cauayan, Isabela State University, and United Cities, the SDG building will serve as a center of excellence in localizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The building will be an innovation center for startups that will be working on technologies supporting the SDGs.

“Having wonderful partnerships that will last even if we are not here anymore that will continue to create positive change, that will continue to change the world at least one city at a time...” said Cauayan City Mayor Bernard Faustino M. Dy during his welcome remarks.

Through this center, ISU, along with its local, national, and international collaborators, can fully support the country in its

Cauayan City promotes Safer Internet Connection through symposium

By Willies Winsor Gabitan

The Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) of Cauayan City conducted a symposium on internet safety with the theme, “Click, Respect, Connect – CRC Next Level: Ligtas Ugnayan Online” in celebration of this year’s Safer Internet Day on Friday at the Cauayan City Bamboo Hall to teach the youth on internet safety.

Around 50 students and youth leaders from different schools and youth organizations in Cauayan City partook in the

symposium together with their advisers.

“The more people we involve, the more people we engage, with all the learnings that we will get today, the better for everybody, so that’s a challenge to you,” said Bernard Faustino Dy, the City Mayor of Cauayan, in his inspirational message.

To properly teach the youth the rules and regulations in the Philippines with regard to internet safety, LYDO gathered brilliant legal minds as the resource speakers for the

pursuit of sustainability.

Furthermore, according to Secretary General of United Cities, Kari Aina Eik, SDG work is for the people and the said center is an incredible example of how SDG can actually be able to work.

“Thank you very much not just being a smart city but a city with a heart,” Kristian Mjoen, Cofounder and Body of Director of United Cities added.

Ms. Seok Mei Goh also mentioned the four-phase approach: first, United SDGs center; second, renewable energy net-zero prosperity; third, innovative agriculture and technologies; and fourth, to make Cauayan the global SDG hub.

The ribbon-cutting was witnessed by the following: Secretary Fortunato De la Peña (DOST), Usec. Sancho Mabborang (DOST),

Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy (Cauayan City), Pres. Ricmar Aquino (ISU), Dir. Virginia Birguella (DOSTREG02), Ms. Seok Mei Goh (United Cities), Dr. Kristian Mjøen (United Cities), NEDA National Rep, Dr. Precila De Lima (ISU-C), Hon. Faustino ‘Inno” Dy (Isabela 6th District Representative) represented by Hon. Ceasar Jaycee Dy, Jr. (Cuayan City Councilor), Dir. Romleah Juliet Ocampo (DTI R02), Dir Dionisio Ledres Jr. (NEDA R02), Dir Raul Lambino (CEZA R02), Dir. Nestor Bongato (DICT R02), Atty. Marco Cicero Domingo (CHED R02), Dir. Joel Gonzales (DOLE R02), Rg. Gary Ka Hong U. Chong (PCCI R02), and League of Cities in the Philippines.

symposium.

Atty. Daphne Tricia Cadiente led the morning session of the symposium by discussing the Data Privacy Act of 2012 or Republic Act 10173 and the rights of a person should an entity ask for their personal information for a certain reason.

Atty. Cadiente also

tackled the Safe Spaces Act or R.A. 11313 and emphasized how this act provides a safe space for people of all genders and sexual orientations and for victims who experienced gender-based sexual harassment in every possible place or situation.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-CAUAYAN CITY CAMPUS

By Marilou Baybayan &

Jeffrey Cainglet

Redefining Boundaries

National Arts Month 2022 Celebration

ISU-CCC triumphs during UGames 2022

A LEGACY ARISES. First SDG Center in the Philippines officially unveils with a ribbon-cutting on March 25, 2022 led by the following officials: Fortunato de la Peña, DOST Secretary; Sancho Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations; Ms. Seok Mei Goh, Executive Director of United Cities; Dr. Ricmar Aquino, ISU President; and Dr. Precila De Lima, ISU-CCC Executive Officer. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Bernard F. Dy

CONNECT TO RECONNECT. Youths come together to expand knowledge on internet safety through symposium conducted by the LYDO of Cauayan City at the Bamboo Hall of Cauayan City, March 7.

CEd SBO holds Feeding and Reading Program

By Precious Mae G. Bacudo

“A small step can make a difference,”

Jeffrey Cainglet, College of Education Student Body Organization

President said regarding their Feeding and Reading Program at San Fermin Municipal Housing, on May 13. The said event aimed to take action regarding malnutrition and at the same time foster the literacy skills of the children, encourage reading appreciation to children, and lessen malnutrition at least one child at a time for a better future ahead of them.

“Children deserve to be taken care of and empowered because they could be our leaders, good servants, and a contributor to success; and we owe it to our children to believe in them. Our goal is simply to do what must be done,” Cainglet said. He also mentioned that this program is meant to address one of the global issues which is malnutrition also in line with the Sustainable

Development Goal Number 2, Zero Hunger. “This is one of the ways we have seen to make them feel valued with their right to learn and promote ‘no to empty stomachs’.” After successfully conducting the program, Cainglet mentioned, “Happiness is what it gave us, the satisfaction of seeing those children smiling and participating, and to feed them and share learnings with them is something fulfilling.”

Furthermore, Crizel Legaspi, CEd SBO Vice President shared what she has learned through the project, “If one thing, that would be that teaching is indeed a challenge.” She continued, “Nevertheless, the feeling of being able to educate and inspire other people, most especially those that are still in their starting point, is priceless. I won’t barter the moment I had with them. I may have gotten tired, but it was all worth it. Teaching is a calling.” SBO CEd marked that day as a remarkable experience to be able to extend their hands to children in need.

“It would be our inlining will as student leaders and future teachers to empower young

people, especially our children with guidance and care, and I am with my team to work with more fruitful and engaging accomplishments to conform to the demands with a feasible action,” Jeffrey Cainglet said.

Moreover, according to Cainglet, the project was suggested by Office of the Student Affairs and Services Director Dr. Josh Lord Aquino to extend the capability of the CEd SBO in organizing or conducting such valuable programs as the SBO won the most outstanding SBO during the 1st Kawayan Excellence Award. He also extended his gratitude for the support of the people behind the success of the program, “It won’t be possible without the blazing support of our college heads; our dean, program chairs, and adviser who always stand with us enriching the guidance and help.” After the success of the feeding and reading program, Jeffrey shared, “Hopefully, we inspired other organizations to do the same thing as what we have accomplished in helping our children.”

NEWS FEATURE

ISU Aurora Extension Campus Building to rise soonest

AURORA,

and contribute to the agricultural sustainability and strengthen the economic development of the municipality and nearby localities.

Executive Officer Precila Delima and other pertinent officials at Diamantina on March 10.

ISU Aurora Extension Campus is established to bring formal education and encourage local students to engage in agriculture, and transform them into competent and skilled agricultural know-hows thereby decreasing the cost of their education, to cater to the needs of the On-the-Job Training (OJT) students, to provide manpower needs to agricultural industries

ISU-CCC has chosen the Municipality of Aurora as the site of the extension unit because of its vast areas devoted to crop production like rice, corn, tobacco, and others; the presence of irrigation facilities, and pre-post harvest facilities; agricultural services like rice and corn subsidy, home extension services, seed inspection, livestock inspection services, are extended to farmers; available grounds for fish production, and promising locale for livestock development program. It has had an increasing resource for the last three years reflecting its ability and capability to sustain support to the program. It houses several major agricultural industries like BMDomingo Farms and Cornworld Breeding System, Aurora Premium Cattle, Inc., Calong Vegetables

and Citrus Farms, Esperanza Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Aurora Citrus farmers and Cooperative and Aurora Market Vendors Cooperative that serve as partners of ISU during the learning of students as well as stakeholders. It pledged full support by forging with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the temporary use of one building with 20 classrooms for a year or two which will be converted to a mini library, laboratories, conference hall, and faculty room for the initial operation. It appropriated funds for the purchase of five hectares of land for the campus site and demo farm, to finance the construction of the four-storey 27-classroom building and appropriation of one million for the initial operation and financial assistance for five years. It has shown a high agricultural course preference of senior high school students from Doña Aurora National High School and other neighboring schools in the

municipality and the province of Kalinga and Ifugao.

Since the extension is perceived as a “University within an Industry,” ISU Aurora Extension is committed to offer agricultural courses and agriculture-related programs like Agricultural technology specializing in SMART Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and Marketing program, Post-Harvest Technology, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) Major in Horticulture, Bachelor of Science in Food Technology and BSA in Animal Science specializing in Dairy, Animal Nutrition and slaughtering. It is also commissioned as a unit to develop food products from the agricultural produce of the Municipality through the Food Innovation Center and develop an agri-tourism site that will serve as a learning site and tourism destination for the municipality and nearby municipalities.

As jokingly uttered by Dr. Delima, “Pwede na ako magretire,” in her speech during the groundbreaking, she acknowledged that the establishment of ISU Aurora is a fulfillment in her career. It is a legacy that the people of Aurora, especially the youth, utilize for the development and progress not only for themselves but also for the whole town and neighboring municipalities in the generations to come.

“The establishment of the Aurora Campus is a five-year journey of building, presenting, and defending the documents until the final nod of the Board of Regent Chair Commissioner Lilian De Las Llagas with the continuous challenge and direction of the University President, Dr. Ricmar Aquino, and his Vice Presidents, the campus officials like Dr. Nery Quilang and Dr. Gabriel Luna, the partner agencies, DepEd Aurora and my Team Bamboo,” Delima said.

Mayor Uy expressed his gratefulness to all his Department Heads, Sangguniang Bayan members, Barangay Captains, DepEd officials, and stakeholders who untiringly contributed to the realization of the project.

“This is the result of unity among the municipal officials, barangay captains, private and public schools, and the community. The founding of the first agricultural college is one core aspect of the ‘Aurora Umaarangkada’ that will surely put the town at the greater height of success,” Uy said.

Aquino remarked that the institution is a symbol of development and unity for a progressive community and realization of the dreams of the youth.

The Official Student Publication of Isabela State University-Cauayan City

SHARING THROUGH LEARNINGS. A child eagerly participates during the Reading Program of the CEd SBO that aims to expand and improve reading and numeracy skills.

Isabela – The rise of “University within the Industry” or the Isabela State University (ISU) Aurora Extension Campus will commence soonest after the groundbreaking ceremony of four-storey 27 classrooms led by University President Dr. Ricmar Aquino with Aurora Mayor Jonathan Christian Uy, ISU-Cauayan City Campus (ISU-CCC)

ONE ISU BUILDING KNOWLEDGE. Dr. Ricmar Aquino, ISU President; Jonathan Christian Uy, Aurora Mayor; and Dr. Precila De Lima, ISU-CCC Executive Officer come as one as they witness the groundbreaking ceremony of the soon to rise ISU Aurora Extension Campus.

NEWS FEATURE

ISU-Cauayan faculty members outstand with awards on TOKC and DJANGO TOPC 2022

For every ten, one can hail from Isabela State University.

This was certainly the case during The Search for the Ten Outstanding Kabataang Cauayeños (Young SDG Heroes) and the 3rd DJANGO Ten Outstanding Proud Cauayeños 2022 as not just one, but three faculty staffers of Isabela State UniversityCauayan City Campus bagged one spot on the former and two spots on the latter.

Jessa Marie L. Alvarez, Chief of MultiFaith Services, and a faculty member of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) at ISU-CCC claimed one spot

By Willies Winsor G. Gabitan

in TOKC 2022, and it is no surprise that she became one of this year’s TOKC because her initiatives, programs, and achievements for the past few years were all for youth development and just worthy of recognition. To name one, all of her research papers are about educating the youth and the students, which were all published in peer-reviewed international and national journals.

Kevin L. Dela Calzada, a faculty member of SAS at ISU-CCC also became one of the 20 finalists but he, unfortunately, did not make it to the ten. Regardless, being one of the 20 finalists

is still a feat as it just shows how great and achieved he is as a Cauayeño.

Director of Socio-Cultural Affairs Dr. Freddie R. Cabrera went home as one of the awardees during the 3rd DJANGO Ten Outstanding Proud Cauayeños 2022 in the category of Arts and Culture, and this is because of how he promoted and enriched the culture and arts in Cauayan City and across the province with utmost dedication.

Dr. Lorelei C. Tobago, Director of Research and Development at ISUCCC, was also hailed as one of the 3rd DJANGO Ten Outstanding Proud Cauayeños 2022 in the category of Science and Technology, and no wonder, her scientific and technological contributions and ideas continue to add to the already-renowned identity of the University in terms of research.

Awardees and finalists of TOKC 2022 were based on how they advocated any of the goals under the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), their most significant accomplishments and most significant initiative or community involvement, and on the delivery, technicality, and persuasiveness of their interview.

“Bawal Bastos” in the premises of ISU-Cauayan

By Candice Mae Uy

TheIsabela State University–Cauayan City Campus recently conducted a webinar on the safe spaces act or the so-called “Bawal Bastos Law” due to the recent shift back to in-office work after almost three long years of work from home for both employees and employers as well as for the students returning for the limited face-to-face classes.

The Bawal Bastos Law, otherwise known as Gender-Based Sexual Harassment (GBSH), is embodied under Republic Act 11313 (R.A. 11313) declaring that all Filipino citizens are equal and must be safe in public and private spaces, online and in educational and training institutions.

In her welcome address during the webinar, Director for Academic and Related Affairs (ARA) Teresita Molano explained that the law mandates ISU to inform its stakeholders about the law, provide measures to prevent GBSH in the workplace, create an independent internal mechanism or Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), to investigate and address complaints, develop and disseminate a code of conduct or workplace policy which will reiterate prohibition on GBSH, describe the procedures of CODI, and set administrative penalties.

“The ISU administration ensures the provision of comforting both physically and emotionally safe environment,” she added.

Attorney Cherryl Arni Macutay-Alviar, CPA, the resource speaker elaborated the Safe Spaces Act imposing all of us are equal thus, we must be safe not only in private spaces but also on streets and public places as well as online and educational and training institutions.

Moreover, she expounded that R.A. 11313 is the expanded “Sexual Harassment Act” or R.A. 7877.

ISU-Cauayan secures its Gold in the University-Wide Debate Congress

By Angel Lu F. Cabael and Kristine Joy Romero

Isabela State University

- Cauayan City Campus (ISU-CCC) debate team emerged as the overall champion of the University Debate Congress held faceto-face at the Old Library Administration Building, June 7 and 8.

One of the highlights of the 44th Founding Anniversary was the Inter-Campus Debate Congress with seven participating campuses: ISU Echague, Cauayan, Ilagan, Roxas, San Mateo, Cabagan,

and Jones.

During the championship battle between Cauayan in the affirmative, and Ilagan in the negative on the implementation of a Federal System of the Philippine government, Cauayan prevailed hailing Danica Tuliao, its team captain, as Best Debater and Justin Andre Joson, Ilagan’s team captain, as Best Speaker.

On the first day of the said event, four teams advanced to the semi-finals as they lead the

elimination battle. ISU-Ilagan won against Roxas, Cauayan against Echague, Cabagan against Jones, and San Mateo won by default as the team Jones conceded.

ISU-Cauayan and ISU-Ilagan with a split and unanimous decision of the adjudicators progressed to the championship round having won against Cabagan and San Mateo, respectively.

Elimination round judges were Ms. Zyrene Cabaldo, Administrative Officer II of

Schools Division Office of Isabela, Ms. Rhea Pataray, News Anchor in 92.9 Brigada News FM Cauayan City, and Mr. Renz Ian Dacoron, Teacher III from Cauayan City National High School (CCNHS), the CCNHS Debate Coach and the Chairman of the Board of Judges.

Meanwhile, the semifinals and championship judges were Dr. Gilbert Eustaquio, Campus Administrator of Santiago Extension, Mr. Christian Bascones, Station Manager of Brigada News FM, and Mr. Joel Pascua Bembo, Debate Coach, seasoned Debater and the Chairman of the Board of Judges.

One beauty of the law is that the employer or the head of the institution who does not implement his duties and fails to take action on any sexual harassment complaint will be held liable. On the other hand, a student can also be filed with GBSH case.

Atty. Macutay –Alviar added further quoting Senator Riza Hontiveros that the “Safe Spaces Act is a game-changer. If fully implemented, it will promote policy change, behavioral change, and cultural change.”

The webinar is a part of the series of activities of the university to celebrate Women’s Month.

HAIL FOR THE STARS. Dr. Lorelei C. Tobago and Dr. Freddie R. Cabrera receive awards during the 3rd DJANGO Ten Outstanding Proud Cauayeños 2022.

TARGET LOCKED. The ISU-CCC bags Gold in the University-Wide Debate Congress consisting of (from right to left) Danica Tuliao, Cherlene Nisha Orbe, Nicolle Alipio and Jeszen Capal at the Old library on June 7 and 8.

BEYOND PRICE. ISU-CCC adds another feather to its cap as Jessa Marie L. Alvarez is chosen as one of the TOKC 2022 awardees, and Kevin L. Dela Calzada top 20 finalist during the 3rd DJANGO Ten Outstanding Proud Cauayeños 2022.

ISU-CCC holds its first SDG Workshop

The Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus conducted its first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) workshop on March 29, at the BPO Training Simulation (BPOTS) Center organized by Dr. Betchie E. Aguinaldo, Business Intelligence Research & Development Center Director and concurrently the Dean of the College of Computing Studies Information and Communication

By Heherson P. Valdez

Technology (CCSICT).

The training workshop “Glocalized United NationsSustainable Development Goals UN-SDG” aimed to create innovative ideas that will bring together the colleges on campus and how they are or could be constructed to optimize solutions in localizing SDGs for the community.

The workshop included an introductory session and a general overview of sustainable development targets. Ms. Seok Mei Goh,

Executive Director of United Cities, and Dr. Kristian Mjoen, Co-Founder of United City presented the global goals for sustainable development categories, awareness of cities’ transformation of UN-SDG concepts, and presentation of Net Zero Prosperity programs implemented in Europe and the Middle East. Their presentation was spontaneous and easy for the participants to grasp, which can inspire them to come up with unique and amazing ideas during their group session as part of the

workshop. The remainder of the session was divided into five groups, each of which focused on their selected global SDG category and its implications for innovation and technology. These proceedings of a workshop— in brief, summarize the key points made by workshop participants during their presentations and discussions of their chosen SDG category. The perspectives summarized here reflect the knowledge and opinions of individual workshop participants, and the results are positive. After the group session, Ms. Seok Mei Goh presented the selected Alpha Team to lead the SDG Center. The Alpha Team was spearheaded by Dr. Mary Jane S. Bitanga and the team members were: Mr. Ronald Isidro, Dr. Regine Monzanillo, and selected student-leaders.

Sustainable development is essentially an action plan that assists in achieving sustainability in any activity that uses a resource. Furthermore, it necessitates both immediate and intergenerational replication. Thus, sustainable development attempts to accomplish social and economic progress in methods that do not deplete the Earth’s finite natural resources. Therefore, everyone must all work together to find solutions to address these demands so that future generations can inherit a healthier, greener Earth.

City Youth Development Officer Christian Gonzales followed with a presentation of his study titled, “Filling in the Loopholes: An Assessment of the Safe Spaces Act,” explaining how the Safe Spaces Act fixed the insufficiency of existing laws and ordinances that aim to address the safety of the Filipino people against sexual harassment.

For the afternoon session, Atty. Gil P. Viloria Jr., OIC-District Public Attorney of PAO Cauayan, touched on the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or R.A. 10175 and explained how the internet is a breeding ground for the ill-intended, and how this act, together with related laws and rules such as the Data Privacy Act, provides cyber security for Filipino internet users.

Atty. Mark Lester Sanchez, Public Attorney I of PAO Cauayan, ended the afternoon session of the symposium with a discussion on the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 and explained how this act protects children from real or simulated explicit sexual activities, and by minors or those with a physical and/or mental disability that restricts them from fully taking care of or protecting themselves from any type of violence.

Students and youth leaders were given certificates for participating in the symposium and were allowed to have a pictorial, wrapping up the event.

OSAS ISU-Cauayan, PhilHealth LHIO-Cauayan spearheads virtual orientation on UHC

In line with the preparation of the University for its face-to-face class, the Office of Students Affairs and Services (OSAS) Isabela State UniversityCauayan City Campus conducted a virtual orientation regarding Universal Health Care (UHC) with the PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office-Cauayan (LHIOCauayan).

The UHC Act was discussed and explained by Zairyn Joy J. AgpalzaVillanueva, PhilHealth LHIO -Cauayan. She emphasized that the said act aims to protect and promote the right to health of all Filipinos and instill

By: Precious Mae Bacudo

health consciousness among them as well as to strengthen the rural unit to have a good health system.

Kimberly Gem L. Cortez, PhilHealth LHIO-Cauayan, presented the vision and mission of PhilHealth as well as its membership, registration, and contribution. On the other hand, Pritchelle N. Candari PhilHealth LHIO-Cauayan, introduced the PhilHealth Member Portal. This Online PhilHealth Portal is an online service of PhilHealth which helps the members to view their membership, contribution records, and Member Data Record (MDR).

Jesus Roberto E. Balagan, PhilHealth LHIO Cauayan, talked about the benefits of

being one of the members of PhilHealth. He pointed out that there are inpatient benefits that a member can use in case of an emergency. He also said that sooner, PhilHealth will launch its PhilHealth Konsulta wherein medical check-ups will be covered by PhilHealth. In addition, Mr. Balagan also highlighted in his talk the membership process which includes the Philhealth Membership Registration Form (PMRF), premium payments, and its benefits including assistance against COVID-19 such as testing package, community isolation package, and pneumonia package.

Agpalza-Villanueva, also discussed the following

reminders for students’ PhilHealth application: (1) Students who are 20 years old and below may be classified as defendants of their parents or legal guardians; (2) Students who are 21 years old and above can fill up the PMRF attached with a birth certificate or any valid ID; and (3) The Office of the Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) will assist the students in the process.

Moreover, Joseph D. Reyes, CPA Chief Social Insurance Officer PhilHealth LHIO-Cauayan, mentioned that regardless of the economic status of the students, health insurance is free but the office is still waiting for the official black and white.

Secretary Dela Peña pronounced also in his talk that he had been encouraging his colleagues in DOST to push through with a higher level of development in Region 02 as well as in Northern Luzon. In his six-year stint as the secretary of DOST, he had been pouring infrastructure projects like building research centers and programs like empowering marginalized communities focusing on the reduction of poverty. He added that the next step should be the creation of wealth out of the resources North Luzon has. This resulted in the conception of the TELA (Textile Empowering Lives Anew) Isabela which called for the Memorandum of Agreement signing of RYPIC, BTIH, & NTFIH. The agreement involves the DOST-PTRI, DOST Region II, ISU and LGUIlagan for the RYPIC, DOSTPTRI, DOST Region II, ISU, and LGU-Cauayan for BTFIH and DOST-PTRI, DOST CAR, and Apayao State College (ASC) for NTFIH.

“Ang makasaysayang pagpirma sa kasunduan ay panimula sa pagsibol ng pag-asa nating muli na magkaroon ng buhay ang ating kabundukan sa pamamagitan ng pagtanim ng Kawayan para mapanatili ang kapaligiran at muling bubukal ang tubig sa ating watershed tungo sa malinis na kapaligiran at matatag na mamamayan,” said ISU President Dr. Ricmar Aquino.

The forged partnership is a collective effort to boost the textile industry through science and technology which will definitely benefit the local citizenry.

First SDG Center | From Page 1

The Official Student Publication of Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus

COLLABORATE TO CREATE. The ISU-CCC conducts its first SDG workshop at BPO Training Simulation Center on March 29.

DepEd Cauayan, and ISAC, celebrates National Arts Month 2022

By Del Catherine Junio

In line with the celebration of National Arts Month 2022, the Isabela State University (ISU) SocioCultural Affairs headed by Dr. Freddie R. Cabrera hosted an art exhibition with the theme, “Sining ng Pag-asa” in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Cauayan City, Department of Education (DepEd) Cauayan, and Isabela Artist Circle (ISAC).

The event was held at the student center of Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus on February 14-18.

The program officially started with a prayer, followed

by the singing of the national anthem and ISU Hymn, and the opening remarks by Dr. Precila C. Delima, ISUCCC Executive Officer, who welcomed the guests and visitors. Cauayan City Vice Mayor Bong Dalin and City Councilor Caesar “Jaycee” S. Dy Jr. together with other City Councilors of Cauayan City, DepEd Officials, Rotary Club of Cauayan, ISU Officials, faculty, and students attended the event.

Participated by the ISAC members, the Art Exhibition presented artworks, wherein 50-60 percent of the artworks were created by the students of

ISU from different campuses.

“Kailangan talaga natin silang bigyan ng break kasi matagal na panahon na walang tahanan yung mga artist natin,” said Michael Waf Castillo, the founder of ISAC, during his interview with The Kawayan Communicator.

The said event aimed to acknowledge the exceptional artistic contribution and promote artistic movement and expressions as embodied in the field of visual arts, architecture, and the allied arts, music, dance, cinema, dramatic arts, and literary arts.

“Here in Cauayan City, we support our academe and

LGU Cauayan kicks off Buwan ng Kabataan 2022; free review for CSE Examination commences

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cauayan, in coordination with the City Youth Development Office (CYDO), Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Cauayan City, City Council for the Protection of Children, Ordo Justinianist, and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Cauayan Bamboo kicks off Buwan ng Kabataan 2022 through the Tulong-Dunong Para sa Kabataang Cauayeño: A Free Civil Service Review for the Civil Service Eligibility Examination at 3rd floor Bamboo Function Hall, City Government Unit, Cauayan City, Isabela, August 1-4.

The program is aimed at bracing the August 7 CSE examination takers through a four-day comprehensive review sessions and mock exams.

“Kahit graduate na kayo, nasa learning process pa rin

By Angel Lu F. Cabael

tayo. Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field,” Hon. Egay Atienza, City Councilor said in his welcome remarks.

Lecturers for said review are as follows: Mr. Marvin Cabantac (Philippine Constitution); Mr. Jasper Dale Maximo (Logic and Critical Thinking); Mr. Kevin Dela Calzada (Grammar and Correct Usage, and Vocabulary); Mrs. Krisha Camille Angoluan (Paragraph Organization

and Reading Comprehension); Mr. Arnold Pascua (Algebra Problems, Series and Sequences, and Graph Interpretation); Mr. Edwin Lloyd Siyang (Order of Operations, Ratio and Proportion, Fraction, Decimal, and Percent); and Mr. Lyndon Lazaro (Numerical Ability)

The free review held last August 1-4 is a kick-off of the city’s celebration of the Buwan ng Kabataan 2022 along with other activities for the monthlong observance.

feature different artists to support local talents,” Hon. Jaycee Dy Jr. said during his speech.

Provincial Tourism Officer Dr. Troy Alexander G. Miano stated in his message that ISU is not only an avenue for research but also an avenue for history, culture, and arts.

“If we are going to add H and E in ART, there will be HEART,” Dr. Alfredo B. Gumaru, the Schools Division Superintendent of Cauayan City said in his talk.

As part of the celebration, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed through Dr. Josephine C. Cristobal,

Director of Extension and Training Services with the different partners and linkages in Project Arts, Bayle Kultura De Isabela-a dance extension program, and Project Kansyona musical program.

“Students must continue showcasing their talents because they can be used to preserve the culture we have,” Dr. Cabrera said.

Hon. Garry G. Galutera, City Councilor and Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, formally closed the program by acknowledging the university for showcasing the talents of Isabelinos.

ISU, in partnership with LGU Cauayan,

Goodbye Tension, Hello Pension

The Isabela

By Del Catherine Junio

State

University Cauayan Campus Faculty Association (ISUCauFA) initiated a send-off ceremony for Dr. Visitacion M. Menor and Dr. Reynaria P. Quilang with the theme, “Goodbye Tension, Hello Pension” at the ISU-CCC Food Laboratory, February 16.

The program formally started with an invocation through Dr. Gabriel Luna, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), followed by the singing of the national anthem conducted by Prof. Meilyn A. Blas, a welcome address by Dr. Harvey T. Alejandro, President of ISUCauFa, and an inspirational message from ISU-CCC Executive Officer Dr. Precila C. Delima represented by Dr. Lorelie Tabago, Campus Research and Development Director.

“Both mentors are

inspirations to our life. It is sad to see you leave ISU but you will be remembered for the priceless contributions you’ve done to us,” Dr. Tabago said in her message.

Dr. Rimalou B. Serrano, former Executive Director, introduced the two retirees, Dr. Reynaria P. Quilang and Dr. Visitacion M. Menor who both started when ISU was still Cauayan Rural School, that became Cauayan Polytechnic College, and now Isabela State University.

Dr. Quilang served 43 years in service, and Dr. Serrano is perceived as a person who displays optimistic behavior even when stressful moments arise.

Meanwhile, Dr. Menor was introduced as a passionate person in whatever task she was assigned for the past 39 years and a generous person who radiates a smile.

Dr. Luna described Dr. Quilang as his genuine friend

and joked that she is his distant relative. On the other hand, he also described Dr. Menor as a good friend who first welcomed him when he was new to ISU-CCC. Dr. Luna ended his send-off message for the two retirees with a short prayer.

“Your shared wisdom, knowledge, and experience will remain,” Dr. Cipriano M. Ticman, Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), Institute Director of Institute of Agriculture Technology (IAT), said in his message to

the two retirees.

Mrs. Maria Theresa Q. Calasien, daugther of Dr. Quilang described her mother as a super mama/super ma’am.

“She is committed and dedicated and loves her work very much. Ayaw niya magretire,” she said during her speech.

Meanwhile, Mr. Edgar Menor, husband of Dr. Menor stated in his speech that female teachers have a lot of sacrifices because they can still take care of their family after their long day at school.

“I feel fulfilled as a mother and a mentor because I see my products such as Dr. Lorelie Tabago, the director of Research and development, Dr. Donabel Dumelod, Dean of College of Education, etc.

“Mahalin niyo and inyong trabaho para marating din ninyo ang aming narating,” Dr. Menor said in her response as a retiree.

“Retirement is to enjoy the things that I have never enjoyed before,” Dr. Quilang stated in her response speech.

Dr. Genalyn L. Capelo,

95 Parliamentarians attend 13th NYP Regional Assembly

By Heherson Valdez

National Youth Commissioner Laurence Anthony Diestro thanked all the participants who participated in the event despite the calamity brought by the earthquake. “I-share niyo mga matututuhan niyo, kayo ang magiging susi at tulay para magkaroon ng mga localized institutions na maging kapaki-pakinabang,” said in his opening message.

CAUAYAN

CITY, ISABELA - 95

parliamentarians from five provinces in Region 02 participated in the recently concluded 13th National Youth Parliament Regional Assembly on July 28-30.

The 13th NYP Region II Assembly has nine committees anchored from the Nine Centers of Meaningful Presentation – the Committee on Education, Committee on Health, Committee on Governance, Committee

on Active Citizenship, Committee on Economic Empowerment, Committee on Environment, Committee on Social Inclusion and Equity, Committee on Global Mobility, and Committee on Peace-Building and Security.

CHED proposes tuition hike and other school fees for SY 2022-2023

By: Marc Robert Tretasco

The Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) of Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus (ISU-CCC), headed by OSAS Director Dr. Jonathan Lord R. Aquino, conducted a virtual stakeholder smeeting for the proposed increase of tuition and other school fees.

He addressed that the last increase of tuition fees was last ratified in the School Year 2003-2004, and to add, the global crisis because of the

pandemic, the war between Ukraine and Russia, oil price hike, and inflation are reasons why CHED released a memorandum.

The memorandum discussed current and proposed fees about the increase of tuition, miscellaneous fees and other fees starting on the first semester of S.Y. 2022-2023.

On the other hand, OSAS director assured that parents, guardians, and students will not be burdened by this concern because it is covered by Republic Act 10931,

also known as the Universal Access to the Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017, which provides free tuition and other school fees for all college students. However, this decree provides only a one-year grace period on the top of prescribed number of years of the course of the student.

The virtual meeting ended with Dr. Aquino, expressing his appreciation to the peaceful and productive participation of the students, parents, professors and other participants of the event.

“The event plays a great important role: Number one is for linkages;we are meeting a lot of officers and members from different organizations. Secondly, it is establishing awareness of parliamentary procedures.

Thirdly, it is getting more awareness on the situations happening in the different

committees whether it be for global mobility, economics, youth empowerment, active citizenship, education, and whatsoever,” Dr. John Kit Masigan, educator and youth leader from the province of Cagayan, said in his interview.

This event is a project of the NYC through the initiative of Commissioner Diestro, presented by the Provincial Government of Isabela through the leadership of the Hon. Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III and the Hon. Vice Governor Faustino G. Dy III, in partnership with the City Government of Cauayan led by the Hon. Mayor Ceasar Jaycee S. Dy Jr.

The Official Student Publication of Isabela State University-Cauayan

LEARNINGS AND MEMORIES

The ISUCauFA attends the sendoff ceremony for Dr. Visitacion M. Menor, (Fifth to the right) Dr. Reynaria P. Quilang, (Third to the right) at the ISU- CCC Laboratory on Feb. 16.

Isabela hosts the 13th NYP Region 2 Assembly at Cauayan City on July 28-30 that aims to create linkages between youths and establish awareness of parliamentary procedures.

ISU-CCC awards and congratulates graduating ISUdyantes during 2022 Recognition Program

Isabela State UniversityCauayan City Campus conducted its annual Recognition Program at the ISU-CCC Gymnasium on August 8, as part of its three-day Commencement Exercises from August 8 to 10, wherein hundreds of outstanding ISUdyantes were recognized for their academic feats in and outside the campus and university.

Sixtythree honor graduates, 59 of which are Cum Laude and four as Magna Cum Laude, and hundreds of students from different colleges were given awards such as “Best Undergraduate & Graduate Research,” “Civil Service Exam Passers,” “Outstanding Leadership Award,” “Athletes of the Year,” “SBO & RO Presidents,” “Best in On-TheJob Trainee,” the 12 categories under “NC II,” “Cauayan City Scholars,” and “Performers of the Year,” among other

awards.

Academic Related Affairs Director Dr. Irmalyn Alejandro opened the program with her remarks, reminding the graduates to be committed to a life of discipline, and that they should never stop growing just because of the achievements they have received so far.

Cluster Executive Officer Dr. Precila Delima also shared with the graduates that a good student is not just someone with high grades, rather it is someone who has a positive attitude and is disciplined in everything that they do.

Mr. Alfredo T. Gajes, the guest speaker of the program and also an Operations Manager in Nature Research and Development on Agricultural Sciences, shared in his speech that despite the challenges a student may face in their academic journey, they can overcome them with grit and passion.

“Climb all the mountains

NEWS FEATURE

ISUdyante to grace the national runway on Mister Grand Philippines

By Laica Mae Asis

To the pageant-lover community of Isabela State UniversityCauayan City Campus, you might want to sneak a peek at this.

Clarence Gumaro, a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship secondyear student hailing from the College of Business and Management (CBM), is set to represent the province of Isabela at the 2022 Mister Grand Philippines, which will happen on September 25, should he be chosen to be one of the top 15 delegates.

If other ISUdyantes vividly recall, Gumaro is the charming representative of CBM during Mr. and Ms. ISU Cauayan Campus that shot arrows to the hearts of women and men alike and bagged many awards including Mr. Photogenic, Best in Swimwear, Best in Formal Wear, and Mr. SCUAA 2022.

Currently supported and managed by JosephC Casting Agency, Gumaro is undergoing training under Kagandahang Flores Camp, which rings a bell for some because the said camp is the home of Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, and even Miss Grand International

1st Runner-Up Samantha Bernardo, among other pageant kings and queens.

When asked on what he loves the most about joining pageants, Gumaro said he always want to make people proud when given the opportunity.

“It’s been my dream to give pride to my family and friends, kaya when I was offered to join and represent Isabela, hindi na po ako nagdalawang-isip pa,” Gumaro said during a phone interview.

Gumaro’s road to becoming the representative of Isabela is no easy feat as he and 99 other contestants had undergone thorough screening and 33 out of 100 only became official candidates. During this time, Mr. Josephus, who happens to be his talent manager, referred him and after some time, he passed the screening and became the official candidate of Isabela.

Gumaro also shared his time in Kagandahang Flores, saying that trainings include personality development, question-and-answer, and workshops of various natures, and he believes that his dedication in improving himself is what sets him apart from the other candidates.

“Naniniwala po ako na tulad ng iba ay may kakayahan din po ako at ipapakita ko po ang aking galing at dedikasyon upang manalo sa Mister Grand Philippines. I undergo trainings (and workshops) … Kaya handa na po ako na ipakita sa buong Pilipinas na ako ang mag-uuwi ng titulo,” Gumaro said.

No man is an island, so is Gumaro, thus during the interview, Gumaro expressed his wholehearted thanks to people who supported and helped him in his journey to pageantry.

“Una po sa lahat, si God dahil may nakilala akong tao na naniwala at nagtiwala sa aking kakayahan … Kay Sir Joseph … My local handler, nanay Rikki Yabut … At sa aking supportive na ama, family, friends, mga taga ISU, mga taga Isabela. JCCA, Grand Philippines 2022 family at sa mga hindi ko nabanggit: maraming salamat po.”

The crowning of this year’s Mister Grand Philippines will commence on September 25 and whoever bears the heaviest of crowns in this fateful night will be the representative of Philippines at the upcoming Mister Grand International stage to be conducted at Trinidad &

ONE STEP CLOSER. Shining moment for the 2022 graduates as they receive their winning awards during the recognition program at ISU-CCC Gymnasium on August 8.

CHASING DREAMS. Clarence Gumaro, BS Entrepreneurship 2nd year student is finally living his dream as he represents the province of Isabela at Mister Grand Philippines 2022 on September 15.

Face-to-face, not Face to fear

hen the COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency in 2020, it raised new dilemmas for everyone. Even up to this day, the world as a whole has been figuring out ways how to live and function normally in a situation where almost, if not everything is stripped out from the usual routine.

One of the widely affected sectors is the education system. Since COVID-19 is airborne, most countries closed the gates of scholastic institutions so the virus will not spread and infect more people, and in exchange, they opened the virtual gates of such institutions and conducted classes on screens so that learners will continue to be so in spite of the pandemic. Of course, the implementation of online learning sparked outrage and countless concerns about whether learners are really absorbing anything, especially when this online setup continues for about two years, that is why some countries opened the gates of their schools; “some” because others are still planning too, like the Philippines.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) plans to open

Wrestricted face-to-face classes in all degree programs this 2022, but they cannot force colleges and universities to impose the full implementation of it. According to Prospero De Vera III, not all schools can conduct face-to-face classes because “there are schools that have been doing distance learning and flexible learning even before the pandemic.”

Despite the chance of it not happening, the majority of

students want to bring back the stolen essence of learning, that is, learning inside a real classroom.

According to the survey of Pulse Asia conducted on June 2227, 2022 it showed that around 94% of adult Filipinos agree that children must be allowed to attend face-to-face classes and 67% strongly agree that children should be allowed to attend school physically or have face-toface classes in the coming school year while 27% somewhat agree with the idea.

In addition, it seems that the Philippines is ready to conduct face-to-face classes again simply because a lot of Filipinos have been vaccinated against COVID-19. As of August 3, 2022, and in Isabela alone, 92.5% of Isabelinos (1,163,005) have been vaccinated with the first dose,

86.6% (1,088,705) on the second, and 16.1% (175,629) have received their booster shot. To top that off, there are 328 active cases as of August 5 according to the National Immunization Program of Isabela.

With things looking promising, is it possible that we are already guaranteed safe faceto-face classes this 2022?

Honestly speaking, there is still a lot of adjustment to fix in learning, the establishment of support services, and the provision of necessary resources. The Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) must enforce health protocols to eliminate the risk of virus transmission such as

“No vaccine, facemask, no entry,” provide disinfection area, temperature checking, and strictly enforce social distancing. Additionally, continue pushing the authorities for better responsiveness towards this COVID misfortune.

“

do not want to risk lives, but we also do not want to be left behind.

Thus, blended learning modality is more preffered because it is effective and productive learning. There are some points that we cannot achieve through online classes alone. Moreover, internet connectivity is always unpredictable, which is why sometimes some students are left with no choice but to be absent during online classes because their

internet connectivity is acting up. Other students cannot self–study as well; lecture videos are not sufficient. Face-to-face interaction with teachers and classmates is far different from virtual.

The house-to-university proximity also differs for every student. Some may find it hard to commute and some might be in other provinces so online is a great way for them to not be left behind. For me, face-to-face classes should be conducted twice or thrice a week and online classes should be scheduled for it to be fair to everyone. We do not want to risk our lives, but we also do not want to be left behind.

Education is as important as our health. May next year be the appropriate time that we are hoping for.

lastly, education is also crucial to fostering tolerance between people and contributes to more peaceful societies.

Leave No One Behind

“Quality education for all.”

I know, you have heard this line countless times now and you probably find it cliché already, right? But have you ever thought why they keep on mentioning this line? Yes, because it matters. Though you might be sick and tired of hearing the same thing often but it is actually everything that you need.

What exactly is quality education? Quality education is one that focuses on the whole child;the social, emotional, mental, physical, and cognitive development of each student regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or geographic location. It prepares the child for life. Furthermore, quality education provides resources and directs policy to ensure that each child enters the school healthily and learns about the practices of a healthy lifestyle; learns

in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults; actively engages in learning and connects to the school and broader community; has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults; and is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment and participation in a global environment.

Why does quality education matter? Here are four main reasons.

First, education is the key that will allow many other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved.

Second, when people are able to get quality education, they can break from the cycle of poverty. Education, therefore helps reduce inequalities and to reach gender equality.

Third, it also empowers people everywhere to live healthier and sustainable lives. And

Quality education has been one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal. The UN expands on this goal, noting that it is to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” But despite having this goal, unfortunately, there are still children who have no access to good quality education due to many reasons but the common ground of everything is usually poverty. One of the saddest experiences I ever had walking down the streets of Cauayan City public market was seeing a young boy selling lumpiang gulay instead of attending and enjoying school. I walked towards him and bought some of what he was selling. After that, I asked him if he was still attending school and why he is working at a young age. He answered, “Tumigil na ako sa pag-aaral ate. Pinapabenta ito ng mama ko para may pangkain kami.” It was so heartbreaking to hear those words from him, but it made me realize how fortunate I am to have access to education and learning experiences routinely planned for everyone.

And then suddenly here comes the COVID-19 pandemic that wreaked havoc on education across the globe. The current crisis has worsened the situation. When students are urged to stay at home and the educational institutions

have remained closed, online education appears to be the only alternative to ensure the continuity of education of students. But the problem was, the standard online education is still out of reach of many students in schools, colleges and universities, who have limited or no access to computers and internet connectivity at home. If this urgent matter is not taken care of as early as now, it might get worse in the future.

So, what can we do? Ask our governments to place education as a priority in both policy and practice. Lobby our governments to make firm commitments to provide free primary school education to all, including vulnerable or marginalized groups. Encourage the private sector to invest resources in the development of educational tools and facilities. And urge NGOs to partner with youth and other groups to foster the importance of education within local communities.

As one of the most famous sayings stated by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon to help change the world.” If you are able to have the education that you are entitled to, do not let this opportunity slip through your fingers. And for those children who have no access to the education planned for them and those who cannot speak up for themselves, our voices would matter. Let us all have the education we deserve. No one must be left behind.

SHERRY MAE BALLESTEROS

LA LUMIERE

We

If you are able to have the education that you are entitled to, do not let this opportunityslip through your fingers.

“

Ireminisce a time when a marketing instructor who also happens to be a law student asked our class how we see ourselves 10 years from now. Two years into our pre-law degree, we have a high intuition on what response she expects from us which apparently showed otherwise. Most of the class responded of having second-thoughts of still entering into law school to pursue further studies in law due to one down-weighing factor: poverty. I, for one, belong to the clan.

As per the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), poverty incidence during the first half of 2021 increased from 21.1% to 23.7% translating to a total of 3.9M more Filipinos

On Poverty: Time for Recalibration

experiencing poverty. As a social crisis, poverty has been evident from one generation to another that to say that it is an isolated phenomenon to this day is an insult to whom it may directly affect who could be ANYONE.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), composed of 17 interlinked global goals is a framework developed at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that all UN member states are pledged to fulfill; the Philippines included. The first goal embedded herein is ‘‘No Poverty’’ aimed at ending poverty in all its forms. But to shed light, how likely are we to arrive at this agenda under present conditions?

ELLE A FAIT

Hungry for Ending Hunger

PRECIOUS MAE BACUDO

Did you know that the most common cause of death in the world is not murder, neither accidents, nor diseases or illnesses? It is hunger. In the Philippines, 12.2% or 3.1 million Filipinos experienced hunger in the first quarter this year. Unfortunately, this is the highest national hunger rate within 24 years and highest in Metro Manila in 23 out of 97 surveys since July 1998. With these statistics, hunger cannot be dragged on any longer and is non-negotiable: it must be combatted.

The spike of inflation is one of the reasons for hunger. Everyone is suffering due to high prices lately. The poor is more adversely affected by an increase in inflation, particularly if food prices are to blame. Food alone accounts for 34.8% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all households and as high as 55% for the bottom 30%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). With this, it will significantly affect the Filipinos’ capacity to afford goods, especially food. Filipino families may just opt to buy lesser food than their average consumption.

The statistics also stated that Filipinos do not have meals involuntarily which means they have no other choice but to skip meals because of poverty as the main reason. Hunger is a silent killer being the cause of death for many around the world. Having your last breath because of hunger

Poverty does not only encompass inadequate money for sustenance but rather not being accorded of resources needed for mere survival.

Poverty manifests in having scarce resources to cover the most basic needs, in not having access to basic services like proper healthcare, education, clean water and sanitation, and in not having a stable job or despite having one, decent living is far from being guaranteed. These are the true faces of poverty that transcend to its main connotation of only not having enough money.

The rise in poverty is, in itself, absorptive of socioeconomic inequality as it concerns and correlates to the many other SDGs ;decent jobs, quality education, improving infrastructure and access to healthcare to name a few; threatening economic growth which in turn reverberates across the community-a distraught to social tenacity.

hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round” by 2030. However, the goal of ending world hunger by 2030 is not being met. If current trends hold, by 2030, there will be more than 840 million people who are suffering from hunger. So what is the government doing now?

Good thing, this cross-cutting issue is, without pretense, not a hopeless case inasmuch as the member states are able to maximize linkages and this sets a starting point regarding the poor and the vulnerable as centers of development strategy suitable for strategic planning.

To ensure that the entire population is afforded equal-weighing rights to basic services, education, food security and nutrition, human rights, and economic resources, global involvement and participation induce much significance.

The member states may work their way forward in fortifying policies that (1) dispense a wide coverage of social assistance for those living in extreme poverty; (2) ensure social preservation for all vulnerable sectors of every region; (3) take into consideration the past, present, and future disparities of the broad transitions of

human development; and (4) stimulate the tackling of issues concerning poverty in a concerted effort to put an end to it.

There is indeed a huge amount of difficulty in achieving this target which will remain unresolved if it were not for a significant scale-up of international aid prioritization and political commitment rather than social crisis and political tension. But these all would never materialize if the rural communities are not empowered in the first place. The government must be able to pursue full recovery over pandemic to cater living in unprecedented times where the holistic welfare of its people is equally protected.

There is no doubt that the recent happenings which evoked a devastating social and economic crisis have tested our resolve over time, yet there is still so much more to do to alleviate poverty in the Asia Pacific Region and for a drastic change to finally occur that do away with the current policy prioritization that finds no growth, our policies need recalibrating.

Bb.ngKA

SingleBrained Leeches

ERIKA SILVERIO

No to parasitic attitude!

is a tragic scene no wants to experience on their last day.

In addition to the terrible human costs, war has devastating economic consequences. Russian invasion to Ukraine has become a significant disruption regarding the world’s food supply. The war also threatens food supply especially those who only depend on exports from the involved country causing food shortage.

With the goal of ending hunger, United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2, Zero Hunger, specifically aims “to end

The government has been doing some initiatives in order to combat hunger. Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order No. 101 creating and Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger (IATF-ZH) to put an end to hunger in the country by 2030. The Task Force’s ultimate objective is to end hunger by 2030, and one of its first achievements was the launching of National Food Policy (NFP). The NFP strives to coordinate and unify all government initiatives to combat hunger, a problem that has grown more urgent in light of the C OVID-19 pandemic’s increased prevalence of involuntary hunger. The government should take note that there are Filipinos starving behind their political decisions.

Analysts say that there is enough food on the planet; what we need to do is to reform food systems. Hunger should not be taken lightly as this will result into bigger problems: malnutrition hence succumbing to diseases faster. Hunger is a crime to humanity. Combat hunger, life depends on it.

As soon as I got to college, I often hear the words, “help one another and stop the competition.” A kind of mentality which I think is reasonable and sensible enough. Unfortunately, it has been improperly used by some students to leech on other students. Students who do not tolerate this practice are regarded as selfish and too competitive while the ones who do so continuously fall on manipulative compliments. Parasitism is being romanticized by normalizing it which is unacceptable because it is a selfish attitude that will affect not only the ones victimized by it but also the ones who practice it.

More than the goal of getting a degree, college is also about maturity and responsibility. Do not expect someone to do things for you while you do nothing but make believable excuses. Professors may have stopped the spoonfeeding practice but this is still present. The only difference is that, the ones who feed are no longer the professors but the other students who either deliberately tolerate their classmates’ laziness and irresponsibility or are blinded by their conscience and out of line generosity. Drawing a line between helping and tolerating is then very important.

Now that we are using the online platform in pursuing our education, parasitism has become more prevalent among students. There are students who

plead their classmates to send answers during examinations and quizzes as well as ask them to make their requirements. Absurd and grave as it may sound, but those acts succeed because they are reinforced with sugarcoated lies and excuses. It has become a very effective way of manipulating other students who have strong conscience and are weak-hearted.

We are young adults surviving in a battlefield with hopes of finishing it with victory. We all want to be successful but through fair and dignified ways. When it comes to helping people, there’s nothing wrong with it so long as we know the extent of doing so and with the assurance that our own sake is not compromised. Tolerating others’ parasitic attitude may save your conscience and help them in a way but the truth is, you are contributing to their inability of becoming better individuals. Depending on others solely on the other hand, will not do you any good because they are just temporary people in your life and will soon be on different paths as yours and by that time, you will be left struggling. You have become so dependent that you forgot to do things on your own.

Stop leeching on others and start becoming independent. It does not matter if you fail or make mistakes so long as you can peacefully sleep at night thinking you did your best and did not aggravate anyone. Success is best served when you worked hard for it not because someone did it for you.

The government should take note that there are Filipinos starving behind their political decisions.

“ “

ANGEL LU CABAEL

“ “

Like its physical counterpart, mental health is a quintessential part of an individual’s good health and well-being; once it is in shambles, a person may have a hard time adjusting to the cruel and unforgiving tests of the world. For the past few years, a lot of seminars, webinars, and podcasts apropos of mental health have been put out in the world, so I was expecting that most of us would have a keen or even basic understanding regarding

IGNIS FATUUS

Mental Health: a Pillar Built and Bent

WINSOR GABITAN

a support system, and prayers.

In addition, be mindful of the fact that not all people belong to the same religion as you do. Some can be Buddhist, others Muslim, Protestant, or even agnostic. While it is not your intention to offend, you may unintentionally offend someone suffering from a certain mental health issue just by sending them a Bible verse that talks about finding hope in the darkest of days.

So, as far as feasible, use a “non-religious” approach to showing assistance to people suffering from mental health conditions such as depression.

EDITORIAL

Redefining Boundaries

There were times when you ask yourself: “Who am I to speak on their behalf? Am I giving their stories justice when I could not even talk to them in person?” - remarkable lines of Mercado, a journalist, as he recollects a conversation he had with a relative of an overseas Filipino worker who bowed to COVID-19. An enormous thrust, in fact; as striving for the humanistic side of campus journalism within the context of a pressing global health crisis became more taxing now more than ever.

As we crossed the threshold of the lockdown, the normal stories and routines went into complete chaos slackening the standards and boundaries of the journalistic field. The collective range of issues starting from sociopolitical to cultural contexts through health milieu has been placed in a spotlight in the most unfavorable circumstance.

such. However, I was wrong as some people, online or offline, still stigmatize mental health or if they ever talk about it, they talk about it as a mere phase in life rather than a constitution of a person’s present and future state.

Take depression, for instance, and how it is seen as something that comes to fruition due to a lack of faith and/or attention. Sometimes when I scroll on Facebook, I see posts by some of my FB friends and schoolmates, and in such posts are quotes and explanations in paragraphs telling everyone that depression is nothing more than a clout-chasing tactic, or an illness that can only be cured by positive thoughts and prayers. Every day, my newsfeed is bombarded with posts such as the ones I have mentioned, and that is what infuriates me the most.

Firstly, depression can be due to internal and external factors that do not concern a depressed person’s belief system or religion AT ALL.

Depression can be hereditary through genes (meaning it can be passed down from one generation to another), low counts of neurotransmitters that play a role in a person’s mood, health problems such as hypothyroidism, hormonal changes, certain life events such as the death of a loved one, or a person’s social environment (Nemours KidsHealth, 2016). A person can be diagnosed with depression even if they do not belong to a certain religion, but a devout person can also be diagnosed with it as well.

While religion can mitigate the effects of depression since it provides people with a sense of hope that everything will eventually be fine and with a support system from other people, depression and mental health issues as a whole need more than just a sense of hope,

I have some religious friends with good intentions in helping someone they know that is depressed by talking to them about religion-charged stuff, but instead of receiving a “thank you,” “I’ll think about it,” or “I’ll try to get better,” my friends would receive “You’re so insensitive,” “I thought I was making a friend,” or even “Are you saying that I am what I am because I didn’t pray enough?”. If you know the individual belongs to the same religion as yours or follows the same ideals as you do, then go ahead and do it. Otherwise, do not and just empathize with them or be their safe space.

Second, and most importantly, depression does not occur because a person seeks attention from others; rather, it is because a person requires medical, psychiatric, or therapeutic attention. Sometimes all a person needs is someone to talk to, vent to, or offer compassion and understanding. Others use depression as a “trend” to gather reactions and make themselves infamous. That is why others are apprehensive when people say that they feel depressed or suicidal, but you may never know who truly are. To be safe, always commiserate with everyone, even if they are, unfortunately, faking their depression.

Other issues go unmentioned or unaddressed in this article, but if we, as a united nation, want to collectively “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages,” we must remove the stigma surrounding mental health by informing everyone that mental health issues are not caused by a lack of faith and/or attention.

Such issues are just as baneful as COVID-19, monkeypox, dengue, and other illnesses and diseases. It is just sad that they are not taken seriously by some people. Articles like this are not new to the world, but people need to be constantly reminded regarding this matter because, as aforementioned, mental health is a quintessential part of an individual’s good health and well-being; once it is in shambles, a person may have a hard time adjusting to the cruel and unforgiving tests of the world.

Has the pandemic, bringing the new normal, made campus journalism fragile or has it ripened it on numerous ends?

Campus journalists in this new normal felt the urge of reinstituting their roles. Social scale in campus journalism has been compressed as both the individual and professional dimensions of journalism tend to co-exist within the new space. Palace reporter Darryl John Esguerra emphasized in an interview that as journalists, it is necessary for them to laymanize the terms to the public to embody updates and policies from the government in response to the health crisis. In a way, campus journalism’s aim is to engage with the voice enough not to marginalize it as when professional standards must not be compromised in a challenging setup.

In the same way, it is impressively large for campus journalism to go beyond its limits –embracing stories while battling against and within them, reimagining the influences and voices while reporting on the increasing

COVID-19 active cases–encompassing them all on the community bubble.

While COVID-19 has broken the standard lines of objectivity, the pandemic indeed instilled an activation. It has widened spaces. It called for an immediate action for campus journalists to challenge themselves and move into a nourishing lesson on sensitive perception of individual and collective stories highlighting formative feedback, and applying constructive criticism on filtering information in these unprecedented times.

Aspire, within the spaces of a global pandemic to make sense as a campus journalist to behold the altering angles of journalism. Go forth and tell stories saliently.

EMRIS

Inclusivity for all

DARYLL LORENZO

"The Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all, and an enemy of none."

The fore-mentioned "iconic" line is from Bongbong Marcos Jr., the newly-elected president of the Philippines, in the 77th Session of the United Nation general assembly. It is true that we need statements from our leaders such as this

enough? Let us determine so by talking about our country's inequalities.

Addressing and reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind are essential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The inequality within and among countries is a rampant cause of issues that continue to stress a particular country, which, in turn, affects its people.

In the Philippines, we are renowned as an agricultural country with a reported 42.51% agricultural contribution in 2020, according to World Bank collection of development indicators compiled from officially recognized sources.

(IP) in relation to SDG 10, they are not offered that much opportunities in both their economic and social standing, affecting their livelihoods. Inequalities and discrimination against IPs have an impact on their ability to access basic needs and services.

Moreover, Persons With Disabilities (PWD) also find it hard to access social services such as education and health care because of poverty and their disabilities. It is obvious that attaining equality is difficult. Even though there are some policies at play for PWDs, but need to strengthen because it is unrecognized.

Let us support local businesses which uphold inclusivity by buying from our very own farmers; basically anything that Filipinos produce locally.

in order to reinforce hope in us; hope amidst the challenge of it all. However, words are not powerful enough to solve issues, hence, words should come hand-in-hand with action. Therefore, it is important to ask: Is this what we need and want? Are his words of affirmation

We have rich land, natural resources, and hardworking farmers but then we do not really prioritize agriculture and neglect agriculture sectors and the uneven distribution of resources worsened the poverty situation of our farmers.

In addition, discrimination against Indigenous Peoples

Everyone is equal from the moment we are born, it is societal issues that set the seggregation. We must speak out against all discrimination and treat everyone with kindness and respect, because if we can do it, we are not just reducing inequalities but we are also leading us closer towards better future.

The government must be wiser and think of solid actions on how to lessen inequalities in our country, words are not enough they must do on deeds as soon as possible.

WILLIES

CARTOON BY HAZEL SURBIDA

Everyone is equal from the moment we are born, it is societal issues that set the segregation.

...we must remove the stigma surrounding mental health by informing everyone that mental health issues are not caused by a lack of faith and/ or attention.

Rising Inflation Rate: Not a Crisis?

In the heyday of my youth, the toughest decision I have to make is to discern how far my one-peso can go. Do I buy it with a very random chew-gum that looks cool on the outside but horrible on the inside? Or shall I decree to use it on deliberating for hours on end what to choose from among Tattoos Corn Chips, Super Crunch, Ding Dong Snack Mix, Boy Bawang–the judgment to be rendered according to my pleasure.

13 years forward, the calm in the value of a peso has been disturbed. From the 2018 base year, one peso is now equivalent to 87 centavos. In plain sense, a peso in 2018 is already worth 0.87 pesos in 2022.

Upon the onset of the Marcos Jr. Administration, the incumbent has later inherited an overall skyrocketing inflation level conjoining with the tightening of monetary value on financial system in a global scale. What inflation generally implies is that a consumer’s money has a declining purchasing power. In other words, you can only now buy less for the same amount of money. Inflation then cements expectations of higher commodity price edges, faster spike in interest rates, and a further weakening of peso value with increasing trade deficits.

With the

Philippine inflation surging on its uptrend to a three-year high 6.1% in June 2022 forecasted by the National Statistics Agency to post higher rates in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, we sure are doomed.

The current rising inflation headlines spelled more strain for a developing country like the Philippines that is still struggling with the onslaught of the pandemic. The soaring prices of goods force Filipinos to make cutbacks on their expenses. For who are to

stuck. Elevated prices resulted to growing transport prices reaching to 2.7% from March, shifting of foreign capital distribution, and heavilyweighted meat prices with the highest jump from 4.9% in May to 9.1% in June.

Yet the most alarming of these all is how calm the present administration perceive our status quo despite the obvious economic damage. “I think I will have to disagree with that number,” Marcos Jr. claims at a July 5 press conference referring to the 6.1% June inflation rate as this number is not that high according to him.

such, in what grounds then does the government seriously project that such rate is not that high? There is, as a matter of fact, a monthly inflation rate acceleration starting March that surpasses the 4% stable record before and during the pandemic. The rating upheaval is now taking a serious toll to consumers as they get desperate into making both ends meet in their daily survival. While a number of nations have found their intervention measures to contain their exports to assure food security, the Filipinos are only weeping as the numbers are not that high for validating their sentiments.

So long as the government fails to see this number as a crisis, critical economic conditions will be felt. The administration should regard this as a very serious concern

to which proactive measures to fast-track policies must be taken immediately as a way of strengthening the economy as opposed to external shocks.

As there can be no quick resolution to this dilemma, Marcos Jr. will need to prioritize and revitalize our economic policies as we are entirely helpless in the prolonged pandemic. After all, taming inflation as we all know will require a sound balancing act of policymaking, delicate safeguarding of economic security amid external factors, and an active growth of investment to counter imbalances - all of which precede a competent governance.

Whether the Marcos Jr. administration is competent enough to accord treatment to the stretching 2022 inflation rate is yet to be determined.

ou should be doing this instead of that,” “That looks better on you than this one, or “You should be like him.” Many times, I hear these lines from people without even recognizing if the person wanted to fill someone’s shoe. These statements signal someone to fit in with ideals

bear the drawbacks of it but the consumers who, whether jobless or have a fixed income are similarly upset.

Inasmuch as the high prices of products hurt the economy, those earning only a minimum wage get

On the previous years’ uncertainty, we remain unsure of what lies ahead having only an unstable economy whose fiscal issues are at the same time being challenged. As

The Mystifications of Masculinity

“Yeven if it means stripping the will to shape their identity. It is not being rude not giving in to what people told you, but it is your discretion to be free from society’s notion of having particulars for different gender – or better told as shaping someone unrealistic.

Socially constructed roles associated with one’s sex or gender are rather suffocating. Some mirrors men as sporty,

muscled, and strong species. When they will see a clumsy boy wearing a clean shirt and loves reading rather than playing basketball, they think that there is something wrong with that boy. As a child who grew up in poverty, I experienced being bullied and belittled. I was a clumsy and poor boy and during my elementary days, I used to hide in a corner where no one can see me. I cannot read words or sentences in a loud voice that is why during recitation, my classmates laughed at me every time my teacher called me to read or to recite. Some of my classmates also questioned my identity.

My older brothers used to go to the field since they were young. But my father never allowed me to go into the field because he has high expectations for my future. He wants me to become either a lawyer or a teacher. I am not gay, but other people tend to tease me as “bakla" during my childhood days. Maybe they could not see the traditional man in me because I stay at home helping my older sisters with household chores. I do not easily get angry at them because I knew in my inner self that I am a straight man.

The use of language that is biased in favor of one sex and so treats the other sex unfairly is known as sexism (Lei, 2006). Men are also victimized by the sexism of society.

Normalizing men who wear pink clothes and makeup, who are soft and thin, and who prefer hobbies over sports. As a man, I grew up following the norms of society. Of how I should act, speak, and think. Through the years, I have been shadowing a rather different personality for who I really am. To all the men out there who are forced to conform to the prescribed image of man, I hope that we should not allow the world to form us on its own standard. Be with your own style as long as you know that in your inner self, you are a real man.

“Are you gay? Why is your voice so feminine?”

HEHERSON VALDEZ

EIUS FILIUS

To all the men out there who are forced to conform to the prescribed image of man, I hope that we should not allow the world to form us on its own standard.

“ “

Marcos Jr. will need to prioritize and revitalize our economic policies as we are entirely helpless in the prolonged pandemic

“ “

AGELESS FORTRESS

By Angel Lu Cabael & Nicole Jean Baquiran

Projections of accomplished professionals is typically confined to individuals with well-ironed button-downs in a wardrobe paired with a few inches tall stiletto or closed-toed O xford shoe. Meticulous and generally climbing-the-ladder manner, they are the professionals who have maintained and refined their crafts over their decadelong service; perfected and brought to perfection by time.

Such is not the case of the two most promising youngster professionals of Isabela State University Cauayan City Campus whose ages did not limit their horizons and are therefore maestros in their individual pursuits.

At a very tender age in the academe, Kevin L. Dela Calzada, 22, and Jessa Marie L. Alvarez, 27, both instructors and faculty of the School of Arts and Sciences have grabbed the attention of many for the fruits of their labor during the Search for the 10 Outstanding Kabataang Cauayeños (Young SDG Heroes) where nominees were chosen according to their advocacies, goals, and the initiatives they took part to that are in fitting with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Dela Calzada was hailed as one of the Top 20 finalists whereas Alvarez advanced to the Top 10 nominees last March 30 at F.L. Dy Coliseum.

An amiable daughter to Wilfredo and Rosie and sibling to Edilberto, Jessa Marie L. Alvarez, married happily to Edison Alvarez, is a pride of ISU Cauayan whose humble beginnings shaped her into the woman that she is now.

Her mischievous grin fills up the room as she enters its portals - a laughter that does not come close to the gained impression of her figure whose manners could be described as an intellectual with an inherently strong facade. "Ma’am Jessa," as she is fondly called by her students, has always been, in both the mundane and the subtle, curious of everything which started in her younger years.

Prior to being a mother of a ten-month old, crimethriller books sparked her interest especially so that the authors Ian Rankin and John Grisham urged her into becoming more passionate on

the hows and whys of every phenomenon. Later in life, her strong demeanor on how things work convinced her to pursue history academically and professionally.

Alvarez spent her primary and secondary education at Buena Suerte Elementary School and Our Lady of the Pillar College Cauayan respectively. Having known what her line of interest is, she took up BA Social Sciences Major in History Minor in Political Science at the University of the Philippines Baguio. Upholding learning as a continuous sail, Alvarez earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration at ISU Cauayan and is currently pursuing her Doctoral at ISU Echague.

Presently, Alvarez takes honor in her being a member of the academe teaching history as she aims to inculcate in her students that history is never a boring and unstimulating subject. Being an educator, she commits to debunk general misconceptions on history that precedes inspiring students to prioritize learning and acting with integrity more than aiming high grades or intelligence alone.

As a youth advocate of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Alvarez ought to give emphasis on her most significant initiatives which are responsive to the calls of the community.

In accordance with SDG 4 (Quality Education), Alvarez regards teaching as her profession a salient responsibility on her part that exudes a huge influence to the youth being the future nation-builders. “Educators like me hold a very important responsibility in providing not just knowledge but also values to our next generation because I believe that knowledge alone cannot produce a valuesoriented adult who exercises integrity, honesty, and love for the nation,” she exclaims.

Being a multi-faith coordinator of ISU Cauayan gave her as well the opportunity to be of service to the people; the youth in particular especially in times of crisis like when the pandemic hit its strongest. Alvarez is the adviser of Every Nation Campus (ENC) and a Victory Church member wherein the engagements she earned have gotten her more involved with the society. As ENC’s

The Official Student Publication of Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus

FORTRESS

Technology & Engineering Program. When asked why he became so acquainted with his hobbies, Dela Calzada said that communication holds a special place in his heart. That he became an articulate speaker because of the songs he had always memorized, native accent adapted

from the movies, thus, making him a language enthusiast. Hence, he began to love cinematography, learned to write stories which he also directed and produced. Not only did he confine himself to creative writing; he also became a journalist who used his pen to tell the truth, deliver news, and stand for what is right in any given situation. So then he considered himself as the voice that he always saw in his childhood years.

“As a son who has two sisters who were valedictorian and salutatorian when they were in grade school, I aspired to be like them.” Dela Calzada said when asked to name one of his accomplishments as a student. Regardless of him aspiring to be at the very top of his class, he graduated as an honorable mention. But he wanted something more, something better, like he was meant for greater things. That was why he dreamt of graduating from the Philippine Normal University-North Luzon under the Bachelor of English Education program with Latin Honors. Indeed, dreams really did come true for him when he marched in 2019 as a Cum Laude of his batch. With his dreams fulfilled and hard work paid off, he dedicated the award to his parents, who never once left his side, and according to him, were more deserving of the accomplishment than he was.

At the age of 18, Calzada took the Career-Service Exam (CSE)- Professional Level for him to gauge the pressure of being a national exam-taker, and subsequently passed. The pressure did not stop there as he faced the biggest day of his life, the day that would always be stuck in his mind, the day worth all of his sleepless nights, preparation, and diligence - the Board Licensure Examination for Professional teachers (BLEPT). Just like everybody else, his exam journey was a whirlwind; there were days when he would doubt himself and drown in pressure, stress, and lack of confidence. However, he always thought of that one particular line from a Disney movie: “Keep Moving Forward,” which served as his mantra throughout his life as a student. Despite all of these, he managed to pass and as of now, he is a professional teacher at the ISU-CCC and is currently taking his Master’s

Degree in English Language Education at the Philippine Normal University- North Luzon.

Wanting his professional journey to be purposeful, he became a language researcher. He presented his study, titled “Learning Literature via New Normal Modalities: The Experiences of English Major Students” at the 3rd International Research Conference on Teacher Education and Indigenous Peoples Education on November 20, 27, and December 4, 2021.

Nominated as one of the “Young SDG Heroes” in the Search for the Ten Outstanding Kabataang Cauayenos, he laid down three of his most significant advocacies in line with the achievement of any of the SDGs.

Commensurate with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Dela Calzada, having an immense background in cultural preservation, ought to led a forum for the revitalization of the Yogad Language. The same catered to the need of the community to protect our values and traditions, as its omission could jeopardize the language’s survival. Correspondingly, strategies and ideas for safeguarding, protecting, and preserving a particular culture in Northern Luzon have been established.

In addition to what precedes, Dela Calzada also adheres to the partnership for the goals of the United Nations’ SDG to involve and support the city's programs with children in conflict with the law and drug reformists. The initiative has had a significant impact on the progression of youth and offenders to become more productive and active citizens in their city. Dela Calzada also mentioned that this enabled him to reach out to those who require any kind of assistance through lectures and activities that empower them to reflect on their actions.

Setting his heart on helping his country achieve quality education, just like all others, Dela Calzada discerns to be better. He makes it possible through engaging in international seminars, training, and conferences for him to become a bearer of excellence in his field. He also imparted that since the education sector is currently in a crisis due to the pandemic,

it is a must for us to hone our skills and upkeep them with the demand of time. That being the case, this initiative will not only benefit himself but also his institution and his students by providing them with innovative instructional materials based on the various methodologies he learned.

Being a student, an instructor, a language researcher, and a youth advocate en masse, Dela Calzada regards himself as a man who has a blank slate that needs to be filled with various experiences from his environment. Taking that into consideration, he has postulated courses of action in response to the Labing-Pitong Hamon sa Bawat Cauayeño. To address poverty, he has considered introducing an income-generating project to each member of the barangay to which he is a resident in, mainly to produce a single crop which the residents could sell, considering that Isabela is a melting pot of agriculture. He would also like to take the lead in conducting a feeding program called :Busugin ng Pagmamahal” that aims to feed children not only in schools but most especially in impoverished areas where no easy access to food is available. Furthermore, being a lecturer and a life-long learner, he would also like to hold a quarterly symposium on reproductive and mental health awareness in coordination with the local government unit of Cauayan City. More than that, he also aspires to bring into being a program called “PUNO ng Sigla: A TreePlanting Project” to the youth of Barangay Marabulig II to combat the hostile impact of climate change. Dela Calzada, likewise, aspires to continue the extension programs at the Isabela State UniversityCauayan Campus, reaching out to people who have run afoul of the law and paving the way for their betterment. According to him, this could start a good partnership with the city’s LGU and could later on transcend into international partnerships.

True enough, even in youth’s clothing, one can make a significant contribution to society. Mrs. Jessa L. Alvarez and Mr. Kevin L. Dela Calzada are themselves living testaments that every pursuit knows no age and learning alongside growing knows no expiry–indeed a mighty and ageless fortress.

MOMENTUM PROPERLY PLACED

By Sharlyn Joi Guillermo

Witnessing his smooth interactions with people, Dr. Freddie Revilla Cabrera spreads warmth wherever he goes rooted in his welcoming nature. An Associate Professor 5 and Director of Socio-Cultural Affairs, Dr. Cabrera is a good-natured, dignified, and decently put together man blessed with a ray of sunshine that his confident smile within the fair complexion declares an individual rapport drawing him closer to his acquaintances and colleagues. Not even in any chance one would be hard pressed to understand his jovial personality which he made use in advancing his race starting from one commitment to the next.

At a very tender age, Dr. Cabrera is an academician who does research on institutional, cluster, university, national, and international levels. Through his unparalleled dedication on the field, he eventually became a recipient of Best Paper and Best Research Awards sponsored by highly regarded agencies and organizations. What is more to that is he was able to publish certain works of his on campus, national, and international refereed journals including international SCOPUS known to be the best abstraction and citation database for peer-reviewed journals. He also takes an active part in researchbased extension programs where he got involved in the organization of feeding and cultural outreach, literacy, and civic engagement programs.

Armed with such accomplishments, Dr. Cabrera was able to establish an apt momentum. Embodying a keen commitment to the community and youth in particular, he worked his way up to being a shock absorber when faced with difficulties in his selfless pursuits. Jampacked events and overwhelming activities defined his working days; his weekends barely spared. Among the many boards, he is utterly recognized for his significant contributions to cultural growth.

But who exactly is Dr. Cabrera in terms of cultural advocacy in all the years he had spent at Isabela State University Cauayan City campus? Recent entitlements he held from being a director to chairman, coordinator, coach, manager, and now the University Director for SocioCultural Affairs enabled him to champion his aspirations for the community.

Bayle Kultura de Cauayan

Among Dr. Cabrera’s most remarkable projects includes Bayle Kultura de Cauayan, an extension program to the adapted school of ISU Cauayan Socio-Cultural Group as he is as well the main proponent of Bayle Kultura de Isabela. This project aims to promote the profoundly treasured Philippine cultural dances through the conduct of training programs and workshops, and dance presentations and recitals with partner agencies and organizations including NGOs in Isabela.

Project Musika

On the musical facet, Dr. Cabrera championed the making of rising musicians. He pursued Project Musika for budding artists to have a niftier access to musical resources. Filipino culture is further showcased here through the conduct of singing and instrumental competitions on their online platforms.

Project Art

Project Art is a tribute to frontliners who became our modern day heroes at the height of the pandemic. It also generally serves as a way of restoring and redeeming everyone’s well-being; pinning one’s hope back again. Through cultural and arts education and entertainment, Project Art succeeded in fostering visual arts competitions along with art exhibits and trainings.

Dr. Cabrera’s advocacies on culture preservation around the province of Isabela proves true to how his dedication in his respective field manifests. No one, as a matter of fact can equal his manner of working. Dr. Cabrera was declared as the most notable educator in Region II and the greatest PASUC coach in national competitions. He was also duly recognized as an Art Ambassador and Ambassador for Peace for

his extraordinary maneuvers.

He has obtained expertise in promoting cultural patriotism by getting involved on campus, regional, and national cultural festivities at the university as early as 2007. His agile membership in various organizations comprising NCCA and Philippine Association for the Study of Culture, History and Religion enabled him to produce concealed youth flair on art’s

It was in 2007 when he began as a Regional SCUAA Meet coach. Come 2010, he worked as both a coach and coordinator of Socio-Cultural Triangular and Quadrangular Meets. A year after, he played his role as a coach and co-chair for Socio-Cultural competitions and Quadrangular Meets. Among his well-coached activities on the subsequent year include University SocioCultural Festival, Regional PASUC Cultural Arts and Festival, PASUC National SocioCultural Competition, and the National State University Athletic Association. While performing his duties as a coach in 2013, he was assigned as a tournament manager of the SCUAA Quadrangular Meet until 2015. Soon thereafter, he got appointed as the Socio-Cultural Director of the PASUC Culture and Arts Festival for two consecutive years.

Dr. Cabrera even so improved his craft on international conferences and workshops. His major takeaways from these affairs pushed him to organizing his own training workshops to enhance performers’ skill set. One of these is a dance training workshop he put out for the street dance preparation on the 2019 Gawagaway-yan Festival. His quest on outreach programs and cultural presentations also reached collaboration with LGU Cauayan City and the City of Ilagan, and agencies like DOST, World Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles, SCAP, PAEPI, PESO Regional Office among others.

Furthermore, Dr. Cabrera is and has become affiliated with recognized organizations in ISU Cauayan–Supreme Student Council, CCIT Mathematical Society, Skilled, Talented and Enthusiastic Performing Students (STEPS) Socio-Cultural Group Performers, and Kanlungan Philippines Movement. He also employs his utmost dedication in serving as a coordinator of ISU Cauayan Faculty Choir and Faculty Dance Troupe. Dr. Cabrera is similarly an accreditor for university survey visits and an evaluator-panelist for undergraduate research in the

Hence, it is no surprise that the multi-talented and awarded Dr. Cabrera was acknowledged as a recipient of the recently concluded 3rd DJANGO Ten Outstanding Proud Cauayeños 2022 on the category of Arts and Culture as part of the 21st Celebration of Cityhood

“Through this opportunity, I was able to widen my platform and to reach more people to become aware and to share as well the beauty in learning and experiencing our culture and our different art forms,” he exclaimed after winning the award.

The title he bagged was based on how the aspirants advocated any of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where they exhibited their significant contributions in the community in line with the category they are applying for, which in his case, is the category of Arts and Culture.

Indeed, Dr. Freddie R. Cabrera is a reigning pride of ISU Cauayan whose advocacies he was able to manage to take a hold of quite impeccably.

GEMS FROM

GAJES

By Candice Mae Uy

Told from a realistic and complex point of view, Mr. Alfredo Gajes, an alumnus of Isabela State University, returns to his alma mater as a guest speaker for the batch 2022 during the Recognition Program. It was held in the ISU Cauayan Campus Gymnasium on August 8.

Although he is already a successful businessman, now as the Operation Manager of Nature Research and Development on Agricultural Sciences, Gajes always presents himself as a humble man

and determination to achieve your dream and you must have to pray and consult God.

Second, focus on your goal. If you want to become successful, you must know how to stay focused in you plans.

And third, never quit and invest lessons from your mistakes.

The road to success is not easy. It is not all roses, there are thorns strewn along the way so prepare for the worse.”

In spite of all, with God by his side and the want to strive for a better life, Gajes enrolled into ISU at the age of 22 years old taking Bachelor in Agricultural Technology.

He was even accepted as one of the four scholars under “SIKAT SAKA PROGRAM” with his history as a farm tenant. It was a stepping stone opportunity that allowed Gajes to complete his college education and graduate.

And though he was not an honor student, Gajes was soon awarded a national winner as an “Outstanding Young Farmer of the Philippines”. He was also granted the opportunity to work as a field technician in a multinational corporation in Europe.

Gajes’ life story is not one littered with roses and sunshine. It is gritty filled

SERVICE Finding

By Jerribel

& Erika Silverio

four children who dives far afar from Ilagan, Isabela, to study at Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus with a challenging yet promising course of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English. His great qualities made him an excellent individual who can fit in various environments; be it on rocky shores that prevent him from advancing with his goals quickly, on deep seas where predators pull him away from his dreams, and on the icy seas where his skills were made frozen, Mr. Jose always blends and ascends to the surface to live out his calling.

He is a writer, a brilliant emcee in various events held at the university, and a skilled broadcaster.

“My confidence not only helped me as a student and an emcee but also allowed me to easily reach out and connect to people I serve.”

As Dory trusted herself to find her parents, Mr. Jose embodied the self-confidence to find the purpose that allowed him to eradicate inhibitions and build relationships with people. If Dory and Nemo say they would, Mr. Jose did. He is someone who cannot say no to service because he believes that serving contributes to his learning as an individual.

His dedication earned him several recognitions and awards from different award-giving bodies in the Philippines and outside the country. In 2019, he

with more failures than success much like those who have inspired him such as Henry Ford (Ford Corporation), Colonel Harland Sanders (KFC), and Ray Kroc (McDonald).

Towards his closing remarks, Gajes had this to say.

“I hope that the gems of thought that I have shared with you would help you become better persons.

These are kernel of knowledge and ideas, have them dropped in fertile soil so that eventually they would grow into young seedlings full of hopes and vision.

Climb all the mountains that you can see and when there is no more mountain left, build a mountain for you to climb.”

received the Magnus Testimonial Award held in Baguio City. He is a semi-finalist for the 10 Outstanding Youth Volunteers of the Philippines for the year 2021. He also became a finalist for the Mga Bagong Rizal Award in the year 2021, which was organized by the Philippine Center of Gifted Education.

By following the ocean currents, his accomplishments directed him to be one of the 2021 awardees for the Global Peace Contest organized by the Global Peace Foundation. Last March 23, 2022, he was awarded the 5th Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards along with various youth, artists, and businessmen with exemplary contributions to the community. He has been featured and recognized on different radio stations like Brigada and Bombo Radyo for making his fellow Isabelino proud. These are a few of his awards that will surely be added as he has committed himself to service and being an individual worth emulating by his fellow youth.

Being recognized by different awarding bodies is not his goal nor his purpose for dedicating himself to serving and leading. As an individual, he aims to make people feel the essence of having someone to turn to. Seeing people happy and benefitting from his selfless service is one of the priceless things that make his heart filled with gratitude.

And as to how a fish assist the aquatic ecosystem, Mr. Jose, a passionate youth leader, influences and inspires the youth to serve the country's needs. Hopefully, Mr. Jose continues his dedication and commitment to promoting growth and harmony in the vast islands of the Philippines.

Reyes

Dilaw o Di Raw

Walang sawang magbigay kulay at kaalaman sa mundong akala ng karamihan ay wala ng saysay Hindi na nakapagtataka na dilaw raw ang paborito niyang kulay Kulay na simbolo ng kasiyahan, inspirasyon at PAG-ASA ng karamihan Katalinuhan at karismang taglay ang ilan sa itinuturing niyang kalakasan Gayunpaman malabo? Sa unang tingin pa lamang sa kanya bigla ka nalang mapapa-isip magiging magkaibigan kaya kami nito?

Kasabay ng pagsagot ng aking isipan di raw? Subalit nang siya’y aking batiin sa unang pagkakataon agad siyang tumugon na may kasamang “po”

Tanda ng paggalang at pag-asang magiging daan sa aming pagkakaibigan na ngayon ay nagkatotoo at patuloy na nangingibabaw

Huwad sa Bayan

Akda ni Hackdog

Sakit na nagsimula sa isa na sanhi ng kapabayaan Displinang hindi kayang pairalin sa sarili na sa iba sinisisi Labas dito labas doon na akala mo walang kinakatakutan Panandaliang kasiyahan ang inuuna kaysa kaligtasan ng sarili

Paiba-ibang klima na nagiging sanhi ng iba’t ibang sakit Subalit nasa ating mga sarili ang kasagutan kung paano ito maiiwasan Nasa maayos din na pamamahala ng pamahalaan upang maging huwaran sa lahat Sa mga sangay ng Gobyerno na huwag abusuhin ang naturang kapangyarihan

Kahirapan at kakulangan sa edukasyon Ang isa sa mga sanhi na pabago bagong estado sa buhay Pagtangkilik sa ibang produkto ang nakikitang solusyon ng iba nating kababayan Paano uunlad ang sariling atin kung tayo rin lang ang papatay?

Hinay lang

Akda ni Ching

Hindi mo kailangan magmadali lalo kung ang daang tinatahak mo ay hindi madali Maaari kang magkamali kung patuloy mong ipinagpipilitan ang iyong pagkukunwari

Hindi basehan ng pagiging talunan ang tunay na nararamdaman Marahil ito ang palatandaan ng tunay na ikaw na hindi pwedeng punahin ng kahit na sino man.

Pagod kana? piliin mong magpahinga dahil ito ang iyong magiging lakas sa patuloy na hamon ng buhay Piliin mong makibagay sa sariling

mong oras dahil ito ang iyong magiging kaagapay sa sariling mong tagumpay

Hinay lang sa mga bagay na pilit mong hinahabol kahit hindi ka pa gahol

Hinay lang sa mga desisyon na walang kasiguraduhan at patuloy mong pinangungunahan

Hinay lang sapagkat ang isang obra maestra ay hindi agad nabubuo nang paspasan

Piliin mo ang sarili mong kapahingaan at ipakita ang tunay nararamadaman Mahalin ang iyong sarili sapagkat sa mundong ito lahat ay nararapat makatanggap ng pag-ibig.

Akda ni Karisma

Kawangis

Pananampalatayang nagsisimula sa sarili Hinuhubog ng panahon na sa atin ay nakatali Kasiyahan na hindi kayang tumbasan ng kahit na sino ay dito matatagpuan Itinuturing na tunay na tahanan at sandigan ng karamihan Bibliya ang itinuturing na aklat ng katotohanan Simbahan na nagsisilbihing bukas na tahanan

Pari na tagabahagi ng mga may aral na salita at nasisilbing kumpisalan Tagapakinig na nagsisilbing tagasunod at ang Diyos na kadahilanan ng lahat na itinuturing na daan ng katotohanan at kasiyahan Kapayaan at kaayusang ispiritwal ay patuloy na huhubog

Hindi lamang sa sariling kagustuhan kundi sa tulong ng Dakilang Lumikha na tagahubog Subalit saan hahantong ang naturang pananampalataya

Kung ang dating tahanan ay tuluyan nang nababahiran na ng takot dahil sa pandemya Hindi lang ang simbahan ang nagsisilbing tahanan ng Diyos

Kundi tayo bilang tao ang pinakatemplo at tahanan ng Diyos

Ikaw, ako at tayo ang pupuno sa pangangailangan ng simbahan Tayo bilang nilikha ang magiging instrumento sa bawat kakulangan ng sambayanan

Sandigan

Hinubog ng pagmamahal at tiwala Sa mundong puno ng pag-aalala Minsan ayaw nang magsabi ng problema dahil sa masasakit na salita Bawat galaw may mga matang nakasubaybay Isang maling galaw mo lamang parang ikay

Hindi sa mga masasakit na salitang maririnig na nagmumula sa kanilang mga Kundi sa aking kabiguan na paulit-ulit

Nakakahiya man sabihin na ako’y talunan Taas noo ko namang ipinagmamalaki na may pamilya akong takbuhan at Hindi lamang sa hirap at ginhawa pati narin sa kasiyahan at kalungkutan

Pamilyang ‘di mabubuo kung walang tinatawag na kapatid, nanay at tatay Hindi magsasawang ika’y samahan at pangaralan sa hamon ng buhay

Mga kapatid na kung ituring ko na rin ay pinakamatalik na

kaibigan

Dahil kahit saan man magpunta ika’y susuportahan at sasamahan

Si nanay na nagsisilbing ilaw ng tahanan

Si tatay na nagsisilbing haligi ng tahanan Araw-araw kang poproteksyonan masiguro lang ang inyong kaligtasan Striktong patnubay at gabay na parating pangaral ni tatay ay hindi maiiwasan May iba’t iba mang katangian at kakayahan Iisa lang ang hangarin at layunin Ang makabuo ng maayos tahanan na walang namumuong bangayan at kompetisyon

Hindi ang mga salapi at materyal na bagay Ang magpapatunay at magsasabing malayo na ang narating mo sa buhay

Kundi ang iyong pamilya na araw-araw sayo nakasuporta na kailangan man hindi ka iniwan

Sila ang nagsisilbing pundasyon at sandigan Sa mga panahong wala ka ng matakbuhan

Sila ang naging sandalan sa bawat galit at pighati na iyong nararamdaman Sila ang aking pamilya na humubog kung sino ako bukas ngayon at magpakailanman

Akda ni Astra

Akda ni Harley

Tayo Ang Salarin

Bilanngo sa sariling mga tahanan

Patuloy na nilalabanan ang sakit na dulot ay kahirapan at kamatayan

Bawat isa ay nababalot ng takot at pighati Subalit disiplina at pagtutulungan ay patuloy na nahahati

Habang ang iba ay kumikita ng limpak-limpak na salapi Kabaliktaran sa mga taong naiipon ang sakit at pighati Hindi dahil sa kagustuhan nilang mangyari ito sa kanila

Kundi ito lamang ang buhay na meron at kinahantungan nila

Pagod at sakripisyo ang puhunan ng bawat isa Pananampalataya at pag-asa ang pinaka naging sandata Hindi alintana ang peligrong kakaharapin Marahil mas mahalaga ang buhay na kanilang sasagipin

Subalit karamihan sa atin ay nakalimutan na ang salitang “bawal”

Patuloy na lumalabag at nagiging hangal Salitang bawal ay nagiging walwal Minsan mapapaisip ka nalang kung bakit pa sila nailuwal

Hindi ba tayo din ang dahilan ng ating sariling kapahamakan?

Kaya tayo rin ang magiging daan sa ating sariling kaligtasan Huwag tayong maging huwad sa iba lalo na sa ating sarili Marahil sa bawat maling kilos na ating ginagawa ay

may katumbas na pagsisi Matuto tayong pahalagahan at ingatan ang bawat isa Huwag natin ituring na kaaway ang ating kapwa Dahil ang tunay nating kaaway ay ang sakit na Covid -19 na kumitil ng milyong-milyong buhay Mas mabuti nang may kahati sa kita huwag lang kahati sa lamay

Pananatili sa sariling mga tahanan ay paigtingin Kalinisan at wastong pangangalaga sa sarili ay ugaliin Mas mabuti ng maging maagap upang sakit na covid 19 ay tuluyan nang malabanan Hayaan nating maging bilanggo tayo sa sarili nating mga tahanan kaysa naman maging bilanggo ni kamatayan Hinay-hinay lang sa mga bagay na hindi pa tayo sigurado Dahil kahit saan man tayo magpunta ay may nakaabang na peligro Disiplina sa ating mga sarili ay paigtingin pagiging abusado ay iwasan Upang ang sakit na dulot sa atin ng pandemya ay tuluyan nang malabanan

Gusto nating maging malaya at maibalik sa normal ang lahat?

Subalit hinahayaan natin ang isa’t isa na maging malaya sa mga bagay na hindi dapat Huwag tayong maging gahaman sa panandaliang kalayaan upang sa huli hindi natin ito pagsisihan Umpisahan natin ang disiplina at pagbabago sa ating mga sarili upang tunay na kalayaan ay tuluyan nang mapasa atin.

Pseudo escapism

Look at the sky

Screaming arcadian rhythms

Listen to the green leaves

Rustling with melodies of comfort

Feel the ocean breeze

Giving you warmth

Fly, be free

Like the birds soaring high through the clouds

Shine bright

Like the flowers waving with their delightful smile

Come, escape

This shambolic reality

Close your eyes

Be at peace

Breathe in, breathe out

And you’ll feel magic.

Akda ni Sherry

Akda ni Joi

Anyo Bagong

ni Sherry

Wala na ang dating ikaw

Tinangay na ng maiilap na alon Kinain na ng mga isdang kumakalam ang tiyan Nalunod, hindi na matagpuan

Noon, mata’y kumikislap Ngayo’y umiirap Nanlilisik Tila bubog, nais manaksak

Bibig na pula’y itim na Ngiping nagliliwanag Pangil nang tumatalim Nangangagat, nangangain

Samyo mong kay bango Napalitan na ng baho Nakasusuka Nakahihilo

Presensya mong maningning Naging patay-sinding ilaw Nakatatakot Nakakikilabot

Wala na ang dating ikaw

Don’t Rush

The growth of a plant doesn’t transpire magically overnight

It takes months or even years of hard work, endeavors, and resilience for a plant to grow amidst powerful aspects of nature Similarly with humans

Don’t expect your growth to happen miraculously all-night

The world is full of ill-disposed conditions and nauseating forces of nature that will try to hold your growth But that doesn’t mean that you will be stuck there permanently

Plants get over the course of heatwaves, winds, and storms

Yet once these forces are over They flourish again And so, you will.

Akda

Akda ni Soleil

Confession

My mind speaks when heart is loss Should I stop?

By: Marc Robert Tretasco

For the next step is glowing up

I’m waiting for you But you’re already waiting for someone Near to you who makes you smile

Are you still thinking of me just like I do? Are you now happy? I’ve taken your ‘time away’ seriously

I’m just a friend but it hurts You are letting me go to find the better one How can I forget, for I know my feelings to you is more than a friend?

Hi from you is now a silent goodbye Things are awkward, hence I still care about memories

Confession is for the brave Tired of chasing They say, chase the one you love

The sky seems so sad There’s no moonlight Only the stars but not enough You were once my light

Now it dims and goes far away Let me try to comprehend We are still good to be just friends

Days will come Either happy or sad The one that matter’s I tried

Confession

She was once my Sunshine

She may not be the brightest woman in the Universe Not the shiniest star in the Milky Way Billions of them might be better than her Like big, small and dying star out there

Suddenly here is the nebula then Wishing for great things to happen Hoping that someday she’ll twinkle As she tightly holding in a miracle

In a fast-changing night

Someone showed her the Light Supposedly, she’ll gonna shine bright Gonna shimmer like the star she idolized But gradually, clouds are turning into gray That the role star seems slightly pushing away Been carried away with a fraudulent play And she’s now hiding herself during the day

Out of the billion stars up above there You’re the only One I glaze in everywhere You are beautiful as the magnificent sky You were sent from Above to teach me how to fly

Stars align with your doe-eyed smile A moment that I don’t wanna miss even for a while Because I’m inspired to the uniqueness of her style Like the sun that shines brightly in the sky.

Akda ni Treu

The Beginning of Our Ending

By Yui The Brave

It was a breezy night- a despairing one, When I heard a 'ding' coming through my phone. While an unfamiliar name appeared on my screen, questions started to fill my head.

"Elo"- a three-letter word I never thought would change my rhythmic life. Didn't think much as we never laid eyes on each other before.

I was devastated, broken, and shattered those times. Never had the energy to entertain anyone; I caught myself tapping on my phone, shakily typing "uhm hi", Can't seem to explain why I'm feeling nervous and excited at the same time.

We continued talking- 'til we're congenial enough to discuss personal life.

I didn't understand- I thought everything was fine. Just like the sunset, you wanted to keep me behind the

mountains; But just like the sunrise, I wanted to keep you high above the clouds.

It was pure bliss- was. We had a great beginning- oh yeah, beginning. It was all good in the beginning, Why can't it be good in the middle? We had faith that we could be, didn't we? Or is it just me?

I'm starting to like this feelingUntil you decided to walk away. I was left all alone again; but this time by you. Guess it's time to turn my back from this delusional world you put me through- from this madness.

Been through hell; I don't wanna go back there. Believe me when I say, "It was good, until it lasted."

ISU shines at SUC Fair 2022

By Heherson Valdez

Isabela State University (ISU) takes the spot as the lead university representing Region 02 in the different contested activities such as Booth/ Bazaar Competition which aimed to showcase the diverse products developed by the different States, Universities, and Colleges (SUCs) in Region 02.

In addition, STEPS Dance Troupe led by Dr. Freddie Cabrera together with Kannaway Dance Troupe made the event hotter and more colorful as they performed a dance showcasing the various cultural dances in Region 02.

Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, ISU President, and Dr. Orlando Valderama, Vice-President of Research and Extension, showed their utmost support by joining the said activity.

44 participants join Campus-Wide Journalympics administered by The Kawayan Communicator

By Precious Mae Bacudo

Forty-four studentwriters from different colleges joined the Campus-Wide Journalympics in line with the face-to-face celebration of Students’ Week, for the first time in two years of the pandemic at Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus conducted by The Kawayan Communicator, April 26.

Along with the CampusWide Journalympics, Kawayan Communicator aims to select the best writers on the campus, publish newsletters and its digital version for public consumption, and promote the platform for students to practice journalism.

The said event is anchored with the theme: “Harmonized with one mission and amalgamated with substantial vision by penning the anticipated future.”

Emilia Berganio, Kawayan Communicator adviser started her speech by sharing a quote from Tom Stoppard, a Czech-born British playwright and screenwriter, “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon.”

Berganio also mentioned that this event will capacitate the learners with an understanding of the importance of journalism in social and political issues as the publication portrays the true face of ISU-CC of highly trained and competitive students.

Moreover, the campuswide journalympics tests

NEWS FEATURE

the credibility of the writers who will be the next staff of Kawayan Communicator according to Heherson Valdez, Kawayan Communicator Editor-in-Chief during his opening remarks.

Contenders who champed the contest are the following:

Laica Mae Asis, Kristine Joy Romero, and Jessica Baria topped News Writing English as first, second and third place respectively. Jessica Andaya and Karen Joy Bacudo are the first and second place respectively for News Writing Filipino. Angel Leal (1st), Daniel Narag (2nd), and Kristine Ordonez (3rd) excelled in Feature Writing English. In Feature Writing Filipino, Norilyn Cariaga (1st), Lorna Reyes (2nd), and Victor Levie Pascual (3rd). In Editorial Writing Filipino,

Arden Lucquiao, Octavio Hermoso Jr., and Joevert Ramos ranked 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Jahnelyn Basubas and Marvin Syrill Anthony Espineli snatched top 1 and 2 for Sports Writing English.

Zylheur James Agub, Aira Pascua, and Christian Jay Cambri finished as rank 1, 2, and 3 respectively for Sports Writing Filipino. In Editorial Cartooning, Jizreel Villar (1st), Hazel, Surbida (2nd), and Queenie Fernandez (3rd) excels. Lastly, Liza Pisalang topped in photojournalism.

“I wasn’t really expecting to be the first placer… I knew I did my best so I am really happy that it paid off. It was my first time writing again since high school. It brought so much nostalgia-the feeling of nervousness but also the excitement. I never thought

I could use my pen again to write news after so many years.” Laica Mae Asis said, top 1 in News Writing English. The following are the judges in each category for the said contest: Mr. Jayson G. Colcol for Sports Writing, Emilia Berganio for Editorial Cartooning, Arriane Kris Manalastas for Editorial Writing, Ronnie Boy Blas for Feature Writing English, Kevin Dela Calzada for Feature Writing Filipino, Visitacion Datul for News Writing English, Kevin Dela Calzada for News Writing Filipino, Heherson Valdez and Maria Ferrida Emily Berganio for Photojournalism. Medals and certificates

In Pursuit of Academic Research

By Candice Mae Uy

Graduating student

Heherson Valdez and his research paper has been accepted for the 36th Annual Meeting of Pacific Asia Conference on Language, Information and Computation (PACLIC 36).

The event itself will be held virtually on October 2022, 2022 running the course of over three days.

Valdez recounts his application for the conference meeting and dedicates his inspiration for Dr. Shirley Dita, a research and academic scholar he met during his midyear requirements.

And yet despite his initial fears and hesitance, he took up the chance not just to represent his university's department but the entire ISU system as a whole.

When asked what pushed him to try out for the conference, Valdez said, "The ISU's vision which is to be one of the leading research

universities in the ASEAN region motivated me to submit my paper.

I'm so happy and thankful to God cause all the sleepless nights are worth it.

I want to thank all my instructors and professors in the English Language Studies Department for their support and guidance since day one of writing my paper."

The paper presentation Valdez will be presenting at the PACLIC 36 on October 2022 is a Critical Discourse Analysis of Philippines Political Advertising.

Written with the 2022 general elections in mind, it explores how political parties used social media and language in their campaigns. It highlights how a particular discourse can engage and impact a society's culture.

This year's conference meeting, PACLIC 36 features the theoretical framework and processing of a natural language in a gathering for

various researchers from different fields to discuss the development and application topics in relation to the field of studies.

It is hosted in cooperation by the Department of English and Applied Linguistics (DEAL), Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education (BAGCED), De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, the College of Computing and Information Technologies (CCIT), National University, Manila, Philippines, and the Lasallian Institute for Development and Educational Research (LIDER), De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.

Following the university's vision of becoming one of the leading research universities in the ASEAN region, Valdez's participation in the PACLIC 36 is a stepping stone to setting a precedent.

WRITE TO INSPIRE. Aspiring student-journalists compete for a spot inThe Kawayan Communicator during the Campus-Wide Journalympics on April 26.

ISU-CCC, Naghari sa larong Sepak Takraw

By Sharlyn Joi Guillermo

Niyanig ng mga manlalaro ng

Isabela State University - Cauayan City Campus (ISU-CCC) ang larong sepak takraw nang patunayan nilang sila ang mga tunay na hari sa larangan ng naturang laro sa ginanap na University Games 2022 matapos magpakawala ng matitinding mga sipa na nagpataob sa ISU-Echague, 2-0.

Nagpamalas ng naglalagablab na sipa at malapader na dipensa ang ISUCCC sa unang regu at tuluyang

natambakan ang ISU-E, 2-0.

Subalit, pagdating ng ikalawang regu ay nahirapan ang ISU-CCC nang muntikang maungusan ng ISU-E sa ikalawang set ngunit sa bandang huli ay tuluyang naibulsa ng ISU-CCC ang tagumpay, 2-0.

Ang grupo ay binubuo nina Sherwin Acoba, Jaymark Nilo, John Ranny Gumbi, Jhon Benedict De Lara, Jean Hope Laguna, Eivan Daray at ang tagapagsanay na si Ginoong Elmer G. Agcaoili.

Sa huli nag-uwi ng gintong medalya ang mga nasabing manlalaro.

Undefeated ISUCCC WVT bags their 3-peat championship in the University Games 2022

Isabela State University - Cauayan City Campus (ISUCCC) Women's Volleyball Team (WVT) proved its withstanding skills and talent as they bagged their third straight University Games women's volleyball championship, May 28.

Against one of the teams with skills to compete with, the Cauayan City Campus Women's Volleyball Team overwhelmed ISU-E Stallions with a 25-23, 25-21, 25-19 victory.

"Yung effort, unity sa team, yung practice, yung communication," Benji Pascua, team head coach, points these out as their strategies to secure the third gold.

Accordingly, "mayro'n kaming good communication,"

said Irish Marcos, an allrounder ISU-CC WVT Captain, when asked what was their secret for winning the game.

However, Marcos said that the team never had it easy since they carry the pressure of being the unbeaten champion for three straight University Games.

"Yung [University Games] ngayon, masasabi namin na napaghandaan talaga nila. Lahat ng teams nagimprove. Lumakas sila. So, 'yong kaba sa'min nand'yan [tapos] yung pressure kasi kailangan naming i-defend 'yong title namin," she added.

Marcos parted a message for her teammates and assured them to have her full support even after she graduates.

ISU-CCC pride Exiled Squadron reigned in the University Games MLBB

By Marc Robert Tretasco

The

Isabela State UniversityCauayan City Campus pride swept the finals of the Mobile Legend Bang Bang (MLBB) during the University Games 2022 against ISU-Ilagan, 3-1, to victoriously defend and capture another gold.

Exiled Squadron topped the leaderboard following an undefeated performance in the group stage.

Moreover, ISU-I defeated ISU-CCC, 2-1, in the

round robin stage, with ISUCCC still in the leaderboard and awaiting finals.

Meanwhile, ISU-I dominated ISU-San Mateo in semi-finals, 2-0, enabling them to advance to the finals.

ISU-CCC’s hunger for victory cleared their unfinished business and completed sweet revenge against ISU-Ilagan.

Making a milestone history in the first ever E-Sport in ISU system, ISUCCC pride Exiled Squadron

composed of Bren Alfred Jose, Niño Rico Lucas, Klarenz Cabaldo, Nestor Adiarte, and John Flor Agcaoili, coached by Sir Charles Anselmo competed in the finals and triumphed, 3-1.

Niño Rico Lucas, thirdyear student hailing from the College of Computing Studies and Information Technology throned as the finals’ MVP.

Meanwhile, ISU-CCC received a trophy and a gold medal.

DID YOU KNOW?

Philippines has hosted the Southeast Asian Games four times: in 1981, 1991, 2005, and 2019.

Felicisimo Ampon, also called by the monicker "Totoy", is one of the greatest Filipino tennis players of all time, stands at only 4 feet and 11 inches: the shortest male competitor at Wimbledon, the oldest tennis and most prestigious tournament in the world.

Filipino athletes have bagged a total of 9 Olympic medals ever since the country began participating in such event, with boxing as the sport with the most medals received by Philippines.

By Karen Joy Bacudo and Laica Mae Asis

VICTORY. ISU CCC athletes show their extraordinary performances in the 2022 University Games of ISU, bringing the gold medal in Sepak Takraw Men’s Division

HISTORICAL TRIUMPH. The ISU CCC Mobile Legends players raise their campus’ flag in the firstever University Games MLBB. Photo courtesy: Marysol Reyes

HARD-EARNED WIN. ISU-CCC WVT employs their winning strategies to prevail against their contenders.

sports

ISU-CCC triumphs during UGames 2022

By

The Isabela State UniversityCauayan City Campus once again reigned as Champion for University Games 2022 for 15 consecutive years, proving its strength in sports against any other campuses with the theme

"Harnessing sports as enabler in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals."

ISU-Cauayan City Campus bagged gold medals in different sports events garnering 56 gold, 39 silver, and 50 bronze medals, wrapping up the event with a

total of 145 medals.

This year’s UGames was hosted by ISU-Cauayan City Campus in an attempt to reignite and enhance the sportsmanship of ISUans on May 26-29.

Nine campuses from Angadanan, Cabagan, Cauayan, Echague, Ilagan,

University Games ‘22 Final Results

Jones, Roxas, San Mariano, and San Mateo participated in UGames2022, with each campus fighting its way on top with 22 physical and virtual sporting events, most of which have male and female categories.

The entirety of University Games2022 was

covered by The Kawayan Communicator in partnership with The Forum Publication, and other active student publications of each campus so that the spectators who were not able to watch the event physically will be updated through their Facebook page.

DID YOU KNOW?

ISU-Cauayan takes the lead in the final medal standing during UGames ‘22 with 56 gold medals, followed by ISU-Echague (46), and ISUCabagan (39).

Willies Winsor G. Gabitan

GAME GRIT MAINTAINED. With perseverance and athleticism combined, ISU-CCC vigorous athletes championed the University Games 2022 maintaining its 15 consecutive year-reign on the pursuit of clinching the athletic crown.

Carlos Yulo is the Philippines’ first world gymnastics champion. David Nepomuceno, who competed in sprinting events, was the Philippines’ first Olympian in the country’s first Olympics at the 1924 Paris games.

Thrilla in Manila, a story for the boxing folklore conducted at the Araneta Coliseum in 1975, became infamous as aside from the event occurring amidst the 125-degree hotness, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier battled at such intensity that “both men were never the same again”, as said by sports analyst Nick Giongco.

Photo courtesy: Khaleej Times

Photo courtesy: Manila Bulletin