THE PREMIER POST JANUARY 2022 TABLOID

Homeless in Gapo’s battles that we forgot

ANGELICA MAY C. YAP

The world hit pandemic in the hardest way possible that people never anticipated. These years bombarded many, killed a lot, and locked up millions of people in their homes. Hopes were turning to ashes as some loved ones did when this deadly virus attacked our lives. It was more than a difficulty, even such words cannot express how difficult it is to live in these trying times, let alone people with no home to go strive to stay alive and still be the same.

I thought living in this pandemic was so hard that I could not survive mentally, emotionally, and physically but I was wrong. I was wrong in so many ways that I forgot many unfortunate people with no home exist in this situation.

SILENT BATTLES THAT ARE WORTH A THOUSAND TEARS

I regretted the day I forgot what my dream was, and I could not be thankful enough to be reminded of what that was.

Obey health protocols

MIA CONCEPCION

It was early in the morning, 5’oclock at the market. My night shift was done as I was working in a call center. I was about to go home exhausted and very much sleepy. It was a busy night indeed, my mental health was on the verge of insanity, I was so broken inside but I could not believe that these shattered pieces would turn into a very sharp slap on my face.

I saw people sleeping on a pavement on a very freezing morning with trash bags as their shield against the freezing morning. I saw them waking up with no life in their eyes, devastation, and a dying hope. I do not know their story, but their situation speaks it all out.

What I saw was a manifestation of a silent battle – it was painful than a loud mourn.

I thought that I was trying to be strong but no, they are the ones.

My very own eyes cannot let go of the images I am seeing, and it made me realize the importance of life and opportunities ahead of me.

A heart was crying for them as they weep their pain away from them. I do not think it is getting away from them, just maybe it is going away.

If a Samaritan can help them in an instant, I believe this person would help them right away.

January 2022

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLUMBAN COLLEGE, INC. OLONGAPO CITY

The Health Offices (CCHO) has renewed its call for employees of Columban College, Inc. (CCI) to keep obeying the minimum health protocols to avoid a repeat of the covid-19 surge last year and to ease the school’s gradual transition back to normal.

“Ma

intain physical distancing and lagi po sana tayo sumunod sa mga guidelines. Manatili sa bahay at para hindi na maulit ang pangyayari na ito,” Dr. Maria Lourdes A. Abayari told The Premier Post in an interview.

The school’s in-house physician stressed the importance of heeding the guidelines, saying that the failure to do this was what triggered the spike in covid-19 cases among CCI employees in the first place.

all CCI workers—from the administrators to the non-teaching and maintenance staff—are required to submit an accomplished daily health checklist, especially on the days when their physical presence on the campus is needed.

They can do this online through Google Forms before they leave their houses, or manually right before they enter the school grounds, using the slips provided at the gate.

Depending on the information shared, the daily health checklist guides CCHO as to the steps it should take, particularly in terms of contact tracing, which is why honesty and transparency in filling it out is a must.

According to Dr. Abayari,

THE EYES THAT SPEAK PAIN

The Health Offices (CCHO) School Doctor Dr. Maria Lourdes Abayari shared her sentiments regarding the challenges Columban College had to go-through during the new normal.

The school’s in-house physician admitted their mistake last September of 2020, wherein they immediately pushed swabbing all personnel, despite going beyond the Red Cross’s recommended protocol.

Due to employees’ dissent over CCI’s next step after receiving a report of an employee confirmed positive.

The Red Cross, on the other hand, sent Columban College a note advising them to utilize the Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) protocol, which is one of the most accurate laboratory procedures for detecting

to vacancy Uneding Path

Queen

CCI allocates new admins due >> PAGE 3 >> PAGE 5 >> PAGE 11

and tracking COVID-19.

The CCHO are now exclusively supervising personnel who are confirmed symptomatic. This ensures accuracy and adherence to the Red Cross protocol; they stick to the 5-to-6-day quarantine before (RT-PCR) swab test.

Despite the increasing number of positive personnel at CCI, the Health Offices and administration graciously helped its workers and never abandoned them during a health issue.

According to an employee in the Senior-High Department who caught COVID-19 this year, CCI Admins were indeed very generous to handle his swab test, delivering necessities, and received moral support before and after being infected with SARS-CoV-2.

CC grad turned Miss Aura Int’l ‘comes home’ to alma mater

Garcia’s recent victory in Antalya, Turkey has made her the first both Philippines’ first representative and the first Filipina to bag the title in the 16-year-old pageant.

The 28-year-old Garcia graduated in 2013 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Tourism.

Since then, she went on to join pageants in the city and provincial level like Binibining Zambales and soon joined the national level the Binibining Pilipinas competition in 2016 and 2021.

In his homily, Columban College President Rev. Fr.

Raymann G. Catindig reminded Garcia that her title is more of a responsibility than an honor.

“You are God’s co-steward. Hindi lang yung pangalan na Miss Aura ang iyong dadalhin kung hindi kung ano yung misyon mo bilang Miss Aura (You are God’s co-steward. As Miss Aura, you are not just responsible for the title, but the mission that goes with that title),” he said.

According to Fr. Catindig, while Christians are unworthy of worldly positions, they are nonetheless called to be God’s costeward through His mercy, love, and compassion.

Talamak na gawain ang mistulang nagbigay hirap sa paglipat-lipat ng gampanin sa pang-edukasyon at pang publikasyon ng isang estudyante.

Kung kaya’t mayroong korelasyon ang oras ng internal na koresponde at ang gawain ng mga ito sa pagbaba ng mga mambabasa ng diyaryo ng The Premier Post ayon kay Cathleen.

>> PAGE II >> PAGE IV >> PAGE IV >> PAGE III >> PAGE IV Mula sa 6 na departamento sa kolehiyo ng CCI, ang College of business and accountancy ang may pinakamalaking external na koresponde sa sarbey na itinakda ni Cathleen Kimberly Flor sa thesis na pinamagatang “Internal and External Factors Affecting the Low Readership of the Official Student Newspaper of a Catholic School”sa laki ng populasyon nito kaysa sa 5 na departamento. TPP READERSHIP: Pananaliksik ng mga sangay ukol sa pagbaba ng mambabasa sa mga local na dyaryong pangpaaralan

RANDELL JAN PALATAN

Her tight schedule notwithstanding, Columbanite and newly crowned Miss Aura International 2021, Alexandra Faith Garcia, took time off to visit her alma mater on November 5 where former professors and mentors hosted a thanksgiving mass to celebrate her win.

I was blinded by my emotions that I forgot they still exist. That these homeless’ ignorance is more painful than I could ever imagine.

“It’s quite a challenge on our part implementing these guidelines,” she said, lamenting how many of her colleagues refuse to comply despite constant reminders.

CHRISTINE PANUGA

The Health Offices (CCHO) has renewed its call for employees of Columban College, Inc. (CCI) to keep obeying the minimum health protocols to avoid a repeat of the covid-19 surge last year and to ease the school’s gradual transition back to normal.

College

This academic school year 2021 to 2022 is still currently facing blended learning in Columban College Inc. because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. According to the Admissions and Registration Office (ARO) — there are 1,859 college students in the first semester of this academic school year. Unlike in the last academic school year’s second semester—there are only 1,405 college students enrolled.

On November 5, CHED announced that limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs have been allowed for up to 50 percent capacity in areas under Alert Level 2 or MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine).

CHED Chairman said, “In the IATF, we discussed the other day

that in places where it is already Alert Level 2, we will allow now face-to-face up to 50 percent capacity in all degree programs.”

Previously, over a hundred higher education institutions were allowed to resume face-to-face classes in engineering and allied health sciences.

Organizational pages give vitality for CCI students

With the continuation of flexible learning due to the pandemic COVID-19, Columban College Inc. officially starts the classes on August 16 for the Academic Year 2021-2022.

As the class began, the official page of various organizations of CCI is working again on all social media platforms, particularly on Facebook.

There are 35 officials institutional and local student organizations, among them are the Inter-Departmental Coordinating Council (IDCC), Columban College Student Assistant (CCSA), Students’ Organization for Responsible Communication (SORC), and Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA).

No unofficial and even parody pages can be found on all platforms. However, due to academic concerns, few students are unable to refrain from engaging in unhelpful pagesinactive on posting, and late or never responding to messages.

According to Aliana Vitug, a third-year student, she encountered to ask the Columban College page with regards to the setup and who will be the professors in graduate school because it was not yet shown in the pinnacle but instead of receiving an answer, they recommend her to message the secretary that ends up of no response.

“They should assign people who will check if there are any complaints or problems regarding any school

matters. So that both sides will be able to exchange information quickly and easy” Aliana said.

In the time of the pandemic, she also said that they should be more responsible on the page they made because messaging them online is an easier way to reach them rather than going to school.

One of the current students of CCI, Jhon Ray Andrada, the President of Columban College Junior Marketing Association said “Not just my organization but also it is important in any organization to create an organizational page through social media platforms.”

He believes that it gives fellow students and officers information that are precise and concise in any activities and also to be updated in the events like the foundation day, no classes, and first Friday mass.

Andrada advises the school organizations that they should be active and get updated, “You don’t have to post every day but it matters that your organization should be aware sa mga news na pinopost ng CCI and at least share them to your organization page para somehow your fellow students and officers ay maging updated sa mga nangyayari in terms of school policies and news.”

CCI overcome COVID-19 challenges

“It was a roller coaster ride. I already expected the result on that day na nagpaswab ako. That’s why di na siya ganun kabigat sa loob at tanggapin na nagpositive ako sa Covid, but what really disturbed me the most is yung thought na baka may mga nahawa ako sa mga nakasalamuha ko. Yun ang matinding kalaban, ang mental health.” Shared by the employee.

According to a student

assistant in the printing department, CCI were the first to inquire about her position and what her family need before transferring to the COVID facility at Gordon College in Olongapo City.

“Yung experience na nakakaoverthink hindi para sakin kundi sa pamilya after quarantine. Yung una kasi akala ko simpleng sipon lang na mawawala din since

naambunan ako ng hapon tapos kinaumagahan in-isolate na agad ako bago mag pa swab test ng atigen. After nang nagpositivena, kinontak na kami ng contact tracer and yung manunundo. Bago pa ko ilipat ng GC wala na kong symtoms kaya after 3 days nalipat na ko ng CC hotel at dun tinapos na yung 14 days quarantine.”

Added by the Student Assistant in an interview for The Premier Post.

CCI nusing’s challenges taking a toll on their part

Like other medical departments in the nation, the nursing department of Columban

Dr. Leilani E. Capili, Dean of the College of Nursing, openly discusses the most difficult challenges they faced, stating that some students have concerns beyond academics, such as family, financial, and health issues, and we are unable to assist them personally, as we used to do through face-to-face interactions.

“The biggest challenges we faced in nursing department are: First, having an open personal communication with our students. Now, we do this online, in which has caused in some delays. Iba pa rin yung personal na kausap mo ang student especially pag may pinag dadaanan. Second, we have limited access to school resources and facilities especially in subjects with laboratory RLE. And third, finding/pooling of qualified faculties.” Dr. Capili added.

Dr. Capili also speaks out about

PACUCOA reaccredits CBA programs

the current licensure rate, stating, Columban College’s performance in the recent Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination last July 2021 was 50%, which is fairly low than the National Passing rate of 64%, with one out of every two first-time takers and retakers.

They had maintained a 100 percent passing rate in previous years, but this time we fell short of the national average.

They were the result of a lockdown, all-online review classes, and the rescheduling of the board exam and have to make it up next time, they’ve already begun the enhancement review program for the first batch of the new Nursing students.

Moreover, she states that they also provide materials, specifically video materials showing the actual

scenarios that are recorded by their clinical instructors who work in a hospital.

Additionally, advisers have been assigned to different year levels so that they can express their concerns through them, and they also perform enrichment programs where they set up classes for the students who find things hard.

The Nursing Department already applied for the face-to-face classes.

“… We apply for a limited faceto-face, but it is still dependent on the number of Covid cases in our province, and we are still waiting for other protocol changes. As we prepare documents and physical plant retrofitting of school facilities, we conducted a survey to parents, and some are still hesitant to allow their children to have a limited face-to-face class set up.” She added.

This is to completely separate all College Departments from the Basic Education Department of the school, and to finally unite them on a single campus.

In an interview with the Dean of CCS, Engineer Noel Yap, he said that they haven’t really relocated in full yet, only the offices have just been transferred, and the relocation for laboratories is just about to start. The 4th floor will be for laboratories, 3rd floor for the offices, and 2nd as well as the 1st floor will be for classrooms and still for laboratories.

He shared that the process has not been easy, especially since the space for them to move decreased a little bit, and that the main challenge that they have encountered was the actual transferring of all the equipment from their former building, such as their 150 computers, facilities, even the internet and rewiring.

When asked if he thinks it was the right time now to transfer even though face to face classes have not yet returned, he answered…

“Oo at least makakapagplano kami ng bagong set up ngayon, although mas maluwag doon sa dati, yung mga layout ng laboratory hindi na puwedeng gamitin dahil sa new normal, malalayo na eh (social distancing), hindi na ganun ang set up na tabi-tabi ang laboratory, babaguhin namin lahat.” Says Eng. Yap in an interview for The Premier Post

In this new chapter for the College of Computer Studies of Columban College, Engr. Yap is definitely looking forward to improving their services in able for them to obtain level 3 accreditation by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) for their department and college.

The Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy, Dr. Eric Matriano, “For you to be granted accreditation level, you have to follow certain standards which is above the minimum requirements of the Commission on Higher Education.

It covers different areas from philosophy and objectives, curriculum instructions, social orientation and community involvement, research, library services, physical plant and facilities and laboratories are the areas that have certain criteria that has to be complied”, Dr. Matriano said.

The Quality Assurance and Change Management office commended the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) programs after announcing the reaccreditation status, which will run until June 2023.

The two college programs became the first Level III approved BSHM and BSTM programs in Olongapo, Zambales, and Bataan.

Still half a thousand active cases in Zambales

Confirmed cases had reached 9,331 Covid patients, with 25 additional confirmed cases added, 72 new patients recovered, 10 new deaths, and 8,583 overall total recoveries at the Province of Zambales, update was issued by the Zambales Provincial Health Office’s Facebook page last October 14, 2021.

The Honorable Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Governor-Province of Zambales, told the inhabitants of the province that there are still 576 active cases of Covid-19 virus with a 5.05 percent death rate.

He strongly encourages citizens to follow safety rules and to stay at home as much as possible.

Subic leads the list with 132 active cases, followed by Masinloc with 75 active cases, IBA with 64 active cases, Botolan with 52 active cases, Sta. Cruz with 42 active cases,

Castillejos with 30 active cases, San Felipe with 29 active cases, Palauig with 28 active cases, San Marcelino with 27 active cases, Cabangan with 16 active cases, and finally, San Narciso with 13 active cases.

The Zambales Provincial Health Office is working hard to reduce Covid-19 incidence in the province through a continuing immunization program.

The first dosage of the vaccine was delivered to a total of 93,072 persons, while the second dose was administered to 84,597 people.

enrollees in Columban College, Inc.still rising in these times of blended learning

CCS finally moves to its new building

CHARLES RUSHABELLE CLARK

WHENDELL SICAT

CIALIEMAR SAM ROXAS

ZANDRA ROS PRESADO

HANS CHRISTER ARCILLA

College Inc. (CCI) faced issues despite finding ways to bridge the gap through the use of modules and online classes this school year.

The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation, Inc. (PACUCOA, Inc.) granted level III as first reaccredited status of Columban College, Inc.’s Tourism and Hospitality Management programs, last July 7th, 2020.

After so many years, the College of Computer Studies (CCS) started to move this September to its new building in the College Department of Columban College Inc.

FROM PAGE I

ZHELEEN JULIANO

CCI allocates new admins due to vacancy

Columban College, Inc. (CCI) assigned new administrators with a seemingly thorough process because vacant positions are available this school year 2021-2022.

Due to vacant posts within the administration, new leaders have been assigned to fill them.

As Dr. Carlota A. Aquino, the director of Human Asset Management and Development outlines the usual process in which they choose the new administrators and lists of credentials, who should be qualified in educational aspects, able to interact well with the community, and active church member also to civic organizations.

“Once there is a vacancy the office of human assets, will inform everybody for the open nomination, so there is a nomination done. After the nominees, will be given letter of information asking them if they would like to take nomination and

they confirm about it and sign it,” Dr. Aquino says.

She further said that the applicants were interviewed by the executive committees before proceeding to a vote process that included teachers and administrators.

“It is the usual process, except in the Search for the Vice President where the BOT (Boards of Trustees) could have a say. Also in line with interview, we invite other administrators from sister schools in the Diocese to do the interview. Also, The Educational Attainment played an important role and the years of service of a candidate is considered.” She added.

The new administrators include

Rev. Fr. Raymann G. Catindig, EdD who was chosen to the position of President and Chief Inspiration Officer, Dr. Tina P. Dabu who was assigned as an Officer In-charge in Student Affairs Office, Mrs. Jane M. Palatan, RGC who was selected as Officer In-charge in Guidance and Testing Center, Mrs. Lorela R. Barrera as the Officer In-charge Principal of Basic Education (Barretto Campus), Dr. Christine Gil O. Almazan as Dean in College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Dr. Lorelie E. Rafanan as Dean, Columban College Inc. Sta. Cruz Campus – Zambales, Dr. Rafael D. Mora as a Comptroller of the Finance Department while some others are appointed to another position.

“Sa eskwelahan po tinuturuan tayo ng value ng empathy. Ang empathy po hindi yun naaaral pero pinagdaraanan mo yun. You live by it, you experience it. Empathy is a spiritual muscle,” emphasized Vice President Leni Robredo as she addressed local church leaders and youth volunteers at Columban College, Inc. (CCI) Asinan campus here earlier today as part of her visit in the city.

Presidential aspirant Robredo explained that during campaign period, traditional politicians often pretend to relate to the poor as she encouraged the crowd to ask for ‘receipts’.

Robredo also stressed that their biggest hurdle this election is widespread disinformation, which she admitted is very difficult to fight as they don’t have enough machinery to address it.

“Yung schools, yung simbahan merong presence sa lahat ng mga

communities. Yung mga kaparian ginagalang sa mga communities kaya pinaniniwalaan kung ano yung sasabihin,” she said, asking her audience for help in tackling disinformation.

The vice president admitted that they were not supposed to visit Olongapo but after seeing the efforts of the local supporters including the Teachers for Leni and Youth for Leni, she knew she had to come.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng ginawa ninyo pero nakikiusap

din ako na sana in the next 86 days, sana po magkapit-bisig tayo,” she concluded.

VP Robredo also spoke with local department heads and politicians, both incumbent and running, in a closed-door meeting at the SMX Convention Center earlier today.

She gave a public speech at the local volunteers center along Magsaysay drive before she and her team departed for Iba, the provincial capital.

Robinsons soon-to-rise in Olongapo

For over a year, quite a lot of disheartening news has taken over the city of Olongapo. The local economy was struck down, a lot of Olongapenos had lost their job, and everything else just stopped being in motion-the vehicles decreased in numbers, we were locked up inside our homes, we couldn’t do anything but wait for change.

The same way we were often not allowed to go out, we closed our doors to tourists, and that’s when the very roots of our economy’s easiness, the tourism industry, was cut off.

However, businessmen had considered the cause of pandemic an opportunity to invest in provinces such as Olongapo. Their minds had come up with a silver lining that we

have been looking forward to for a long time.

Robinsons Supermarket Corporation had made Robinsons Easymart in Olongapo City a reality. It started out as a rumor but started showing progress last August. A soon-to-open supermarket near a bus station is quite essential in providing the sudden and varied needs of the passengers.

According to the authorities, it was supposed to open by October 2021, but due to complying with permits, it is still being processed, and the grand opening was delayed.

Nonetheless, we have living proof that even in the midst of pandemic, we can cling on to a strand of hope.

Despite in pandemic, TAWIPAFI celebrates Buwan ng Wika

Columban College, Inc.’s (CCI) Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2021 with the theme “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino” was held last August 20, 2021 to October 1, 2021 via online.

Hosted by the Tagapagtaguyod ng Wika at Panitikang Filipino (TAWIPAFI) officers and members. Contestants with over 150 students from different departments taking Filipino classes joined this year’s Buwan ng Wika.

The event consists of 5 competitions, the Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika, musika’t tula, face mask-saya, islo-hayag, and isahang awit wherein students showed their utmost skills in drawing, critical thinking, singing, and charm.

Jayson L. Dela Cruz, President of the TAWIPAFI Organization sends his gratitude towards the participating students, “Masasabi kong higit na nakapag handa ang aming organisasyon sa ikalawang taon ng virtual na pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika. Ginawa naming basehan at gabay yung unang birtwal na pagdiriwang para matukoy kung ano ang mga pagkukulang at mga bagay na kinakailagang higit na tutukan. Mas naging madali para sa’min na gawing posible ang pagdiriwang dahil una na kaming nakapag pormula ng mga paunang solusyon sa iba’t ibang problema na posibleng karahapin sa pagdiriwang.”

In their second year of

TPP Conforms to the New Norm

The Publication’s Facebook page does an excellent job of keeping students and personnel up to date with the latest information. Browsing through the publication’s page will undoubtedly provide you with up-todate news and stories.

This epidemic has caused many problems for everyone, yet it appears that it has had no effect on TPP’s release. “Tpp’s move to an online format is the publication’s move

in adapting to the current online academic set up”, says Ms. Fatsi Dela Cruz, TPP’s Adviser.

The publication is still adjusting to the new normal, but it is more active than ever before.

During the online interview, an anonymous third-year student stated that TPP’s relocation to an online platform is much better because the information is easy to obtain and anybody can read it, not just

Columban students and personnel.

Ms. Fatsi Dela Cruz further noted that this decision assures that the epidemic does not disrupt tpp’s purpose of keeping the student body informed. In contemporary times when critical knowledge is required, information is more important than ever. TPP’s decision to follow the trend resulted in a beneficial outcome in which distant learning enabled it to be more active on social media.

“You are unworthy of this crown. We are unworthy sa lahat ng meron tayo but because yung pagmamahal ng Diyos naguumapaw, kaya ibinibigay Niya. Huwag nating sayangin yung opportunity (You are unworthy of this crown. We are unworthy of everything that we have. But because of God’s unstinting love, He gives it just the same. Let’s not waste the opportunity),” he added.

Meanwhile, Joan D. Arlanza, BS Business Administration chairperson and Faith’s former professor, said that her victory is an answered prayer for her family,

conducting an online competition, they made sure that they thought through everything they’ve learned from their first online competition.

“Bilang Pangulo ng TAWIPAFI, bagamat tayo ay na sa gitna ng pandemya lubos ang aking kasiyahan dahil muli nanamang naging matagumpay at posible ang taunang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika.Sa kabuuan tila wala namang medyor na suliranin na kinaharap ang aming samahang TAWIPAFI kaugnay sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika 2021.” He added.

The culminating event was then uploaded as a video and shared on their Facebook page.

The winners of every competition are as follows: Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika, John Carlo Buenaventura, Jalaena Allyson Custodio, Musika’t Tula First place, Mia Coleen Concepcion, Hans Arcilla, Christine Josh Dizon, Face Mask-Saya Competition, Cristell B. Porcadilla, Islo-Hayang Competition, Shane Gulfo, Isahang Awit Competition, Sophia Lienne Apostol.

Overall, the event was a huge success thanks to the hard effort of the TAWIPAFI Adviser, Dr. Amelia Sanchez, and the TAWIPAFI officers and students.

friends, and team.

“Her journey to pageantry is really tough but she brought pride and honor to her alma Mater and I am so proud of her as her teacher and a family friend,” said Arlanza.

Arlanza remembered Faith as responsible, respectful, and humble when she was a student of hers during Faith’s college days.

“Faith is so simple, timid but elegant. She carries with her the values of a Christ-centered child, since her foundation is being a member of ‘Kids for Christ’. She deserves the crown because she is beautiful inside and out,” she added.

ZANDRA ROS PRESADO

DANIKA ANGELICA RAÑOLA

CIALIEMAR SAM ROXAS

SOPHIA LIENNE APOSTOL

The Premier Post (TPP), a Columban College Inc. student publication, is living up to their motto “on the path forward” for academic year 2021-2022 by constantly educating readers with important information and sharing it online.

Robinsons Supermarket Corporation will open Robinson Easymart in Olongapo City.

Empathy not learned but experienced - VP Robredo reminds Olongapeños, CCI community

CC grad turned Miss Aura Int’l ‘comes home’ to alma mater

ZANDRA ROS PRESADO

human services program

FRANCIS MICHAELLA BRILLANTES

According to Dean Christine Gil O. Almazan, it is due to confirmation that the institution was able to comply with the policies, guidelines and standards that can be found in CMO No. 33, series of 2017, which made it possible to successfully launch the new program for the first semester of A.Y. 20212022.

BHumServ Chairperson, Mrs. Jane M. Palatan, RGC, said in an interview with TPP, that adding up to the student population in CASEd, majority of the enrollees in this program are students who have graduated from St. Columban Asinan, and are scholarship grantees of Columban College, Inc. (CCI).

“So far, it’s good,” said Mrs. Palatan, on BHumServs’ current status. “I’m trying my best to introduce the program itself to the students,” she added, since majority of the students have not yet heard of the said program; it is new to most of us.

CCI-CASEd’s goal upon launching BHumServ is to create Registered Guidance Counselors in the future, in line with one of our society’s current needs, pertaining mental health issues, especially in the youth and students. Depression and anxiety are one of the most common diagnoses among the said group, which makes urgent attention crucial.

Graduates of this program shall be in pursuit of a master’s degree in Counseling, for them to qualify for the Licensure Examination for Guidance Counselors administered by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). However, there are a lot of careers that future graduates can take the path of, could be social workers and psychiatrists.

As stated in CMO No. 33, series of 2017, the field of Human Services is broadly defined; uniquely approaching the objective of human needs, through a multidisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to enrich the overall quality of life of service populations. The Human Services profession is one which promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to advance accessibility, accountability, and coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.

Just like any other programs, face-to-face classes are necessary for BHumServ for students to have effective and efficient learning. Unfortunately, most of the students currently enrolled in this program live in the Zambales area. Since we are still slowly recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, there might still be difficulty when it comes to transportation, considering travel restrictions in some areas will remain, they would have to settle on online classes for the meantime, in case CCI opens its doors once again for the Columbanites on the next semester.

As aspiring to become a university, there are a lot of other programs CCI is looking forward to open in the near future, to keep up and maintain a university status. President of institution, Rev. Fr. Rayman G. Catindig, Ed.D., suggested that Deans, Chairpersons and faculty members shall do research in other programs, in order to decide which among our society’s current needs we can give the same approach to.

The Columban College, Inc. (CCI) College of Arts and Sciences, and Education (CASEd) achieved a 54.17 percent passing rate on the latest Board Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on September 26.

A total of 12 out of 23 first-time takers for secondary school passed in CCI, providing a rate of 52.17 percent, while the sole repeater also passed.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, some locations have been postponed and will be rescheduled in accordance with the Department of Health’s recommendations and in accordance with the IATF-EID rules and protocols on pandemic.

EiC joins The Great Beat Islas training, bags awards

ANGELICA MAY YAP

The Premier Post Editor in Chief, Randell Jan Palatan has awarded as the Most Outstanding Participant and Most Outstanding Environmental Story in the recently concluded “The Green Beat Islas: A Virtual Media Training Series on Environmental Journalism Completion Ceremony” held on July 4, 2021, via Facebook live.

Palatan is one of the 60 completers from 29 universities all over the Philippines who undergone two months of virtual media training and capacity-building workshops on environmental journalism which was organized by the Association of Young Environmental Journalists together with the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

“I joined because I wanted to learn more about environmental stories. There was a lack of environmental stories when I reviewed the publication’s recent works. So, I wanted to take the opportunity to study it and teach it to the publication. It was truly an unexpected experience. I just wanted to try it out and eventually made it until the end,” he said.

The online media training comes with challenges where participants must create an environmental story as one of their tasks.

He mentioned that finishing all weekly tasks was difficult, especially when he needed to write a whole environmental story.

“My interviewee did not respond so I had to rehaul my entire story. Nevertheless, I made it to top 20,” he added.

DIGITIZED MODULES FOR DIGITAL TIMES

It has been three semesters since the pandemic shifted the mode of learning and students have long since collected their modules– stacks of printed modules keep piling up at home to the point of madness; therefore, digitized modules are seen as alternatives for paper modules.

Different modalities for learning were established and implemented to ensure a continuous access to education; schools provided printed materials as part of the ‘blended learning’ approach preferred by the parents according to the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Each subject enrolled issues printed modules every term and students or parents were notified on the schedule of issuance and are obliged to pick up their modules at the school with, of course, proper gears and health protocol to be followed; reducing the transmission of virus.

However, during the first quarter of the official online class, DepEd discouraged students with gadgets from acquiring selflearning modules due to its cost and

negative impact in the environment, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in an interview with ABS-CBN News, “The dependence on modular learning has implications because we may use up our trees in the production. The demand for paper is high.”

Smartphones and gadgets have the function to store and view digital files which is more accessible to students; for instance, modules in Portable Document Format (pdf) can be sent through e-mail applications which is faster and lowers the exposure of the student to the virus. Furthermore, digitized modules costs less than printed ones.

Briones added, “Having exposure and experience online with technology would really help our youth.”; thus, learning through online also means letting the students be familiarized with technology.

He was invited to the face-to-face training in Boracay. However, due to the COVID cases in the Philippines, he had to decline the offer to travel to the island.

Obey health protocols

FROM PAGE I

CCHO advises employees showing symptoms linked to covid-19 to put themselves under strict home quarantine until further notice.

Moreover, suspect patients must undergo swab test care of CCI at least five days after exposure.

As for confirmed cases, CCHO is duty-bound to report these to the city health officials for possible transfer to one of the government quarantine facilities.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abayari commended the CCI administration headed by school president Fr. Raymann G. Catindig for being hands-on in its approach to handling covid-19 cases.

She shared the higher-ups regularly monitor the condition of CCI’s covid-19 positive employees, providing them with what they need like alcohol, face shields and masks, and even groceries.

Flaws aside, CCI website advanced with new update

However, the redesigned website isn’t far enough forward to be considered an advanced website for the university.

Due to a lack of developers for this project, the Dean of College of Computer Studies (CCS), Engineer Noel Yap, singlehandedly created the website.

He addressed the shortcomings by explaining that website creation is not his role, but due to popular demand, the update concentrated on publishing articles and new information about CCI.

“Marami ako gusto baguhin sa website kapag may pwede magprogram, apat na stages etong pag-gawa ng website, ang website ng Columban ay nasa first level palang which is Visual” Yap stated in an interview with The Premier Post.

“Ang vision ko sa website na ito ay umabot tayo ng 4th level, na may transaction, interaction and collaboration.” he added.

As CCI celebrates its 60th founding anniversary, the milestone is featured prominently on the institution’s website redesign.

NFT Axie: opening doors to CC studs

Since the pandemic outbreak, the play-to-earn game Axie Infinity has touched millions of Filipinos and people all over the world. The rising new game style offers an investment potential and a possibility for a career.

Citizens have discovered a new method to make money by investing in an Axie team or applying for an Axie scholarship. In the Philippines, this video game has spread like wildfire.

Vince Mathew Villamor, a fourth-year college student at Columban College, has worked his way to being selected for a scholarship. “It was very timely that I was able to play it because I needed to fix and buy new components for my broken computer. With the pay I got, I was able to buy what I needed in no time.”

“Playing it didn’t become a distraction to my studies, but it was more of a motivation to thrive even more. With the computer I now have, I was able to catch up

READERSHIP:

with my online classes and piled up schoolwork,” Villamor added.

He has now extended an invitation to his brother to apply for a scholarship. They intend to increase their assets and, in time, be able to launch their own little Axie scholarship program or form a collaboration with other Axie scholarship programs or other NFT Play-to-earn games.

It demonstrates how technology has entirely beyond its limitations in the contemporary period, with games like this appearing to be here to stay now that they are possible. Many games have helped to sustain online communities in the past, but play-to-earn games may lead to even more prosperous communities in the future by adding the ability to make money.

FROM PAGE

Ayon sa awtor, ang internal na koresponde ay ang mga sumusunod: Gampanin, na mayroong 4.5% na nagpapatunay na lahat ng sumagot sa parteng ito ay nakapagbahagi ng kanilang gampanin o trabaho sa publikasyon.

Oras at ang paggamit nito ang mayroong pinakamalaking kadahilanan ng pagbaba ng mambabasa ng publikasyon na halos lahat ng mga kasagutan sa sarbey na inilathala ay sinangayunan ng mga koresponde.

Sa pagsusumite ng sarbey ay nagkaroon ng pinakamataas na bilang na ang publikasyon ay nakukumpleto ang mga itinakdang mga gawain sa bawat isa ngunit nagkaroon ng mababang bilang ang

parteng nagpagsasabay-sabay ng mga estudyante ang mga itinakdang gawain ng publikasyon kasabay ng pagaaral.

Dagdag pa nito na isang importanteng konklusyon sa kasulatan ni Flor ay hindi ugnay ang laman ng dyaryo ng publikasyon ng TPP sa interes ng madyoridad ng mga estudyante.

Sangay din nito ang hindi pagiging “student-center” ng dyaryo ng publiksyon.

Huling parte ng thesis ang rekumendasyon na mas mainam na maging direktang taga tanggap ng impormasyon ang TPP at ang publikasyon ang magpapakalat ng impormasyon sa buong kolehiyo gamit ang kanilang plataporma.

LHANCE LINTAG

SOPHIA LIENNE APOSTOL

SOPHIA LIENNE APOSTOL

Columban College Inc. (CCI) launched a new website upgrade with shortcomings, including published articles and current school information.

LET Exam: First batch still in halfway; second to fourth are upcoming

After the long-waited process, the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education (CASEd) of Columban College, Inc. (CCI), was issued by Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III (CHEDRO III) with Government Permit for the First and Second levels of the Bachelor of Science in Human Services program (BHumServ) last February 19, 2021.

CCI-CASEd launches

in the first semester of A.Y. 2021-2022

TPP

Pananaliksik ng mga sangay ukol sa pagbaba ng mambabasa sa mga local na dyaryong pangpaaralan

DANIKA ANGELICA RAÑOLA

In its 60th year of providing quality Catholic education, Columban College, Inc. (CCI) is bombarded by a lot of questions, mainly asking “what’s next?”. What is in store for the college in the next decade? Is the elusive university status in sight?

Since time immemorial, the college has always dreamt of becoming a university. And by that, it means ever since the graduating batch this academic year were only in first grade and even beyond that, there were already talks of the college being a university

Currently, the Barretto basic education campus already is accredited for a Level 1 status and even that is far from uni. At the collegiate level, to be a university, the programs must all be accredited to such a degree that could compete with local and foreign universities.

According to the guidelines, the school needs to pass…

This means that to achieve university status, it needs to…

Furthermore, there are several factors in play on why it’s taking an unbearably long time to reach the status.

First and foremost, the coronavirus pandemic has halted all progress the school had for almost two years now. Plans failed to come to fruition. Suddenly, morale was down; evaluation results for offices and services show dwindling approval from the student body; and most importantly, the passing rate for licensure examinations has hit all-time low for the once impressive school.

Second, even before the pandemic hit, new enrollees lessen each year. This means less cash inflow to the private institution, meaning less budget to fund itself, much less improve its facilities and services, and raise salaries. Add that to the free education offered by other colleges and universities in the area, through government subsidies, and it’s a formula for competitive disadvantage. A Catholic college funded by the church, who also took a massive hit from lockdowns, has little to no fighting chance.

Third, we have chosen to be accredited…

Lastly, the academe, while promising to provide quality education, seem to fail to disclose what level of quality is being promised. Not all teaching staff have doctorates nor does a huge number of students have the basic skills they should have before reaching their current year level such as reading, presenting, and more. Basically, it’s not just good enough. At least, not yet.

Prior to the previous years, this blue and white school was doing really well. It expanded to three campuses, received multiple awards from the national level, and arguably, achieved its vision

of becoming a leading Catholic educational institution, all in a span of six decades. It had plans to be accredited every few years which sparked hope that it may be a university sooner than expected. Unfortunately, it was all for naught.

What ever happened to the Columbanite dream? The drive and ambition to be better, not just than other colleges, but than its former self. Whatever happened to the proud students? Those underdogs who achieved great feats through their own hard work. Whatever happened to the blue school that left a positive impression everywhere it goes? What will happen from now on?

According to the Quality Assurance Office, in the next few years as the educational system is easing back to the next normal…

When compared to other candidates and current universities, however, it may not prove to be enough. While it is true that many of our facilities are on par, if not better than, many local universities, student and faculty performance is something we observably falling short from.

It would be better if there would be a shift of focus to performance. Indeed, being a Catholic institution, we have to show mercy and compassion to students. But standards must be set and standards must be met. Is it true mercy to set a student for failure in the future by excusing them from the consequences of not meeting standards? Though, setting new standards will take time, it is time well used.

Furthermore, while understandable that the pandemic has affected the quality of learning of students, it should never stop them from striving for excellence. At the end of the day, it is the students who will take licensure exams. At the end of the day, only the students will take hold of their performance. You passing the exam is primarily for you. University status is just an attachment.

Small progress still is always better than no progress at all. With the current global pandemic, it would be quite a surprise to have a big jump in progress. With that, perhaps the current downtime could be pardoned. But that doesn’t and shouldn’t stop the college from having a renewed sense of ambition and drive to be a university as it has always dreamt of.

As a Catholic institution, Columban College has always taught that God will provide everything in the proper time. If all things are left into faith without action, however, does it expect to sow the fruits of labor sans labor? Right now, we’re trapped in a limbo of simply getting by year after year. An unending path of mediocrity.

NOT PR

BY CATHLEEN KIMBERLY J. FLOR

Whatever happened to press freedom?

November 29, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and Davao businessman and close friend of the president, Dennis Uy filed separate complaints, one in Taguig and the other in Davao, for libel and cyberlibel against several media companies for allegedly reporting “libelous and false statements” on their involvement in the infamous Malampaya deal. These companies slapped with charges include ABS-CBN Corp., Rappler Inc., and GMA New Media Inc. among others. A move that can only be labelled as yet another attempt to silence the media from spreading too much info for the public to see.

This came after the media outfits allegedly reported “with malice” the graft complaint filed before the Ombudsman against Cusi, Uy and several others. In there, it implied that Cusi and friends conspired to favor Uy’s Udenna Corp. in the sale of Chevron’s share and transfer of rights in the Malampaya project

which resulted to a minimum of over P21 billion to P42 billion in total government losses.

The Malampaya fiasco is not the first instance of individuals using libel and cyberlibel charges to silence media. Have we forgotten that only last May, a man was arrested for his social media post against full-time maid, or aide rather, and part-time Senator Bong Go and president Duterte? A Facebook comment where he said the Go makes scripted requests to make himself look like a hero and called Duterte crazy. In the same week, four more people were arrested for cyberlibel after criticizing the government. A making of a dictator.

Go’s baby tantrums set in motion a rise in cyberlibel cases against those who criticize the Duterte administration. Months later, Ombudsman Samuel Martires releases a circular that restricts public access to SALNs and jail time for those make commentaries about it after many demanded for the president to release his SALN. While it is their right as much as everyone to be protected from libelous statements, it seems that this is a flaw in the system these corrupt people have exploited to stop people from questioning their activities. If my memory serves right, the last time people were shut down for speaking against the government was during the Martial Law.

As a campus journalist and media practitioner, this repression is familiar. The restriction of press freedom is common and takes different forms from different faces.

This kind of thinking of a lawmaker towards medical frontliners only depicts the way how the entire government views the sector.

It is saddening that many children dreamt of being a nurse or a doctor someday. Eager and persevered to help the sick but passion will never be enough for certain circumstances, including being medical personnel.

In the campus level repression takes the form of difficulty in accessing information needed for articles.

In addition, there are instances where campus publications fear publishing highly negative articles about the school because they may be reprimanded, “disciplined”, or worse have their budgets cut. Worst case scenarios include the writer being revoked of their honors during graduation.

the truth, saying a factual article is geared towards damaging the institution’s image is rather disheartening for campus journalists who merely wish to be truthtellers. Is it the media’s fault if the truth of the matter is damaging to one’s image? Is it not the job of the administration, the government, or whoever entity or person being talked about in the article to do better? So, the next time they’re featured, it’s what they want to read, all good things.

a PR organization. Our job no longer.

As time progressed, so did our realizations on the many more roles that student publications play. If there’s one thing I learned from the past decade and a half of being a journalist, it’s that we’re watchdogs, truthtellers, and vigilantes. We promote liberty, integrity, and verity in all things we do, write, and publish. We’re students, we’re not professionals, we don’t get salaries, we do this for passion. This, please understand.

It is not the job of neither big media companies nor campus publications to please people in power with flowery, sugar-coated, and endearing words. It is not our job to be the public relations arm to market the school. It can be, but more workloads require more compensation.

Personally, I’ve heard such threats. From public readers that do not agree with the facts and truths, derogatory terms and accusations which I take lightly. I have a duty to tell the truth but I also have the duty to make my family proud. Which is exactly the reason why I often filter out articles that may put me at risk even if that means repressing the truth from coming out.

Being reprimanded for telling

Perhaps school administrations can be pardoned for thinking that campus publications are their public relations arm. After all, that has been the practice for many years. Our job is to publish tabloids and newsletters summarizing the things that happened in the academic year. We tell about the nutrition month, teacher’s day, buwan ng wika, foundation day, among all others and we repeat that every single year. We enumerate awards one after the other and call it a day. Our job used to be as

I hope that student publications will no longer be treated as an enemy, rather, as a constructive critic. Does it look damaging to the institution’s image? Well, then improve it. Is it good for the image? Then continue doing it. The challenge I have now is for you to make everything good enough that will organizations like us obsolete. Only then can we be a PR publication, right now, we’re not.

If one fears that the truth may topple their empire, perhaps one must need to look inside and see if it is built on lies.

P.S. We are not PR!

BY SIMON SEZ BALE

Medical frontliners started being a meme since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. One of which gone viral with nurses lying in the ground wearing their personal protective equipment while on duty because of fatigue.

Nurses, doctors and other hospital staff are the real heroes of the pandemic. Saving lives even if they have to risk their own life.

But being a hero is not enough. Medical personnel still have a stomach or/and a family to feed. Them being hailed as the Supermen and Wonderwomen of the present times is not enough.

Aside from being underpaid, it pains to see that medical frontliners, particularly nurses, being belittled by their own countrymen.

In her 2013 interview, Senator Cynthia Villar clearly stated that there is no need to finish Bachelor of Science in Nursing for graduates only wanted to become a room nurse. This was followed by how she suggest to treat nurses who are requesting for a break amidst the rise of COVID-19 in Metro Manila. Telling them that a break is not needed, instead they should just perform better in their jobs as if she owns them.

For years, the appropriate salary for medical practitioners became a major discussion in the senate and congress. Administration after administration, yet, only in this pandemic that this issue was exposed to the general public.

According to the information released by the Department of Labor and Employment, the average salary for a nurse in the Philippines range from P8,000 – P13,500. Comparing from those of United Kingdom and United States, which is £1,662 and $4,097 per month respectively.

No one can blame a Filipina nurse with 2 children and a mother living with her to choose working abroad. Their sector’s battle for an appropriate income was set aside for a century already and it is the time for them to choose what is the best for them.

Hypocritical as it may look that a Filipino nurse taking good care of a foreigner instead of serving his or her own people. But this decision is not based from what one wants. This choice is driven by the unjust system the Philippines have.

You can say that medical practitioners selecting overseas is nothing but a joke. I still believe that it is easier to cover my ears and allow noises to past through than finding the next meal to feed my family.

“If one fears that the truth may topple their empire, perhaps one must need to look inside and see if it is built on lies.”

“Eager and persevered to help the sick but passion will never be enough for certain circumstances...”

BY SOPHIA LIENNE APOSTOL

We hear various promises from each hue during each campaign season. “No drugs after six months,” an iconic remark from President Duterte, won the hearts of Filipinos seeking change and a fresh perspective from a leader. The late former President Aquino’s “no wang-wang policy” referred to the indiscriminate use of police sirens and was frequently portrayed as abusing authority.

Dive into the accomplishments of former President Aquino, reflecting their families’ wellknown hue “Yellow.” We all know the yellow-stand is recognized for the economic legacy he left behind before leaving office. The Philippines was also deeply involved in international relations. During the Yellow government, the democratic country had its failures, such as the Hacienda Luisita Massacre, the Dengvaxia vaccine scam, the unliquidated Yolanda funds, and the resting heroes from SAF 44 of the Mamasapano Massacre and many more. A tainted history which those who supports the Aquino, continuously adore them without seeing the yellow line between worship and leadership. As a result, a blood and half shredded piece of yellow ribbon will continue to see through even as he rests.

Duterte’s six-year term as President of the Republic of the Philippines will conclude in 2022. With his mentality of using force and power to make the country safe, he utilized his color to symbolize blood in his term. Many regarded his three years as President as a turning point from justice to taking innocent lives without jurisdiction. Violating human rights as a sign of superiority and creating more mess than just corruption and war on drugs.

It may make sense, given that in Pulse Asia, five months of persistent implementation of the illegal drug campaign resulted in an 82 percent approval rating from the public.

When it comes to the dangers

The decision and killings of Duterte, which were stained even more by their color representation, were the defining moments of his presidency. The country’s ongoing conflict for homeland territory, while Duterte maintains an odd relationship with China. And his now-exposed corruption in several sections of his government, the pandemic catastrophe, and his harsh retaliation to press freedom and human rights.

After six months, if the drug problem was his goal, why does the country continue to perceive more problem during his reign?

If the wang-wang policy symbolizes peace and order, does an Aquino have what it takes to serve this democratic country again?

leadership in the country is that Kayumanggi, the only color the Filipinos needs. The hue of the Filipinos.

They were born to serve us by our casted votes, and we pay the price if we continue to elect politicians who view their position with personal interest rather than performing for the greater good.

In a democratic country, they should value us to make the nation safe and secure, to protect against countries that use force to take our territories, to help those who are neglected due to poverty, and to raise the nation to the standard of other countries that value their people and strive to make their country a better place. That’s what the Philippines deserve and not the bare minimum.

for the nation.

It will continue to reflect on us if we persist in making the same mistakes and worshiping the hue rather than making it serve us for the improvement and well-being of the Kayumanggi.

A collective participation and a gathered interest to know the leaders running for a position than choosing between color, fame and fortune.

The promises are meant to be broken, the color are inevitable to have its stain, the system will continue to be on the edge, if we don’t eradicate the color choices but choose their ideal leadership and why they want to lead as a fellow Filipino.

Are we still going to use face shields? It is really one of the solutions or our leader still doesn't have a resolution? We're almost at the end of the second year of facing the pandemic. It's clear that the government lacked solutions to this still problem that since last year we are trying to aid it.

Our leader's incompetency leads us again for being adaptive

of going out, they claim Duterte’s red marking on the streets of the Philippines has made it safer. This was around 2016 to 2017.

and resilient to survive on our own. He's more into his emotions than the needed solutions. Until now, the government requires us to wear our face shields. We all know that wearing a face shield can be added to our protection, particularly for being infected by the virus. But, it's always like the one and only solution for the government to solve and fight this problem since the beginning of this pandemic.

We've been struggling and surviving with the leader's lack of plans. Frankly, we're like breathing in our space suits when wearing both face masks and face shields.

The Philippines is still and the only country that requires it among all the other countries. From hundreds

Will the Filipino people see that it’s just a color? A color of symbolism of their reign, their identification as a running politician, and a distinguish ideal for people to remember them by.

The bottom line of this colorful

to thousands of Filipinos are still being infected daily and weekly by the COVID-19. There are many ways and methods in planning and giving solutions to this problem.

I believe that if the government thinks and focuses more on this problem since the beginning of

A political party should not be the one to decide what it means to be a representative of this country. We have the freedom to choose those who deserve to be our country’s leader, regardless of color because it’s how they strive to become the leader the promised to be and not their personal interest they want to paint

are now free from wearing a face shield or the face mask also. When we are going to malls or indoor establishments, including fast-food restaurants, they're requiring before entering to wear not only a face mask but a face shield also. But when we are already inside, we will remove it again, particularly when we need to eat. There's still a prone to getting infected even with and without wearing face shields.

Let us not forget to register and seek our rights to vote in the upcoming election.

Kayumanggi, the color that will change our country.

Ang tunay na kulay ay nasa Filipino na may paninindigan, paniniwala at pag-mamahal sa Inang Bayan.

the outbreak than the other things that are not really the problem, we

It also still depends on every one of us to secured and protects ourselves and if we should follow the safety protocols and precautions. We should still avoid going to public places, especially when it is not necessary. Also, it is important to have a truly great and competent leader. That's why our voices and votes always matter!

"Face shields are excellent at preventing droplets from coming into contact with the nose, mouth, and eyes, which are the body sites that the virus enters to establish infection. However, while plastic face shields do provide a barrier of protection, droplets in the environment can still be inhaled through the open areas around the plastic visor."

— Dr. Michael B. Edmond, MPH, MPA, MBA, chief quality officer and associate chief medical officer for University of Iowa Health Care, and clinical professor of infectious diseases at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine on Healthline Media.

"Our leader's incompetency leads us again for being adaptive and resilient to survive on our own."

“Ang tunay na kulay ay nasa Filipino na may paninindigan, paniniwala at pag-mamahal sa Inang Bayan.”

BY ROBERT IVAN JOHN GENESE

"Red-tagging" is the practice of using aliases such as "communist" and "revolutionary" for political persecution that led to summary execution or forced disappearance. The government is currently red-tagging not just members of political organizations but also other individuals, including journalists, professors and students, labor leaders and organizers, suspected members of the New People's Army, local officials and politicians, religious workers, and ordinary people.

The use of red-tagging as part of the Philippines' intensified anti-terrorism measures has raised

concern among civil society groups who fear that it will further erode human rights and result in more death, suffering, and injustice.

Red-tagging is a tactic of vigilante violence, either practiced by the state or self-styled vigilantes, designed to scare individual alleged communists into silence.  It is meant to cause victims reputational damage, social ostracism and deprive them of livelihood and income through intimidation.     Red-tagging often targets civil society leaders, indigenous activists, and other individuals who work on issues deemed "controversial" by state actors or the administration. It has even been used against political rivals and journalists known to be critical of certain government policies.

Why red-tagging happens in today's socio-political context, in which a war on drugs drags on and the political space only broadens and

deepens the crisis of authoritarianism, has created conditions where redtagging becomes a highly effective political tactic.

Red-tagging is a tactic employed by Duterte to stifle criticism and

loopholes. A common excuse for coordinated attacks against crucial persons and groups is to label them as communist terrorists or subversives. As a result, it typically coincides with the impunity of criminals.

justify human rights violations.

The most significant consequence of red-tagging is the risk of torture, enforced disappearances (ED), or extrajudicial killings (EJK). It is present in many EJK and ED situations, even if it does not always result in these human rights

Threatening text messages may begin to arrive on a victim's cell phone, email account, or mail. Every week, at the same time and on the same day, an unidentified motorbike driver passes by the victim's home. Victims are monitored at home and work, either by technological means such as eavesdropping on phone lines or through informants who are always on the watch for them.

Rather than maligning and harming people for using their right to free speech lawfully, the government should attempt to address valid criticism of its policies and actions.

The state bears the primary responsibility for upholding the democratic rights established, in our society's foundation; all citizens are free to express themselves freely and should not be punished if they criticize the way things are being run.

People in the Philippines are sick and tired of corruption, and redtagging. They want to see a change. The solution is simple: address societal challenges and engage the political opposition in developing policies that will benefit the common good.

The insurgency will only grow in the absence of peace initiatives. Protests will continue to grow, and activism will not fade away. Given the vital role the opposition plays in influencing policy, this display of force to suppress the opposition has no place in the Philippines. Tagging progressives as terrorists or terrorist sympathizers are also harmful to democracy and society in general. After all, revolutions don't happen if there's nothing to revolt against; no one takes up weapons just for the sake of it. There is always a deeper reason for something.

"After all, revolutions don't happen if there's nothing to revolt against; no one takes up weapons just for the sake of it."

KULTURA: MAHALAGANG PAGPAPAHALAGA

BY LOUISE JOHN ESPINOZA

Sa pagpasok ng bakasyon sa Pilipinas, hindi mawawala sa usapan ng madla ang pagpunta sa Kalinga kung saan dagsa ang numanais malagyan ng tattoo galing kay Apo Whang –Od. Hindi lamang sa kalakihan ng bansa ang taglay nitong dating, kundi pati na rin ang mga dayuhang nagsisiliparan upang maranasan ang malaalamat na pagta-tattoo. Isa sa mga sariwang usapin ngayon ung ano nga baa ng cultural appropriation o appreciation.

Dalawang magkalapit na salitang magkaiba ang ibig sabihin.

Cultural appropriation ay ang paggamit ng ibang kultura gaya ng pananamit, itsura, tattoo, atbp. sa paraang hindi angkop at may halong hindi paggalang.

Habang ang cultural appreciation naman ang kabaliktaran nito, bilang paggalang at paggamit ng tamang kultura. Malaking halimbawa rito si Apo Whang-od dahil sa pagiging tanyag nito sa buong mundo at sa dami ng dumayo sa Kalinga ay iba’t ibang artikulo na rin ang nagsilabasang madami ang gumagaya sa sining na hatid ng Apo.

bigay ni Whang-Od sa paggamit niya ng tradisyunal na pagta-tattoo.

Respeto o walang respeto lamang ang dalawang panig ngunit mas lumalamang lamang ang pagiging sensitibo ng iba kahit na hindi nila kultura ang pinaguusapan. Dumami rin ang mga taong mas nagmamarunong pa kaysa sa kultura ng taong isinilang sa bansang kanilang tinatayuan ngayon. Halimbawa rito ay ang pagsusuot ng tradisyunal na kasuotan na isinuot ng isang Amerikano sa isang social experiment. Bagamat walang okasyon ang Mexico noong araw na siya’s nag-ikot sa isang lugar sa Amerika, madaming tao ang hindi sumangayon sa kanyang suot. Lahat ng hindi sumangayon ay mga Amerikano at hindi laki sa Mexico. Sa kabilang banda naman ay ang mga Mexicano na natuwa pa dahil tama ang pagsuot ng kanilang tradisyunal na kasuotan. Sa giawa ng “Youtuber” na ito, napansin natin kung paano mas binibigyan ng kahulugan at husga ng taong may kaunting alam sa kultura ng iba kaysa sa mga taong may alam.

"Hanggat mayroong respeto at hindi mapagsariling paggamit ng ibang kultura, malaya kang maging isang parte nito kahit

Makikita kung gaano lamang ang pansin ng madla kung ang pinaguusapan lamang ay ang kultura. Malakas ang hatak nito upang makagawa ng estereotipikong hatid sa mga kabilang sa kulturang mababanggit. Isa rin sa dahilan ng cultural appropriation ang pagkawala ng credit sa may –ari ng kultura ang mga bagay na maaaring magbigay benepisyo sa kanila.

Taong 2020 nagsilabasan ang mga isyu tungkol sa culture appropriation lalong lalo na sa mga artistang gumagamit nito. Ang iba nama’y ginawa pang pagkakakitaan ang pangalan ni Apo Whang-Od na umabot pa sa pagiging trending nito sa social media. Ang walang kinalaman laman na imahe ng sining sa Pilipinas ay muntik nang magamit upang pagkakitaan. Isang malaking representasyon ng bansa ang sining na

Napapanahon ang isyu tungkol sa paggamit ng ibang kultura ngunit hindi ito hadlang upang maging bahagi ng pagpapahalaga ng ibat ibang kultura. Hanggat mayroong respeto at hindi mapagsariling paggamit ng ibang kultura, malaya kang maging isang parte nito kahit sa maikling panahon.

educational system based on physical schooling. The present slump is a one-of-a-kind, and in many ways, it is far worse than any recent memory. It prompted the discontinuation of traditional learning in educational settings almost immediately that enforced major changes in the "inputs" utilized to generate education which made a significant impact on the "outcomes.”

double the work but with less time. The previous cancellation of board examinations without considering the long-term consequences implies that the country's education system will be winging it for at least the next

likely to have an impact on anyone's chances of financial success in life.

BY YARIXZ HYRA SIONG

The present coronavirus epidemic is having a significant influence on our health, as well as how we study, work, and live. One of the most significant problems posed by it is how we modified an

Internships are now even more critical for us students since they are one of the major methods for us to build contacts that will help us find our first job after college. As a result, it left us rushing and attempting to save a spot for an internship or find another way to our first job. People haven't properly acknowledged the accumulated stress that graduating, and recently graduate students have experienced,

year, if not longer. Unfortunately, the pandemic is not likely to stop anytime soon especially with the possible Omicron outbreak, and none of this is

But despite these negative things, we are resilient and truly competitive enough to hurdle these certain obstacles even by figuring out things all by ourselves. As far as what already happened, we were able to strive with our own pace and were able to build positivity around us. Wherein we have patiently learned to cope and independently solve problems and achieve goals with our own creative ways.

In relation to this, I see that we are discovering that we no longer need to be bound by the integrated framework. Instead, we are creating our own experiences through more cost-effective and frequently more successful options such as thirdparty internet providers, off-campus

accommodator, immediate food delivery, live and entertainment personnel rather than competing to a certain job that has no guarantee of success and fulfillment. Students whose courses need handson experiences are struggling performance wise. They are now more likely to drop out of school or just continue their degree for the sake of the diploma and family honor, but if asked for their personal intake of the recent year, they would rather stop and do something else. Because being an all-rounder and an opportunist is now the way of making ends meet.

We should measure our success as schools by the extent to which we help ourselves in developing talents and skills to a point where we are able to access industries and careers that will be gratifying. It is time and effort well invested to enable us to play a winning hand after graduation.

ITIM NA MEDALYA

BY JACK DARRYL SOLANO

Olongapo, PhilippinesNakakapanindig balahibo ang pakiramdam sa tuwing maririnig mo ang pangalan ng isang Pinoy o Pinay na nagwawagi sa isang malaking patimpalak, sa loob man o labas ng bansa. Hindi makakaila na tayong mga Pinoy ay mahilig sa reward sa tuwing may nananalo na ating kaibigan, kapamilya o kakilala. Ngunit sa kabilang banda, pwede rin nating tanungin sa ating sarili “Bakit noong nasa kasagsagan pa lang ng pag eensayo ang taong ating sinusuportahan, ay bakit hindi natin nagawang batiin man lang siya, o sabihing nasa likod natin siya” Bagkus ay hinihintay natin, kasabay ang

pagwawagi, ang balato. Kung ating matatandaan, sa nakalipas na Tokyo Olympics 2020 na ginanap noong Hulyo hanggang Agosto nitong taon, ay maraming Pinoy at Pinay ang nakapag-uwi ng napakahalagang mga gantimpala.

Mula kay Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, at Hidilyn Diaz. Ngunit sa kanilang apat, ang pinakamaugong na pangalan ay si Hidilyn. Ngunit bakit nga ba, pare-parehas naman silang mga atleta na ipinaglaban ang bandila ng ating bansa?

ENGAGE WITH EXTREME CAUTION

BY MARC HARVEY LACAP

With the recent fiasco surrounding the exclusion of the country’s representative in the top 20 of the Miss Grand International pageant held recently in Bangkok, Thailand, many netizens have expressed their dismay that this might just be another incident of Pinoy Baiting.

Yes, you read the term rightPinoy Baiting. For the tech savvy, this term is no longer new. It has made roundabouts on almost all social media platforms. While the country of the Philippines is known for its 3 B’s – Basketball, Boxing, and Beauty Pageants, we are also known for two other things –bragging and falling into baits.

Our fervent thirst for international recognition fuels many foreigners alike into using us Filipinos in their social media endeavors.

I would like to point out that Filipino vlogger and podcaster M.A. Buendia was among the first to use the term Pinoy baiting to refer to the “marketing strategy” of content creators to attract Filipino audiences into

lamang.

Bago pa man tumungtong

engaging with their content.

The rest; however, is history.

Since Filipinos are heavy consumers of Social Media content, we have been subjected to marketing ploys. We are easily tricked on engaging to these types of content just by the mention of our race.

According to a report released by We Are Social and Hootsuite, Filipinos spend an average of four hours and 15 minutes each day on various social media platforms, more than any other nation in the world. This alone is enough proof that many foreign content creators pry on.

Vlogger Nas Daily even halted his academy in the Philippines after his dealings with respected tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od infuriated netizens and stirred conversations on how foreign content creators like him portray Filipinos.

Filipinos should start seeing eye to eye with these content creators. We should start drawing the line between content that celebrate our national heritage from the ones that commodify Filipino culture.

While social media content creators have ethical and moral obligations to carefully craft and conceptualize their content to ensure fairness, equality, and truthfulness, we as consumers should also keep a keen eye on which types of content to patronize.

In a vast and open space like the internet, it pays one to be critical. We have to remember that before we engage, we have to be cautious, smart, and analytical.

"[Is it] okay to ask sponsorship sa mga private

companies towards Tokyo 2020?" aniya niya sa kanyang Instagram story.

"Hirap na hirap na ko, I need financial support."

Dagdag pa niya, "Sa tingin niyo okay

akin, iyan ang isa sa mga negatibong ugali ng mga Pinoy na kung sino lang ang nakakapag-kamit ng malalaking achievement ay siya lang ang pag tutuuan ng pansin ng nakararami.

Sumaya man ang buong bansa dahil sa nakamit niya, ay naikukubli pa rin ang madilim na katotohanan na sumasalamin sa ating mga Pinoy.

bahay o mga gamit. Ngunit bakit wala sila sa panahon na si Hidilyn ay nangangailangan ng tulong? Para sa

Ang tunay na kaligayahan ay pinalakas ng isang pakiramdam ng layunin. Ang isang estado ng pagkakaisa sa sarili, sa iba, at sa buhay mismo ay kinakailangan para sa kumpletong kaligayahan at tagumpay. Hindi dapat tayo tumingin sa kung ano ang maiuuwi ng isang tao para sa ating bansa, ngunit sa kung paanong paraan niya itatawid iyon sa pamamagitan ng ating tulong, pinansyal man o sa pag bibigay motibasyon. Dahil sa huli, mas matimbang pa rin ang suporta, pag mamahal at pagkikilala galing sa ating kababayan kaysa sa mga gantimpalang makakamit at nakamit.

si Hidilyn sa entablado ng Tokyo

"Dahil sa huli, mas matimbang pa rin ang suporta, pag mamahal at pagkikilala galing sa ating kababayan kaysa sa mga gantimpalang makakamit at nakamit."

"We have to remember that before we engage, we have to be cautious, smart, and analytical."

OF THE STORY OF MISS AURA INTERNATIONAL 2021

On October 3rd, Miss Philippines 74 Aura International 2021. The pageant was held at Antalya, Turkey – the Philippines took part in the 15-year-old international contest for the first time. “We did it, Philippines! We did it!” Garcia said on social media pertaining to her victory as the new Miss Aura International 2021.

PRE-PAGEANT ALEXANDRA:

Miss Aura International 2021 or Alexandra Faith Garcia, is a Columban College Alumna. She was an active athlete in the said institution. According to Garcia, she went a pace of thinking thoroughly in entering the pageant industry in Olongapo City. “I can vividly remember that my handler had to wait for my decision for almost 2 years before joining any pageant because I was too shy back then and did not have the confidence to wear a two-piece swimsuit in front of a crowd”, she added. She

dream on becoming a pageant queen. Although her parents pushed her by using her talents in this kind of industry. “My parents used to sign me up in different schools or even church activities like parades, Flores de Mayo, etc. They are fond of having me join those activities so maybe it was also their dream to have a beauty queen in the family.”

She also shared to us that motivation is the key to achieving one’s goal. As an Athlete herself she shared that she has a goal in every aspect of life. “I always have a goal no matter what I do whether it be a personal, sports-related, or careeroriented goal.” She pushed herself gracefully with hard work and her powerful prayers.

Alexandra is passionate about helping others that are in need, according to her she is exposed to working in charity. “I love to help, maybe it’s my purpose in life. It is one thing that beauty pageants have taught me,” she said. Alexandra added that she is blessed with the talents and authenticity she has in helping.

Crowned as Miss Aura International is her greatest achievement at her age. She won not just the title but also the hearts of Pageant enthusiasts and Filipinos alike. “We are a pageantloving nation and I know that I have made them happy with this win.”

As a first-timer in an international pageant and the first representative of the Philippines as a baby contender in the said pageant, Alexandra did make the country proud. “Being the first representative and the first Filipina on this event is truly an amazing achievement that I can share with my kids and grandchildren in the future.”

MISS AURA INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY:

very own Alexandra had quite some challenges in the international pageant, and she shared that when she was appointed as the representative of the Philippines to Miss Aura International Pageant, it was then during ECQ. There were limited procedures that she encountered like preparing for her photoshoots, fittings and courtesy calls, etc. Also, her team had problems with their passport renewals so she flew to Turkey alone. “I carried with me around 79kg in total of luggage and boxes that included my national costume as well.”

Things escalated while she was on her way to the airport, one of the teams that Miss Aura Philippines got direct contact on a Covid-19 positive and was not joining her to depart from the country. A dog of a team member also got their pet in a motorcycle accident. “Imagine all the stress that has been going through our team during my last week of preparation before flying out to Turkey,” Alexandra said.

Now crowned as Miss Aura International 2021, Alexandra is on her way home but she tested positive on Covid-19. She was on her way home and not having a 5-day Quarantine because her family was

waiting for her and was supposed to have a small celebration of her win.

“This was shocking as I don’t feel any symptoms but I don’t have any choice so I just followed the Bureau of Quarantine guidelines which had made me transfer to a Covid positive quarantine facility and stay there for another 11 more days,” Alexandra added.

THE CORONATION:

When the host announced that the Philippines won the pageant our reigning queen cried a lot. This made her favorite moment on her wondrous journey. “I really can’t believe that this dream of mine to become a beauty queen has finally happened. I have been through a lot in my life, even in my pageant career itself where I started way back in 2012, and who would have

Alexandra would enjoy her reign as Miss Aura International and keep on continuing good deeds by helping others that are in need. Providing voices in her advocacies like, Sports CKD Patients that inspired her to help patients like them and she held a sporting event for them, lastly agriculture. Having the tagline “FAITH” that is the abbreviation of, “Food Always In The Home.” Alexandra said that “I started farming during the pandemic and I’m already now producing poultry products. Also, I started growing tilapia and freshwater shrimps too.” Now she speaks from the heart as she said that Women are already powerful, “Women are already powerful, thanks to all the women in the past who have done their part to battle for gender equality and

A VOYAGE OF FREE EDUCATION:

wanted to teach since he was six. San Salvador Island in Masinloc, Zambales, was evacuated in 1991 when Mt. Pinatubo erupted.

He spent his second grade staying with his grandma and learning about island life.

He discovered that many of the island’s youngsters couldn’t read. A long-distance from home, most parents thought it was impracticable

He promised himself he’d assist more youngsters. He committed to aiding youngsters in rural regions.

On November 25, 2011, he created Project BANGKARUNUNGAN, which is an ultimate manifestation of his goal to aid the underprivileged and his desire to share his ability. He wanted to make a significant contribution to the community. He wants to aid children while also encouraging volunteering.

THE PURPOSE:

The major goal of Bangkarunungan is to give free and

thoughts and ultimately people’s viewpoints. For Bangkarunungan, the first step is to teach youngsters to love reading by helping those who can’t. It needed dedication and time. But it has to start with you, he continued.

Aside from assisting the destitute, he wants to educate the kids on the importance of education and how not everyone has access to it. Nowadays, most students disregard their schoolwork. They are unaware that millions the same chance. allows us to better and sharing it with less fortunate is a

He doesn’t need money. The fact that Bangkarunungan benefitted so many people is enough for him. The youngsters they have helped gave him energy for the following day, no matter how weary he is. Many wish to assist. But they are lost because no one takes the first step. He took that step approximately 8 years ago, letting go of his inhibitions. Sir Adrian is a teacher, but he doesn’t

WHAT’S IN AFTER MISS AURA INTERNATIONAL 2021:

THE MAN BEHIND BANGKARUNUNGAN:

Adrian Karl L. Cobrado

a Highschool Teacher created a voyage of hope called,

Bangkarunungan, a project to help and provide accessible education to the people in the islands.

TEACHING

YARIXZ HYRA SIONG

BRINGING SPORTS TO A GREATER HEIGHTS

SIMON SEZ BALE

Headed by the school's sports coordinator Dr. Norly Canonizado, the CCI sports department first plans to start the development program at the elementary level.

"Bata pa lang aalagaan na natin para ganahan magtuloy-tuloy dito (CCI) hanggang high school or college," said Dr. Canonizado realizing that instead of collecting outstanding high school graduates to play for the college team; why not have a new program to maximize the talents starting from the primary education department.

With the given situation, CCI will face a scarcity of athletes in A.Y. 2022-2023 wherein the projected return of PRISAA meet is set. Most athletes from the 2020 Regional PRISAA held in Bulacan will be graduates or be in their senior year

already in A.Y. 2022-2023, but the sports department's initial action is to cultivate talents first from the enrollees that the school currently have.

“Marami namang enrollee at sigurado ako na meron diyang mga player na pwedeng kunin para maglaro sa susunod na PRISAA,” said Dr. Canonizado. As early as possible it can be, CCI Sports is already prepared on where to find athletes in the coming years. In line with the return of the PRISAA meet, the sports department's main goal, once the event commenced, is to maintain the position of CCI in the region.

In the recent year, CCI has constituted a significant amount of gold medals garnered by Region III in the National PRISAA. At the

same time, the college surpasses Central Luzon's finest colleges and universities in the unfinished 2020 Regional PRISAA in Bulacan. Regardless, Dr. Canonizado recognizes the decrease in the level of gameplay of athletes since the pandemic started, forcing him to lower his expectations of his athletes.

“Hindi lang naman sa CC ang bumaba, kundi buong bansa bumaba ang laro ng mga atleta. Mahirap pa higitan ngayon ung nagawa nung mga nakaraang taon pero sana kahit mamaintain lang muna.”

Despite the fall in the level of athletes, CCI sports envisions sending at least 50 or more players to the national meet for the following years. The most significant number of delegates that CCI managed to send in the nationals is 49 during 2018 at

WE CAME FROM A LONG WAY

In the six decades of Columban College Inc. under 3 different sports coordinators, its sports system undergone major development to improve the overall performance of their athletes in different sporting events, primarily the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) meet. This includes the institution of varsity scholarships and hiring expert coaches to partake in training processes.

Even before Dr. Norly Canonizado’s time as the college’s sports coordinator, CCI is already in the list of top performing institutions in region 3 in terms of sports under the supervision of Dr. Segundo Redondo. Yet, the financial support

of the administration throughout the years and the polishing of the sports system, paves way to the improvement of trainings and overall experience of athletes and coaches in the competition proper.

Here are more changes that the CCI sports experienced throughout the years. Changes that enhanced the athletes and system of sports in the institution.

Formerly, players were not able to undergo proper trainings. Since there were no honorarium allotted for specialized coaches and trainers, only assigned CCI employees conduct training even if they know nothing regarding the sports. Today, there is a

budget allotted already for the coaches and trainers hired outside the institution, enabling a more strenuous and more precise training programs for athletes.

Another major change in the sports system is the tryout processes for the selection of players. In the past, students with potential were asked to join the sports club of the school. Coaches spend their time and effort in searching players and persuading them to join the varsity team. Now, with the entry of talents coming from the ZambalesOlongapo-Bataan cluster, CCI conducts tryout trainings to filter the athletes that the school will send to athletic meets. This enhances the quality of athletes that are representing the name of CCI in sports.

The men's volleyball team is already qualified in the regional meet and Dr. Canonizado has high hopes to the women's volleyball team, the Knights basketball club and other team events to be qualified in the same level or even higher to increase the number of the school's delegates. Lastly, CCI sports plan to increase the training facilities of athletes. Dr. Canonizado mentioned that, “In the next 10 years, balak ko magkaroon na ang CC ng sariling oval track para sa athletics team natin. Balak ko din na gawing iimprove at gawing training facilities and quadrangle ng main campus.”Columban College is known

"No mass gathering and observe physical distancing," since these health protocols were released. It is also equivalent to "no sports," which was devastating news for CCI sports considering that the institution is climbing to the top of Region III. However, COVID-19 could not kill the school's vision ten years from now. As for Dr. Norly Canonizado, CCI Sports Coordinator, the pandemic is only a comma, not a period for sports.

Columban College Inc. established its name for decades already as a center for excellence in academics both from its Basic Education department and College dept. but aside from this remarkable reputation, CCI also becomes a factory of outstanding athletes who turned out to be the flag-bearers of the Philippines in international competitions.

In 2019, the first-ever International Athlete Award in CCI was given to Irish Awong (cyclist) who did become the pride not only of the institution but of the entire country with her countless competition around the world during her years in CCI.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Major in General Management graduate toured in different countries such as Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Bahrain, China and Malaysia for free as an athlete but she considered the last country as the most memorable for she competed there for the 2017 Southeast Asian games which became the peak of her career.

“I gave all my best during those (2017-2018) years because I promise myself that I will allow time for my studies. And as a graduating student in 2019, I did not join any big events that year because I am focused on finishing my thesis and doing my OJT. Which my hard work eventually paid off because I found out that I was a dean’s lister in my 4th year” said Wong after she gave her all during her third year to

focus on academics for her graduating year.

In spite of her hectic schedule while playing for the school and the country and studying, Wong managed to allot time in joining school organizations and be elected as a year level representative for the College of Business Administration in her 2nd year.

Most Successful Athletes from CCI: Irish Wong

CHRISTINE PANUGA

RANDELL JAN PALATAN

During the stagnant times brought by the virus, Columban College Inc. (CCI) Sports Department flourishes the plans for the next ten years for the institution's sports since short-term goals are inadvisable due to the country's current situation.

Bohol. Majority of these individuals participated in individual sports.

for its gym at the Baretto Campus, but it seems insufficient for the number of sporting events the school caters to. Extending the sporting facilities will allow athletes to further enhance their skills within the school premises and not through private facilities that cost them money.