FEATURE

Taking online classes has become a reality, though it is not just your typical view of what reality is, but the actuality that you have to buckle up for with techniques and essentials for you to effectively conquer and win over. As the Philippines engage in online education via digital instruction and material, students tend to experience stress and pressure on a higher level which may come from loads of schoolwork or lack of resources in the comfort of their homes as stated by a study. With all the online class meetings to attend, and requirements needed to be submitted on time, it is imperative and plausible that a student is well-equipped with devices and gadgets that are considered necessities in these trying times. Though before you do a reality check of your equipment, make sure you are wellarmed on the inside by knowing or having these requirements:

Laptop or Personal Computer

Your smartphone may be starting to malfunction that's why a Laptop or Personal Computer would do you best. It doesn't have to be brand new nor state-of-the-art, but simply functional and available for your online class attendance and learning needs. Having a Laptop or PC would turn your engagement in digital discussions more convenient as you grasp concepts from a bigger screen compared to that of a Smartphone. You could also watch videos assigned by your instructors, and jot down notes on a sheet of paper even during lectures and recitations. Also, if you are to download large files concerning your courses, remove unwanted, duplicated, and unnecessary content for larger storage space.

Efficient Software

As you download and open documents, videos, or images for your learning, you need a good website browser and office suite for you to keep up with your online class materials. Standard software is already available in Windows and Mac computer systems, but downloadable versions such as Open Office are alternatives and are always found on the Web for easy access. To assure the quality of essential online materials on your device, installing Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Java, Anti-virus Softwares, File Converters, YouTube, and other applications would certainly aid in your learning experience with each of the said software being multi-functional and highly commendable for their performance. On a daily basis, these also contribute to information dissemination in the information superhighway, the Internet, hence, can be used widely and purposefully for online education.

Reliable Internet Access

Online classes are precisely implemented online that serves enough reason for needing to have reliable Internet access, most especially, for the benefit of the students who have to be alert of announcements at all times through applications intended for scholarly work. Poor reception would not be very much useful nor Dropbox modes of instruction considering the prominence of online classes. Not being provided with such a fast connection would make it very hard for you to cope with the meetings and the activities, as well. However, if you are in dire need of assistance, you can schedule then head to hotspots of free Wireless Fidelity. Hence, during high-speed connections, take advantage, and use the time for checking on your requirements and classes.

The simple bare necessities: online class must-have

by: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial | Artwork by: Jhulian Rodree Saria

Accessories

As you embark on the digital age of education, devices or gadgets are not the only electronics necessitated by online modes of instruction, but the accessories that come with it, as well. Headsets, flash drives, and webcams are the most common accessories used through technology-mediated coursework and participation. Using a headset improves your audio and the others'. Having Flash Drives is as sensible for if ever you run out of storage, you can just transfer the important file to the gadget. And, turning on webcams helps you engage in online classes better making discussions more virtual and real-time than ever. There may be a saying, "Keep your friends close, but, closer, your enemies," which applies to the thinking of keeping your accessories close for convenience and easy maneuvering. With these above mentioned necessities also follows some intangible qualities you need to comprehend for you to effectively cope with every lesson. Hereby, are the specified techniques for you to take note of to adapt and to adjust for the online class scheme with less hassle and struggle:

Treat Online Classes Like an In-Person One

Take it as seriously as face-to-face classes that would motivate you to stay competent and reliable despite the environment and the situation we all are currently in. Refrain from doing something inconvenient while your instructor is discussing; it might end up you not cognizing the lesson at all. Always be attentive.

Do Assignments Ahead of its Due

If you have the time to begin with your assessments, accomplish it within a day if you can, or make a time allotment for its completion in the next day/s. It is always better than furnishing it at the last minute before the deadline and will prevent cramming or hurrying.

Form a Virtual Study Group Use Your Teacher's Provided Resources

For further understanding of lessons, make use of the online resources and video presentations your instructors included in your modules. This would improve your study habits and grasping skills.

Have Dedicated Study Periods

Having Study Periods would aid in your learning comprehension, and would surely take you a step ahead of your lessons, especially, the ones that need attention.

Eliminate Distractions

Online classes take in the form of 'online' where a lot of distractions are present during classes, yet, these are easily reduced once you discipline yourself, and eliminate these for you to focus well.

Take Down Notes

Do not forget to jot down notes. Some discussions of your instructors may not be included in your handouts, but having notes of your own certainly ensures you are all caught up in your lessons. And last, but not least,

Beware of Sneaky Deadlines

These may be prominent, for instructors do believe that students have more time to accomplish tasks since classes are virtual and internet connectivity is reachable. Thus, always be alert of notifications, or check on your to-dos in respective online class platforms, regularly. Online classes are all about practicality; not only does it let education proceed, but it also develops the wise and savvy in you. Thereby, focus on your academic career through online learning, and bear in mind keeping track of the essentials is a must!

Maneuver

by: Maycel Villanueva

Someone has told me, I am the sailor of my boat Waves keeps on crashing my shore Penetrating deep, yet indestructible "Kill me Captain!" Numbness strikes fervently "Hey Captain, make it fast; otherwise, I wouldn't make it."

Someone has murdered the storm, and my boat made still Nobody's there, nonetheless, the wind blows from north "Have you seen the monster, Captain?"

"Run!" It has paced a swifty approach, Like a struck of lightning "Quick!" The chase has in its middle, we're close. "Keep on running Captain!"

Someone has robbed my little hope; The calmness of my ocean, Exuded like an open war "Stop!" My mind is about to explode, "Who are you!? Why are you here!? Move away!"

"Defeat!"

Who was defeated?

Yearning my all, yet stuck and unmoved

"Please, gradually pour your poison, I wish to not die early in this waving yatch."

Rigged

by: John Carlo T. De Ocampo

We have learned The basic rites of life Neither was I wrong Nor was I correct Judgements been cast-off Intimidation's been revoked We thought we were— But we weren't

All was just... A cluster of metaphors and hyperboles, A quarter of what we know from what we don't Never was I wrong That most was just fanged hyenas, housed tortoise, and circus lions.

Everyone was going nowhere Just aimlessly provoking no one— Other than themselves.

Key to the Heart

by: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial

In this day and age The heart is not always satisfied Sometimes, filled with rage Taken over by disgust and despise

Fragile and unstable One can only shatter it like glass The bearer may also be vulnerable Easily torn like a devastating blast

A character of the past Whom one ponders on May have his heart, at last Also harbours the key, this lovely person

Yet, the affection's veracity One harnesses toward A particular personality Does not compare nor move forward

Wounds heartaches leave heal As one realises his worth The person in the mirror feels From then on, puts himself first

It is incomparable The love for one's self, enabled For the real one who has the key To one's heart — himself, the one and only

Phantasy

by: Vernalyn Montero

Maria just killed herself. Affixed her gun point-blank to her head Throwing words on her bed. She's of great value but never been known. Her unheard goodness' nearing to unfold When she's already deaf, With her body rotten, Underneath the grave of nothingness. She then witnessed the wretched visage of truth, You never felt you're valued, Unless you've met your end. Without a little effort, You see beauty in eternal rest, And that is the worst, False belief in yourself.

Voices

By: Jullie Anne P. Belascuain

In the lake of voices you keep on drowning What is the use of fighting— If they would just keep on winning?

But no, it's all in your head Past mistakes you'll try to mend, Hoping to fix it before going to bed, If only someone gave their hand to lend.

You'll always do your best: In order to please; They never noticed your pleads, They often miss.

Oh dear me! Who gave you this course? You spoke louder. And you spoke and you spoke, Understanding the words Is like seeing clearly through smoke.

Please give up and stop resisting, The battle was rigged from the start

Accept your fate Continuing on will be futile I'm telling you, it's pointless There's no point hah! Look, others are pointing fingers at you.

You're defenseless as they attack you from all sides; There's no escape; You're trapped inside your mind.

Hyacinth

by: John Carlo T. De Ocampo

If only, Words truly were just words And they were never as painful As having broken limbs and swelling feet I could have just walked away.

If only, I ignored my sensible thought That she was different And that life's not unfair I could've just restrain myself From doing something I would only regret.

If only, Starry night was never written nor drawn I wouldn't be enticed to dream much Believing that not all stars were as crystalline as a diamond in the sky

If only, things have happened the way I thought it would. I wouldn't be forced to become the person I was, slowly hoping, I never was.

Far North Escape: An Exhilarating Virtual Expedition to Batanes

Do you still remember those vintage films that are used to be on screen having the concept of old castles, green pastures, and simple lifestyles?

If yes, then we're both on the same page. You see, I have also been a fan of anything classic for I am fascinated to know how they aesthetically look and produce big impacts on those who would by chance witness its beauty. The feeling of having your skin being caressed by the sunlight in the morning, fresh air to breathe, and animals that you can hear nearby are just way too good to experience; don't get me wrong, city lights also stun me but I do believe that being with nature now and then is a one of a kind. After all, province life is a worthy Emprise anybody could have. This year has been a lot stressful for all of us, since a pandemic outbreak is happening, travel tours are not advisable but since everything can be done on a virtual set up why don’t we just sit back, relax, and enjoy one of a kind virtual tour escape in the far north?

Animo'y tunay na paglalakbay sa Dulong Hilaga

On the northernmost province of the Philippines, there lies the most beautiful island in the country, Batanes. It is called the home of the wind for the distinct air coming in one place on the Island. Even if it is the smallest province in the country, we cannot deny the scenic structures of the lands which reside on it. As Buaron, Dave Ryan described the island at the website of tourism-philippines.com, "You can see the fields that look like a labyrinthine patchwork of green bordered by tall hedgerows of grass, reeds, piled stones and trees which serve as a crop protection from the fierce winds, and typhoons which commonly pass near the islands as well as huge waves that crash into dramatic cliffs and rocks that just out into the ocean, which undoubtedly look incredibly similar to the English moors and Scottish Highlands with a Filipino twist." He directly traveled to the Island and describe it all in his blog where many can take a look so that they will be oriented to it when they go. He also provided some details like what to eat, bring, and go-to places. Batanes is also consist of three habitable Island namely: Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang. Others are already unhabitable. The Island has sometimes really strong waves that can be dangerous and a reason why many tourists have a hard time stepping on the island. By: Marie Dominique Oña | Images from Google, Adrenaline Romance, Vigattin Tourism, Trip Advisor

Basco Lighthouse

As you'll walk past all of those hills, you can also spot there the most famous lighthouse that resides in the capital of the island known as the Basco Lighthouse which is considered a good spot to relax and to see how you look like you're on the top of the world. (But not as high as those narcissistic Mulligans)

Marlboro Country Hills

Escaping all the stress we had, we deserve a getaway to this place. Let me just quickly tour you in this paradise. As the virtual scenery gives, The “Malboro Country Hills or Rakuh a Payaman" were described by lots of people to be similar to the country of New Zealand where the green pastures are relaxing to view. Those hills are just simply pastures of Ivatan People who are the residences of the island. Since the island is located at the very end of the country, you can see from there the most issued island, the West Philippine Sea where the best spot to view it, is on the Vayang rolling hills. Come on, Beaches!

This place is known to have huge waves that directly crashes on its shorelines. But then if you want to take a dip, there is the Homoron Blue Lagoon with its gentle waves and the famous Morong Beach which is a very Instagramworthy place. The Santo Domingo Cathedral is the first church built on the island which many tourists also take sight of its prestigious construction. All the best shots from the drone can practically see the view from above which is highlighted more the beauty of the said Island. Aside from the best spot, they have also delicious delicacies that will surely fill up the stomach of every traveler just like the traditional Ivatan rice meal or what they call “Vunong” or “Kapayvunong” in Ivatan meaning “Pagsasalo.” As a student, I wonder how much would it cost me to take me to this paradise, worry no more because you can fly and experience it with all proper sales and book a flight as low as 3,000 pesos. Make sure to bring enough pocket money and save some of your allowances from time to time to check this out from your bucket travel list. Furthermore, a virtual tour is an efficient guide for future travels because it lets us see and be oriented at the place. Those captivating sceneries are more exciting to go to

305 km away from Taiwan

Ivatan people are known as the fishermen and farmers of the land. They manage to live on just simple island life, far away from the noise of the city their type of living is very peaceful. That explains why they are so kind and welcoming because they have established a good treatment for their fellowmen. Their old stone houses that are very durable to any typhoon symbolizes all their hardships in living on their island with the right amount of bravery and a strong personality that can overcome storms in life. Right on the Island of Batanes is where Mavulis or Y’Ami located which is known as the “Lonely Island” very few people can go there but it has been the base of many soldiers of the Philippines that are monitoring the West Philippines sea from foreign Invaders. It is known to be only 305 kilometers away from the country of Taiwan. You see, there are lots of instances that our land wants to be captivated by many other countries even in the past decades, and knowing that we have this kind of beauty for ourselves is that something we should appreciate and truly value. For the place that is being held by ours, payoffs a great amount of knowledge and refinement unto us.

Katsa:

Putting Old to New Fashion

by: Vernalyn Montero Some of us are used to having a cup of coffee in the morning, sit in a comfortable place, crossed-legs, while watching how trees dance with their leaves. Our eyes would reach multiple dimensions and we can tell how far a certain place had transformed. Change is inevitable, but we can always look back to how things had started, just like how you hold on to the bittersweet memories of your past. As most of us believe, the happiest and worthiest of all is always just the beginning, and I guess, that is the reason why we tend to always seek of going back to where we all started. It is relaxing and kind of nostalgic to imagine how simple our lives before; from the tools we used when we were babies up to the days we listened to the tales of Lola Basyang, less pollution, and chemicals. Can I ask you what brand of diapers you once used? Mine doesn't have a brand name and it can be used several times. Sounds gross, wasn't it? But no, it's not! I once used flour sacks or "katsa" as my diaper, "lampin" as what they named it. Why not? Before, we can find it anywhere since it can be used in other ways and gladly, one of the Palawan-based companies unveiled a clothing line made of "katsa" last September - the Ba'law Clothing.

Cast One's Mind Back to Young Days

AraPilak company is an advocate of eco-friendly fashion with three groups of farmers as the workers. It aims for environmental sustainability by making products out of repurposed materials to lessen the carbon footprint. AraPilak is derived from "Cuyonon", a native Palawan dialect, which means, "no waste." Hold your horses, people! Yes, they used katsa on their Ba'law clothing. Ba'law is also a Cuyonon word that means awareness. As I have mentioned, they are promoting sustainability and they are catalysts of environmental change. "We want to bring back this beautiful Filipino custom that makes wise use of whatever is available to us," said Jude Rivera, Founder of AraPilak. Aside from their advocacy to use eco-friendly materials, they also want to bring back the old days of Filipinos. They are creating diapers, handkerchiefs, curtains, and of course, clothes out of katsa. Being resourceful is one of the best characteristics of the Filipino, that's why some of the parents before had used lampin or katsa as a diaper, towel, and blanket for their newborn babies.

The Katsa Editions

During this time where we all are in the comfort of our home, it is better to use our time wisely; teach ourselves, acquire new ideas, and discover things. Look for a habit that can alter your boredom into positive vibes yet would not cost you a lot of time. How cool would that be? Flour sacks or katsa can be used in several ways. What a memory when you also once tried to wear a katsa diaper. Why not go and check the nearest bakery or fabric stores near you? Just wear a mask or else authorities are going to catch you. Aside from using flour sacks as a fabric, we used in embroidering for our TLE project back in high school, we can also use them as kitchen tools, first aids, and a useful thing in every corner of our home. Flour sacks can be a piece of baking equipment in our kitchen: covering a dough when we make delicious ubecheese pandesal, a towel that can drain any baking tools, a refrigerator cover, an apron, and a storage bag. It can also be used in an injured arm or other body parts as support. And of course, this can be cheap yet unique fashion by making clothes out of it. Instead of buying in the market, utilize every resource we have. Katsa may look out of style so bring out the best in you and be creative! Amid this catastrophe, it's better to spend on something for various purposes. A Katsa can provide a livelihood to everyone, look what AraPilak got. Earn an income and keep acing the fashion!

Nostalgia in White Dust: The Tragic Tale of Manila Bay

by: Jullie Anne Belascuain & Marie Dominique Oña | Images from DENR

When I was a child, I used to love this instant mac n' cheese noodles that I would literally eat every afternoon while watching the show “Blue’s Clues” on the television. It was the good old days back then which reminds me of what is now happening to the then highly regarded place in the Philippines – Manila Bay. White sand Project

Years of abuse from irresponsible people have taken its toll at such a point where the place was being scrutinized to a pollution hotspot. It became so filthy and disgusting. No one in their right mind would find swimming in that murky waters surrounded by floating waste and say that it is satisfyingly a nice place for travellers. Hereafter, the Department of Health (DOH) released a statement in 2019 which warned the public to dispel any ideas of going for a splash until it's deemed "safe" for recreational swimming. It was also last year when the government decided to take proper actions against the obvious problem. The first phase of their restoration started on 27th of January 2019 together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). There are an estimated 5000 participants eager to participate in the clean-up of the esteros. Over the next few months that followed were the dedicated government efforts to rehabilitate this harbor. We appreciate what they've done so far. All in all, it was a step towards the right direction. But who knows? It's still a waste of money considering the situation we all are currently in.

Picking up the pieces

Returning back from this round-trip of mine, the latest white sand project, however, is a huge step for the beautification of Manila Bay. Out of all the things, using a large amount of money to spread and fill the shores of Manila Bay with crushed dolomite. It's similar to cleaning a dirty room by sweeping waste and dust under the rug and stuffing everything else under the closet. I remember older generations bragging how beautiful it was when they were younger. Its crystal-clear water can substitute a mirror and offer a refreshing swim for anyone. No wonder why it used to be one of the world's bests. Not only that, it is also the reason why Manila is the capital of the Philippines. This natural harbor is placed strategically so that it could effortlessly support commerce between our country and our neighbor countries. For instance, the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, way back 1593 to 1815. Too dreadful that what remains for us now were none like that. They allotted ₱390 million budget in the middle of a pandemic for the said project and to reconstruct the old bay. President Rodrigo Duterte said it was actually a remarkable plan. He believes that despite the logical evidence pointing to the contrary. Beside him, there's also the Presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque, claiming that it would be beneficial for our mental well-being, and the DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda who believed that it will lessen littering. Looking at my old-time favorite mac n cheese, it makes me wonder, what if they chose to adjust it a little bit and not to completely rebrand it? Especially, what my childhood self and other children that time used to live by the original flavor they once endorsed. Manila Bay is truly unfortunate. It used to be something great not just in its appearance, but also in its usefulness. Now it became a mockery of its past self, inexplicably stuck between the hands of greed and indecency. It seems like the dream of returning back to its former glory is rather slim.

Forced Stagnancy and Retrogression: A Displeasing Greet to a Sudden Era

Article By: Marie Dominique Oña & John Carlo T. De Ocampo | Artwork by: Venessa Mendoza

Life has changed into something distant that no one had ever expected that things would occur the way it currently is. All of a sudden, everything feels like a fantasy movie, and no one, literally no one, got any other choice but to deal with it. There was even an instance where people even made a humorous twist that there maybe someone out there playing a game which originated in the movie, “Jumanji.” Neither less, our concept of reality has altered.

Lingering Sensation of the Past

People had enough of what is going on this year of 2020. They were then anxious about being disrupted of their ready-made plans and goals, most were confused about why such a thing did happen, while others were just simply mad because they had either lost their jobs or forced to postponed a big event in their lives. We never know the same feeling; the only thing which we're certain about was that this year, is filled mainly with challenges and that the most invitingly provocative part was being disordered by the pandemic. It did stand as the game-changer where everyone must upset their lives for a pause in a snap of a moment. I just wanted to refrain that all these things were happening and all these crises were just a nightmare and I would be glad if I or us, could escape it and choose other options instead. These immediate changes lead us to something where we are obligated to slowly cope. As the world continues to spin in whatever form or situation is, it is always the person who needs to adjust and go along. We don’t have any choice. We are not capable or entitled to change how the world wants to circulate, the only thing that we have control of is within our own lives. As a student, my daily routine begins with waking up, drinking water, eating breakfast, taking a shower, to make things concise, getting ready for school. Apart from this daily habit, now that there is a disease running on around and almost all of us were in an isolation; my mind would always tend to be all over the place. Unlike the old routines, I don’t quite think of school anymore or worry that I might miss my class or forgot to bring a project from home. The old, daily routine had changed into something new. It became waking up at midday, having my first meal in the afternoon, browsing through my social media until dawn, tried to read at least one chapter of a book that just won't do, eat dinner, wash, and then go to sleep. There is nothing much going on and I am fully aware that I should make it somehow productive or worthy. But before you judge me of tardiness, it’s just that no one owes anyone in this time of crisis. You can still communicate with your friends by choice, do those workouts which you're always thinking of, and whatever the rest still lay on your hand. This is indeed a matter of surviving but everyone has their ways of figuring it all out. It is a snap of change. No one had warned us of having this new normal while simply crossing the roads right after their works or classes. Even newscasters or experts had never totally predicted that this might happen. It is just a reminder that life is short and surprising and that we should live with it until the day for it to say its farewell.

Reality Check

Just imagine me right now. I should be in my newest pair of crop top and high waist jeans with black shoes but instead, here am I, with my old pair of baggy jogging pants, hoody, and mask on, picking up our daily supply of food from a long line at the grocery store that has started almost at the entrance of the mall. And just when I thought life could not get any harder. It suddenly does. Let me also enumerate some other things besides your daily routine that has changed since the pandemic started. Transportation has been tough where you should endure the heat throughout the ride inside that small space surrounded by plastic to maintain not interacting with other people. You should always bring your ID or a “Quarantine Pass” to ensure your safety. You, your friends, or whatever you call your relationship to another person is, are not allowed to touch intimately or hug them outside when you see them because everyone must maintain a distance from each person. Travel plans are highly prohibited and canceled. Mass gatherings are also not allowed which means that the most awaited events are either, did not really go according to plan or has already been canceled. Mostly, too many lives and jobs are gone in that spur-of-moment. The virus chooses no one. Manufacturing Company of food and other necessities has grown in high grossing sales due to millions of people's demand. It might be good news for them, but bad news for those people who are frantically buying their usual needs caused by the crisis. Grocery store shelves suddenly closed. Everything is a matter of survival and if you do belong to those people who strive every day to barely impose food to eat, you sure are missing the rotation of the world. Schools, restaurants, salons, and even your favorite go-to places were officially closed. We are stuck in isolation where we must keep our distance from each and everyone or have a barrier to communicate for us to somehow feel that we're all still connected.

Flashes of Hope

Our emotions are heightened up to what is happening. Anxiety, depression, and fear will all rumble up in one place inside our heads. Let’s just give it in because in a normal situation it is a big deal of adjustments for all of us to take a big leap in our lives. Today is different because the fast phasing moment of our lives has suddenly changed. There is no notice or warning and having those emotions inside are just a way of reacting to an abrupt moment. When you go outside, you will see a lot of people wearing different types of masks. There barely are any people rushing towards their businesses that everyone used to notice. There are only a few people who walk fast for they do need to cross the road before the stoplight turns red or the need to force oneself in a tiny seat on a jeepney ride for you have no other choice but to hurry in your class. Not everyone today has a busy morning or cold nights because you are stuck in traffic on your way home. Some people had already grown their hair too much and either, they are getting fat or skinny. Today, everyone is busy minding their businesses inside their own house. But remember that even though we're all under isolation; we'll all still be together with this. It may seem like a pause or a quick break from this fast phasing life we once had knocking from above. We should not lose hope for there are still a lot of people who believe that everything will soon end. 'Change is the only thing that is constant.' It is one of the most famous phrases you may hear but it is indeed a fact and can be very timely. Problems may take a while to slowly be solved, so take that every strength you still have, try to do that workout you always are planning on doing, take the opportunity to grow again, stare at your bedroom ceiling until you decide to stand up on your own for God-knows-how-long and you'll, later on, realize that bright sky's no rare. And so does seeing a ray of hope of all these intriguingly-insane phenomena we're all currently in.

BatStateU Boost up Library Website amidst Pandemic

By: Monilyn Araja

Easy to access. Highly interactive. Rich with resources. These are the services that Batangas State University (BSU) gave as they improved its library website ideal for research, readings due to pandemic. BatStateU library website is applicable for learning, a repository of relevant information, and a basis for attainment and invention of new knowledge. The revitalized library service is a university’s commitment to helping Red Spartans in academic and research journey even at home. Meanwhile, BSU speeds up the shift to digital ad electronic means of reaching out to its stakeholders to provide new ways to deliver academic services amidst the pandemic. BatStateU also expanded its library services to provide worthy experience to academics and address restrictions in physical movement. Consequently, this pandemic opened opportunities for digitized and online service delivery to reach a broader audience with excellent speed, access, and convenience, while improving the quality of services.

DICT Malvar installs Wi-Fi for all at BatStateU-Malvar

By: Merwin Samarita

Department of Information and Communication Technology of Municipality of Malvar coordinated the Information and Communication Technology of Batangas State University-Malvar Campus for installation of Wi-Fi for all Red Spartan this Academic Year 2020-2021.

The high-speed Wi-Fi with 15 Mbps network speed that will use by the Red Spartans includes the faculty within the vicinity of the University. According to General Service Office Head of the University, Mr. Wilbert Lumbera, “The free Wi-Fi is just like free Wi-Fi on Mall and each student needs to register first before they access the connection.” Students may use the Wi-Fi in accessing any sites including the apps except to those sites that were banned by the National Telecommunication Commission. “It will be a great innovation to education most especially that even if having face to face most teachers will still be utilizing Google classroom,“ Mr. Lumbera said in an interview. Mr. Lumbera also uttered, “And anywhere in the campus students can manage to make researches real-time because of this improvement to internet access. Imagine even when you are in canteen, in corridor, in hallway you can manage to submit activities and assignments. So maybe this is a new normal way of instructing students.” Mr. Lumbera added that this online platform maybe by the students in taking quizzes and no need for test papers and ballpen.

Messenger: Stand Guard Over Kids

by: Jullie Anne Belascuain

We have been dealing with a lot of chaos lately. Everyone had no choice but to call this unusual circumstances a new normal. This Coronavirus (CoViD-19) pandemic made #StayAtHome not just a trend but an order. Consequently, Department of Education (DepEd) had made a decision that classes for school year 20202021 will be done through modular and online learning instead of face-to-face. Since technology plays a vital role in our lives, what to expect? Even kids nowadays are spending most of their hours in various social media platforms. Since this virus outbreak made most of us a digital native, it is really important to be safe especially our younger siblings, they are not knowledgeable enough about the internet world. Year 2017 when Facebook launched this child-friendly application in the United States and eventually expanded to 70 other countries last April. On September, with the help of Stairway Foundation, the Child Rights Network, and other safety partners in the Philippines, this messaging app finally became accessible to the Philippines - the Messenger Kids.

Kicking the Risk

I know once in your life or I must say multiple times on your social life, you have experienced scrolling on Facebook and suddenly an inappropriate videos and posts of kids and some abused kids appeared on your newsfeed. I know its annoying, disappointing and sometimes you'll find yourself crumpling your fist especially if those kids are related to you.

Since identity theft, hacking, child pornography, cyber bullying and other issues are present in social media, it's better to keep an eye to the young ones who are lack of awareness about the social media world. Through the demand of the situation, Facebook made an action and came up with Messenger kids.

This is a messaging application dedicated for children between the ages of six and twelve since it's a safer and more secured substitute that will allow parents to have more control over their children's online life.

At first, this application didn't immediately take off because it was considered as an inferior version that needs some improvement on its controls. Despite that, it became well-received due to the adjustment made by the company to answer the requests and demands of its user.

Exploring its Spotlight

There are individuals who are gullible that at some point even though they are not really sure about the product, as long as they've heard something good about it, they'll impulsively grab it, and so as true as this Messenger kid. How sure are we about this one? "Facebook has done a good job of balancing features that both deliver the right information to keep parents in the loop about their child’s use of Messenger Kids, while also allowing children to have fun and learn digital literacy skills," said Larry Madrid, an internet safety advocate and CEO of ConnedSafely.org.

Messenger kids has many features such Parent Dashboard and Supervised Friending. It allows parents to fully monitor their kids' online experiences. They can see how the children use it and they can even be notified if their children ever blocked or reported someone while the latter allows their children to add and/or remove people from their contact list and their parents can check what they are doing real time. "…It’s important to give parents the power to manage their child’s experience, like seeing what images and videos their children are sending and receiving. It’s great to see Facebook providing additional information without overwhelming parents with too much detail,” he added.

Aside from safety features, of course Facebook ensured that this application can ease the boredom of the kids and make them happy with simple incorporated filters, reactions and sound effects when having video chats with their friends and family and they can fully express themselves through stickers, gifs, emojis and drawing tools.

Though it offers good features, maybe some kids might feel a little bit awkward to know that everything they do, even if it's just on Messenger kids, will always be reported back to their parents. Oh kids, better not to chat the little cuties you admire!

Working amidst Pandemic

"Through our work with Stairway Foundation, the Child Rights Network, and other safety partners in the Philippines, we learned that Filipino parents are looking for ways to help their children stay in touch with friends and family during this challenging time, in a fun and parentsupervised environment," Facebook's APAC Head of safety Amber Hawkes said.

We are all aware that online classes don't let children interact with their classmates nor have a close bond with their teachers. Messenger kids comes in handy because it lets them connect with others and they are able to communicate with their instructors in order to state their concerns or ask about what they don't understand about the lessons on the module.

This health crisis truly makes things inconvenient, even the education system becomes more challenging for both teacher and students. As the social distancing normalized these days, for ourselves and for the children's protection, technological advances such as Messenger Kids and other social media platform are needed more than ever, as it allows online learning to be more feasible and it's one of the main sources of online communication for school purposes and connections.