The Quill Newsletter April 2022

APRIL 2022

NEWSLETTER

Volume LXXII No. I

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Newsletter April 2022, Volume LXXII No. I

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RADLearning faces complaints,

VP Acads ensures modality effective ‘at the moment’

by ROSS ERWIN CUTAMORA

E

at. Module. Sleep. Repeat. These have been the students’ routine for the past four semesters under the new learning modality.

Southwestern University PHINMA introduced in August 3, 2020 the Remote and Distance Learning—a setup designed for independent learning that promises a strong learning support system through the use of Google Classroom and consultation with teachers and classmates through Messenger chat or call.

However, despite the efforts of the university

to provide the education students need, some students cry foul to the substandard and inefficient learning method the institution has been using for the past four semesters.

Challenges Encountered The abrupt changes in the learning modality in order to adapt to the on-going pandemic has left many challenges to both students and teaching staff.

In an interview with The

Quill, Cher Moselle Cabahug, a second-year Pharmacy student, shared that the modular and fast-paced nature of RADL puts them at a disadvantage.

“Many students, including me, still had a hard time with this set-up even though we’re at our second year. The fact that not everyone can catch up with how fast it is, little to no discussions, and we have to only depend on our

modules,” she explained.

Cabahug’s fast-paced remark on RADL is in relation to the division of the semester into four blocks, wherein one block made-up of two to three subjects is only given a month to accomplish.

In a separate interview, Zel (not her real name), a thirdyear Dentistry student, also expressed her frustrations towards RadLearning.

“My course necessitates

hands-on exposure in order to truly grasp a concept. It is insufficient to read from our modules and watch videos from YouTube,” she said.

“RadLearning should not be modified but rather redesigned in a way that is beneficial to students,” she added.

Other students also pointed out other factors that contributed to the >>> Continued to page 2

NEWS

DEVCOM

FEATURE

Cebu City LGU taps SWU as 1st pedia vaxx site

CCLEX: Rise of Cebu’s Newest Architectural Marvel

Braving the Storm

page 2

page 8

page 21

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The Quill April 2022 Issue

Trisha Vistar, Optometry student, answers her module while attending a synchronous discussion for her major subject.

Photo by JUSTINE TOÑACAO >>> Continued from cover

ineffectiveness of the learning set-up utilized by the university.

John Christian Buslon, a Medical Technology intern, stated that the learning environment and internet connection were some of the hurdles he had to face.

“Though amoa tong balay, it was not a conducive space to study. Naay everyday chores plus emergencies to do,” he said.

“Living in a province means limited signal sad so it really hinders if you want to watch the Youtube links the teachers want you to watch,” he added.

Buslon also stated that the lack of books and gadgets were also a factor.

These challenges, coupled with the fast-paced nature of RADL, made it even harder to

absorb all the information in just a day.

Juan Guido Joyo, a professor from the College of Rehabilitative Sciences, acknowledged the difficulties RADL posed at the time it was first implemented but implied that the modality is not to be fully blamed.

Joyo highlighted the hopeless opposition of students to the idea of taking a one-semester subject for only a month.

“They found it difficult to acquire the complex theories, concepts, and lessons of each subject in just one month, not to mention the fact that physical laboratory classes were stopped, resulting in lack of appreciation among students,” he said.

He also added that students’ lack of engagement has also been a challenge.

“Some students may miss

the deadline in submitting their deliverables. Some students may even reach out to say they are willing to drop out of the course due to mental health difficulties,” he furthered.

Given these difficulties, Joyo believed that students should learn how to utilize their faculties well and develop mental fortitude as well as devise intelligible plans to get rid of distractions.

VP Acad’s Response Amid these criticisms, Dr. Sheila Cayabyab, Vice President for Academics, believes that RADLearning is effective based on what the students and the institution need at the moment.

“Our position is that students will be able to continue with their learning, and RAD allowed us to do that,” Cayabyab said.

She also stated that most students who experienced it last academic year continued to attend the university the following year and the school got a good number of new students, both freshmen and transferees.

Cayabyab also admitted that the modality is not perfect but assured students that they are trying to improve it to be responsive to the students’ needs.

“We cannot say for sure that a specific learning modality is effective for now, because we still need to

see the long-term outcome, or overall outcome of the program,” she said.

Academic Integrity Issues Earlier this semester, a cheating issue involving first-year nursing students shook the Cobra community and sparked conversations involving academic integrity.

When asked about their strategies in ending the cheating culture among students, Dr. Cayabyab pointed out that cheating has always been their problem, pandemic or no pandemic, and strategies have been put in place.

“We continue to find ways to safeguard the integrity of our exams by preparing parallel items to assess a given learning objective,” she said.

She also stressed that they have been exerting efforts in reminding students that cheating will never benefit them.

“It [cheating] will not prepare them to be the best in their future profession and if they have a board exam, cheating will not prepare them to pass their board exam,” she added.

Face-to-Face Classes Currently, the Commission on Higher Education has authorized four colleges in the university to hold limited face-to-face classes: College

of Medicine, College of Medical Technology, College of Nursing, and College of Rehabilitative Sciences.

According to Cayabyab, the university is looking into adding more colleges into its initial roster of programs offering limited face-to-face classes.

“We are currently applying for Pharmacy, RadTech, and Dentistry. Specific details on which subjects per program will be done through limited f2f will come from the college deans who know best which subjects must be taught through f2f,” Sheila said.

Following students’ concerns about maintaining the previous year’s high board rating, Cayabyab is still confident that students can do it as long as everyone does their part.

“It takes a community to provide quality learning leading to students passing, and some acing the board exam and be well-prepared for the world of work,” she said.

Cayabyab also said that the university is more focused on students gaining competencies aligned to employment and reminded learners to do their part.

Despite criticisms, the university is studying the possibility of offering RADL to some students juggling both work and academics once schools are allowed to operate at full capacity.

Cebu City LGU taps SWU as 1st pedia vaxx site, aims to jab 70% of teens

by ROCHYNE DAPHNE KATE SAPIO

The development of COVID-19 vaccines came like a ray of hope for nations that were greatly affected by the pandemic.

Last March 2020, the Philippines finally received the first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine and launched its national coronavirus campaign—the last Southeast Asian country to do so.

In the hopes of achieving herd immunity, the Cebu City local government unit opened the first pediatric vaccination site at Southwestern University PHINMA on November 8, 2021.

The vaccination campaign for minors was spearheaded by the Cebu City LGU in partnership with the Philippine Pediatric Society, doctors and health care workers from the Department of Health and, volunteer pediatricians.

In an interview with The Quill, Dr. Jonathan Loreche, Cebu City Health Department site manager, cited reasons why they chose SWU PHINMA as the City’s first vaccination site for minors.

“Nindot siya og facilities and also it has a hospital so if ever something happens, naa’y mga emergencies, madala ra sa Southwestern

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

[hospital], so accessible ra siya,” Loreche said.

As of now, the vaxx site does not accept walk-ins due to the unpredictable influx of vaccinees.

Teens must first be registered through the website pabakunata.com and wait for a text confirmation regarding their schedule.

Loreche encouraged the people to do their part in helping the country overcome this pandemic through vaccination, emphasizing its importance in achieving herd immunity.

“Kung gusto mo mabalik na sa normal na dili na ta mag

Teen calmly receives her first jab of COVID vaccine at SWU PHINMA.

Photo by JUSTINE TOÑACAO mask in the future, kinahanglan ta mo do sa atong part, you get yourself vaccinated.

Otherwise, we will always be be wearing our masks and we will always fear COVID,”

Loreche said.

Col. Maximino Almuete Jr., vaccinee parent, also expressed his sentiments >>> Continued to page 5

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CHED, IATF approve SWU for limited F2F in 4 priority programs

PHINMA Education procures Union College of Laguna in P88M deal

by NISANDREI CAÑIZARES

Nursing seniors gather for a photo op session during their first face-to-face class for the school year.

Photo by JUSTINE TOÑACAO

by REEM ALDEEK

S o u t h w e s t e r n University PHINMA has been granted approval to conduct limited face-toface classes after complying with the requirements set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Four priority programs under SWU PHINMA were granted approval for face-toface laboratory sessions last May 22, 2021.

In an interview with The Quill, Vice President for Academic, Dr. Sheila Cayabyab, shared that the school was the first university in Cebu to allow the opening of laboratory classes on-site.

“As far as in-campus laboratory classes are concerned, only Southwestern University has the authority [in Cebu],” she stated.

The priority programs accepted for limited faceto-face classes include all

year levels of Doctor of Medicine, Medical Technology interns, Nursing interns and, sophomore to senior students of Physical Therapy.

Health and safety protocols are to be strictly observed by staff and students as part of the minimum health standard guidelines to prevent transmission of COVID-19 virus during the limited faceto-face classes.

Cayabyab said that the medical programs prioritized require direct supervision from teachers to attain the necessary skills needed—a thing online learning cannot cater.

“We can always have alternatives if possible, but for those essential skills that needs supervision, there’s no replacing face-to-face [classes],” she said.

When asked if they have updates on the status of additional batches of health allied programs for the limited face-to-face classes class setting, Cayabyab mentioned that they are “lobbying” for other programs, but is currently “unfit” due to the lack

of guidelines.

“It’s not in the guidelines yet, so it would be difficult for CHED to act on it,” she said.

With reference to RADLearning, Cayabyab also worries that students may feel their learning to be “partial” due to issues concerning unstable internet connectivity, therefore citing the major advantage of utilizing modularbased learning.

“The printed modules is the fail-proof plan to continue learning even with internet connection problems and power outages,” she shared.

Part of the guidelines for students who are permitted to attend limited face-toface classes include the age requirement of at least 20 years old, as well as existing PhilHealth membership with regular contributions.

Upperclassmen with no clinical responsibilities and freshmen students who are not a part of the selected years of the priority program will still follow the RADLearning setup.

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PHINMA Education Holdings Incorporated (PEHI) has once again acquired a new school in Laguna as the corporation sets to expand its education business to nine accredited schools after the P88.17 million transaction for the Union College of Laguna was closed on April 30, 2021.

Led by the Del Rosario family, PEHI disclosed that the shared purchase on the contract agreement was at a 65.67% stake for the acquisition of the school.

As the expansion continues, Dr. Raymundo P. Reyes, PHINMA Education Country Head said in an interview that the school’s mission to provide quality accessible education to underserved students has not changed “despite the challenges we faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“In fact, there’s an even bigger need now for schools that will help students get the education they deserve at the lowest cost possible,” he added.

The Corporation’s transaction would further strengthen its connections in the education industry after the acquisition of its second school in the province of Laguna.

Union College of Laguna offers a wide

range of academic programs: kindergarten, elementary, junior high school, and senior high school which includes both academic and technical vocational track.

It also offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Public Administration and Education, as well as courses in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Criminology, Hotel and Restaurant M a n a g e m e n t , Psychology, Political Science, English, Communication, and Secretarial Administration.

After the official transaction and deal, Union College of Laguna Inc. will be added to PEHI’s list of colleges and universities which includes PHINMA Araullo University, PHINMA-Cagayan de Oro College, PHINMAUniversity of Iloilo, PHINMAUniversity of Pangasinan and PHINMA UPANG College of Urdaneta, PHINMA-Saint Jude College, PHINMA Republican College, P H I N M A - R i z a l College of Laguna and Southwestern University-PHINMA. The said expansion is anchored on the corporation’s mantra of providing quality education and making lives better.

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The Quill April 2022 Issue

Mundo Granate returns after 1-year hiatus with 1st virtual show

by MIGUEL LORENZ PARAWAN

The grandest school opening event in southern Philippines was officially back after a year of absence as Mundo Granate hyped viewers on its first-ever virtual launch last October 23, 2021.

With the theme, “A celebration of thankfulness, thriving, and triumphs,” last year’s Mundo Granate was dedicated to all the successes of the Cobras.

Josephine Cartalla, Student Development Manager, said that following a gap year brought by the pandemic, one of the main differences was the “level of energy” the previous Mundo Granate brought.

“The restrictions are huge, huge difference. But still, it’s the commitment of the school that every year we always bring Mundo Granate to the students as a way of welcome,” she said.

Compared to the previous Mundo Granate events the school organized, Cartalla acknowledged that preparations were costly for a virtual event.

“It’s expensive for something virtual. You only

have to shoot but grabe— the production, the technical aspect. You have to pay for the technical works of the show. Very expensive,” she explained.

Gilbert Magno Braganza, Vice President for Student Life, gave props to students for their efforts in the previous school year saying that “it was just right” for them to experience such an event.

“Struggle is part of life. Even after school and work, you will also struggle.

My message to all who are struggling—One, you are not alone. Secondly, struggles should make us stronger and should make us better persons,” Braganza added.

Cebu-based blues and indie-pop band Three-Legged Men set the mood with their live performance during the Mundo Granate.

The band was elated with the vibe the participants gave off during their performance and received numerous requests for more performances.

“It was awesome kay people were jamming and like vibing out. I think you guys were also excited to see a live

The stage is set for the first-ever virtual Mundo Granate celebration.

Photo by ROSS ERWIN CUTAMORA

show. Likewise, we also were excited to play in front of a live audience,” the band said.

Mariah Cheya Alianna S. Derecho, a student from the College of Pre-Medicine, also gave her sentiments on last year’s Mundo Granate.

“Ang difference gani sa Mundo Granate before is

murag nag-dominate ang kalingaw ra, unlike today, karon nga Mundo Granate, ang iyahang feels gani murag new hope, new kind of fun na, we should be fun at our own responsible way,” she shared.

When asked about the school’s future plan for Mundo Granate, Cartalla is hopeful

for a physical celebration given Cebu City’s eased-up restrictions.

“The restrictions are a bit lighter so I am really hoping that probably two years from now, a year from now, it’s really going to be the same Mundo Granate,” Cartalla said.

Quill captures 3 golds, other awards in media confabs amid pandemic

by ROSS ERWIN CUTAMORA

For the past years, The Quill managed to capture championship plums in various national and regional press competitions earning the publication a spot on the pedestal of the best publications in the region—and this year is no different.

The Quill publication bagged two national and one local championship awards in feature writing and cartooning, respectively.

Rochyne Daphne Kate Sapio, editor in chief and stager in media

confabs, added a gold in The Quill’s medal tally after besting fellow Tisaanons in Cebu City’s first-ever Barangay Press Conference, iWrite Pagbansay Academy feature writing—English category held last May 30, 2021.

Justine Toñacao, associate editor–online and press con veteran, topped both comic strip making and editorial cartooning— Traditional in the Philippine Campus Media Tournament held online last June 26, 2021.

“To join a national competition was enough for me but to win was a pipe dream turned reality. The most insane part is how I managed to champ in two competitions

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

in a row,” Toñacao said.

He also stated that these competitions were like whetstones that helped keep his skills sharp and his critical thinking sharper.

“I don’t have this mustwin mindset but rather, a dobetter-than-your-last mantra,” he added.

In her Facebook post, Sapio narrated her experience during the competition.

“I haven’t joined writing contests for a year now, and entering the contest venue gave me a year’s worth of rush and chills,” she shared.

The participants were free to choose their own topics and Sapio chose to write a critical article about press freedom.

“It felt like home writing about press freedom. Quill always felt strongly about this topic. It felt right to write about the sole reason I was at that table—the Fourth Estate,” she said.

Ishvar Jake Magcanam, senior photojournalist, managed to land on the sixth spot in the photojournalism category of the Camilo Osias Arts Festival (CAMAF) held last April 12, 2021.

Magcanam revealed that it was his first time joining a national press conference and hopes to compete in more press tilts in the coming years.

More than 300 participants from 133 schools across the country joined the CAMAF

2021.

Toñacao also managed to place spots in the 1st Ditto Sarmiento Journalism Cup (Editorial Cartooning–second place) headed by Alpha Phi Beta fraternity, Hirasol Literary and Arts Festival (Visual Arts category–top 10) headed by UP and, NCPO side events (Flash Fiction writing–top 10).

The Quill was set to participate in the 19th Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) to be held at Albay but was cancelled due to the pandemic.

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SWU graduate tops MTLE despite delays

Sampayan, Salvador Jr

Briones, Jelena

by MELANIE ANN TALADTAD

“Magical things happen once you believe in yourself.”

Such were the words of Salvador “Buddy” C. Sampayan Jr. from the College of Medical Technology, who became the sole topnotcher from Cebu in the January 2021 Medical Technology Licensure Examination (MTLE), garnering the 6th highest nationwide spot with an accumulated score of 89.50% despite financial and medical setbacks.

Sampayan, whom he calls himself “Prince of Delays,” went through hoops in getting his RMT license, which he noted as a “stepping stone” to fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor.

The Samar native struggled in maintaining his scholarship to which he eventually lost, even planning to “stop for a semester” to look for a job in the middle of family and financial hardships.

Just when he thought all of his problems were solved, Sampayan was left with no choice but to postpone taking

>>> Continued from page

MTLE in 2019 due to his diverticulitis, an infection and inflammation in one or more diverticula, and had to undergo dental surgery for an acute irreversible pulpitis, which is an infection that develops at the root of the tooth.

When he finally had the chance to take the MTLE, the examination had been postponed due to the pandemic.

“I’m just hoping to be part of the Top 10 MTLE passers,” Sampayan said. Placing his trust through prayers as he searched for his name in the list of passers.

Along with the top passer from the College of Medical Technology, six more Cobras brought pride and honor to Southwestern University PHINMA as they aced their corresponding board examination.

Despite several lockdowns and rescheduled board exam dates, passion dominates over fear.

Other than Sampayan, the

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as to why people should get vaccinated.

“Effective man gud nang vaccine. Kay ako, dati na nagka-COVID. After sa vaccination, nag COVID na sad ko pero mild na siya, di na siya pareho sauna na severe,” he said.

He also commended the systematic flow implemented at the site.

Anjelo Almuete, his son, encouraged fellow teenagers to get vaccinated.

“Magpa-vaccine sila para maging safe sila, maiwas sa COVID pud. Dili sila matakdan.”

Boniao, Genevive university produced a triad of licensure exam topnotchers from the College of Medicine which landed the 8th, 9th, and 10th spot in the September 2020 Physician Licensure Exam.

The three licensed medical doctors are April Jean Gapo, Jessah April Naingue, and Carren Emirose Solidor, ranked respectively.

Another national top passer from the College of Rehabilitative Sciences, Dennis Ian A. Delgado, secured the 7th spot in the Occupational Therapist Licensure Exam last February 2020.

Genevive C. Boniao was also added to the school’s roster of topnotchers as she managed to land 6th place in the April 2021 Pharmacist Licensure Exam.

Just recently, the School of Education placed another topnotcher on the list as Jelena Briones landed 10th in the September 2021 Licensure Examination for Teachers Elementary Level.

The Department of Health aims to vaccinate 70% of the population aged 12-17 by December 2021.

Last November 17, 2021, Cebu City opened its second pediatric vaccination site at Robinsons Cybergate Cebu.

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NEWS ROUNDUP Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, in partnership with the Community Development Office, provides SWTown constituents with gift packs under the “Gugmang Gasa sa Pamilyang Sugbuanon” program last November 17, 2021.

Students welcome the yuletide season as they strike a pose to celebrate the Festival of Lights at the PHINMA Hall Grounds on December 8, 2021.

SWU Medical Student Council and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges-Student Network, in partnership with the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, conducts “Pagpukaw” blood donation drive held at the Southwestern University Coliseum last October 20, 2021.

Volunteers from the Medicine Student Council, The Quill Publication, College of Nursing SBO, and the Red Cross-SWU Chapter Youth Council prepare for departure to distribute donations to the victims of the fire incident that struck Sitio Lawis, Mambaling, Cebu City.

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The Quill April 2022 Issue

Finance clarifies fee concerns on previous AY, grants 20% discount on lab fees

Continuing college student pays off his due fees on-site for the RADLearning curriculum at the Finance Office.

Photo by JUSTINE TOÑACAO

by MIGUEL LORENZ PARAWAN

It takes blood, sweat, and tears to earn money for daily expenses. Add education to the list, and to many, it would be difficult to make ends meet.

Students and parents questioned the collected laboratory fees despite having no face-to-face laboratory sessions in the previous academic year under the Remote and Distance Learning (RADLearning) methodology of Southwestern University PHINMA. In an interview with The Quill, Mary (not her real name), an intern from the College of Medical Technology, shared that lab fees were unnecessary and a burden to pay.

“It felt like paying for something that is not of any use. We are currently enrolled in modular learning and paying for my laboratory fee adds up for another burden to my mom who pays for my tuition,” she said.

Mary felt dismayed when the school made no move to waive laboratory fees from students’ respective accounts.

“I’ve heard some students asked for this to be removed in our tuition fee because it’s quite a big amount. But to my

disappointment, there were still no changes made by Finance,” she shared.

When asked about the breakdown of fees charged from the previous school year, Katrina Velasco, former University comptroller and current assistant chief operating officer, clarified that charged fees are “final” and are relative to students’ enrolled subjects.

“All fees charged during the semester [S.Y. 2020-2021] are final which are related to the subjects being offered and delivered during the sem,” she said.

Following a query from The Quill, Velasco explained that the school has exhausted any possible means on how to deliver the classes since the previous school year.

Majority of the expenditures by the school for S.Y. 2020-2021 used resources for continuity of delivery, as well as for the planning and implementation of the RADLearning.

“These plans were done in the beginning of the semester in Aug and implemented, hence, we cannot reduce cost for last year,” she said.

Velasco acknowledged students’ financial burdens

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and upon careful deliberation, the school took into consideration fee reduction for S.Y. 2021-2022.

“We heard their concerns.

That is why in our plans, we already considered the possible reduction for the students. As posted in our social media site, we will reduce 20% lab fees for SY 21-22,” she said.

On 20% Lab Fee Discount The news posted by the official Facebook page of Southwestern University PHINMA regarding the 20% lab fee discount last June 25 came as a sigh of relief for students, yet following the public announcement, students asked for clarification on the breakdown of their paid laboratory fees last semester.

While many felt relieved of the financial aid, Franzsiene Yzabelle A. Balaoro, third-year Nursing student, was one of the many students who felt unsatisfied.

Sharing her dissent with The Quill, Balaoro believes that last year’s paid laboratory fees should be “enough” to cover this semester’s laboratory fees.

Balaoro felt like she had been “scammed” over non-

utilization of laboratory rooms with on-site skills discussion.

Meanwhile, Mary is saddened over the school’s initiative to cut back 20% of students’ lab fees rather than forward the excess payment to the ongoing semester.

“I find it sad to think that they would choose to reduce the laboratory fee instead of forwarding the amount we’ve paid to our current semester,” she said.

Velasco said that lab fees do not necessarily charge only for laboratory rooms and usage of equipment, but primarily for faculty costs.

“Each 1 unit of laboratory class requires full compensation of 3 hours to a faculty, consistent with CHED’s mandate of laboratory hours’ equivalent,” she explained.

Part of the laboratory fee also includes “preparation and design of new modules to deliver alternative learning activities for laboratory subjects in line with RAD Learning,” Velasco furthered.

The school has yet to announce whether the discount will still apply for the next school year under RADLearning.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Quill, Ask lang unta ko if ang purpose lang ba sa teachers is to give instructions for the modules and to give quizzes? Kay sa among part wala gyud bitaw mi na learn kaayo kay igo ra sila hatag sa modules ug quizzes, walay discussion mahitabo.

Tapos if mag ask mig clarification regarding sa topic kay dili kaayo nila maexplain tarong and worst is iseen ra nila amo message.

Thank you kaayo if matubag ni ako question.

Respectfully, Concerned RADL Student Dear Student, RAD Learning is independent learning with strong support system.

If the student does not get the strong support he/she needs, this may be an isolated case. The student has to email us with details that can help us investigate so we can take necessary actions. Rest assured that we will protect the identity of the student if that is his/her request but for accountability of reports sent to us, we encourage anyone, student or their family, to come forward because there’s nothing wrong in reporting facts.

Dr. Shiela Cayabyab, VP for Academics

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Carbon Rehabilitation:

A Case of Modernization or Marginalization?

by ROCHYNE DAPHNE KATE SAPIO People react differently to change. Some people find change beautiful like a butterfly blossoming out of its cocoon but for some, they may find it terrifying just to leave the cocoon alone.

Change doesn’t always come easy for most, especially when the change can make a huge impact in their lives.

Named after the Bisaya term of coal, Carbon Public Market, which was once a coal depot, is now considered the oldest and biggest farmer’s market in Cebu.

Last March 24, 2021, the Carbon Market Modernization broke ground at the Senior’s Citizen’s Park. The groundbreaking ceremony, led by the late Mayor Edgar Labella and Megawide Executive for Infrastructure, Louis Ferrer, marks the start of the P5.5 billion project.

Project Features

The redevelopment project is said to transform the Carbon Public Market and its neighboring areas into a firstworld

complex that will incorporate design features honoring the remarkable history of Carbon.

According to Cebu2World Development, Inc., a Megawide subsidiary, they will revolutionize Carbon as a symbol of Cebu’s rich history and heritage by creating a more holistic and enjoyable scene to showcase the real Bisdak experience.

Furthermore, in an interview with MyCebu.ph, Ma. Christina Angan, Megawide Commercial Sector Head, said that the development of the area into a more modern scene seeks to solve issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and petty crimes.

Aside from the construction of a new and improved Carbon Market on Blocks 1 and 2, the project will also include the construction of a Wholesaler’s Hub on Block 3, which will house the market’s souvenir and handicraft shops as well as the staple ukay-ukay.

On Block 4, a Lifestyle Village inspired by the famous puso of Cebu will highlight popular local and international retail brands. Similarly, a bright and vibrant boqueria patterned from European popup shops will rise on Block 5.

The Carbon Modernization Project will also feature land and water transport hubs.

It has been in their plans to feature water taxis as an alternative transportation to Mactan International Airport for travelers coming in and out of Cebu.

On top of transport hubs, a guest lounge at the Premier Galleria on Block 6 will highlight an Airport City Check-In. Behind the ferry terminal will stand the Sto. Niño Chapel and Park and will accent a huge image of Sto. Niño de Cebu on top of the chapel.

Project Timeline

Megawide believes that redeveloping Carbon Market will spark and hasten the recovery of Metro Cebu from deadly COVID-19 pandemic as they’re goals are to provide a safer and more enjoyable experience when in the Market.

The developer plans to complete the modernization project by the first quarter of 2024.

According to Angan, the land terminal, puso-shaped market and Sto. Niño Park would be completed by the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2021, respectively.

By the 4th quarter of 2022, the ferry terminal should be up, followed by the Carbon Market by the 4th quarter of 2023.

The construction of Block 3, 4, 5, and 6 will follow in the 4th quarter of 2024. However, there have been some delays with construction due to the ongoing pandemic and protests of some ambulant

news devcom vendors against the alleged Carbon privatization.

Of Protests and Oppositions

The groundbreaking ceremony was postponed twice due to the protests of vendors from the market but what the Carbon vendors are really against is not the redevelopment per se but its privatization.

In an exclusive interview with The Quill, Roland Laguna, a 52-year-old vendor and member of Carbon Alliance shared his sentiments regarding the privatization of Carbon.

“Wala mi musupak sa pagredevelop sa Megawide. Uyon mi. Kinsa may dili ganahan nga kanang magtanaw nga aduna tay kausaban dunay kalimpyo.

Ang amo ra gyud gisupakan kay ang privatized sa kaning Carbon Public Market nga ang Megawide mudala,” he stated.

The objections were pointing towards the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) which holds the power to raise the rent in the stalls.

Ambulant vendors believe that the redevelopment is merely a privatization project to utilize the area for the developer’s gain.

They are convinced that once Megawide operates, small businesses like them could not afford the rent in stalls of the redesigned Carbon Market.

“Ang ilahang rental, muingon sila sa ilang mga panulti nga way pag uminto sa sulod sa tulo ka tuig. Unya unsaon man nato ang nahabilin nga 47 ka tuig. Sympre dako kaayo sila ug gi-

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invest, 5.5 billion. Nya sa ilang gi-invest di sila muginansya ug dako?”

Support From Stakeholders

While there are against Megawide’s acquisition of the Carbon Market project, there are also stakeholders who expressed their support in the redevelopment.

“Sukad dalaga pa ko, wa gyud nabag-o ang Carbon.

Karon sa bag-o nga Bagsakan, mas hapsay ug limpyo na among lugar nga mas nakadani sa daghang customers,” Amormea Casas, vendor in Landing Vendors Organization (LAVO) Seaside, said.

Aside from the modernization, Cebu2World also provided a business coaching program for Carbon vendors as part of their skills improvement program.

The BarangayBased Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program is intended to help micro, small, and medium enterprises affected by the pandemic.

Over 5,000 Carbon Public Market stakeholders have signed a petition in support of the district’s modernization.

While modernization can be a great advantage to the city’s economy, the local government should make sure that the vendors are protected.

Change can be good but not at the cost of the livelihood of the vendors.

The development should be inclusive of everyone and should not look like another case of marginalization.

Photo from MyCebu.ph OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

02 08

news devcom

CCLEX:

by ISVHAR JAKE MAGCANAM & ROSS ERWIN CUTAMORA hile looking out from the window of a seemingly u n m o v i n g vehicle, watching the sun’s marvelous rays bid its goodbye for the day, restraint and fatigue are evident in the faces of commuters as they gamble the horrendous turtlepaced traffic of the Queen City of the South.

Cebu’s economy has risen to become one of the fastest growing in the country, however its steady success might meet its doomsday if it continues to suffer from its worsening traffic condition costing billions of losses daily.

As an answer to Cebu’s mobility problem, the Cebu Provincial Board approved last April 2016 the creation of the province’s third bridge, CebuCordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), that will connect mainland Cebu and the Municipality of Cordova in Mactan.

Bridge’s Features The 8.5-kilometer toll bridge, with a width of 27 meters, will feature two lanes in each direction. The bridge will also feature a 400-meter cable-stayed main span and 51-meter navigational clearance for shipping traffic.

With a speed capacity design of 80 kilometers per hour, the bridge is expected to serve at least 50,000 vehicles

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daily.

In addition, the project will be supported by two single pylons with a height of 145 meters. It will also include a viaduct approach bridges, causeway, roadways, and toll facilities.

The bridge will begin at Cebu South Coastal Road Tunnel, Cebu, and will end at the Mactan Cebu Circumferential Road at Brgy.

Pilipog in Cordova town, Mactan Island.

Setting the Record Straight With the longest bridge in the country nearing its completion after four years of construction, prominent personalities have claimed credit to this new Cebu landmark.

Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) took to social media his claim saying that the Duterte administration’s centerpiece program “Build, Build, Build” made the engineering feat possible.

“Nandito po ako sa CCLEX sa Cebu at isa po ito sa mga high-impact projects ng Duterte administration,” Villar said in a Facebook video uploaded last March 24.

His claim has been debunked by different media outlets, independent factcheckers, and even former Pinoy Big Brother housemate

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The Quill April 2022 Issue

RISE OF CEBU’S NEWEST ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL Slater Young, who is an engineer by profession.

While it was President Rodrigo Duterte who led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project last March 2017, negotiations for Cebu’s third bridge started as early as 2014 under the Aquino administration.

Reports from SunStar Cebu and Cebu Daily News last October 20, 2014 showed that a proposal was made by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporations (MPTC), a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. responsible for the operation of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), to construct a bridge linking Cebu City to the municipality of Cordova was under review by a joint venture section committee (JV-SC) convened by the two local government units involved.

Two years later, MPTC was granted the authority to finance, design, construct, implement, operate, and maintain the Cebu-Cordova bridge.

The construction and engineering consortium was then formed by the Consunji, Lopez and Spainbased Acciona Construction S.A. who bagged the Php 22.6-billion design and build contract for the project.

The touted BBB economic program was launched in 2017 and was envisioned to spend

at least Php8.4-trillion worth of new infrastructure projects.

Among the 75 original roster of projects of BBB, CCLEX was not included.

Project Benefits Cebu’s newest icon will give a sigh of relief to Cebuanos as it will give them a better traffic experience. Commuters can finally travel with ease and prevent the stress of being stuck in traffic for hours.

In an interview with The Quill, Kristel Mae Lozada, a frequent traveler, shared her delight about the project’s completion.

“Less hassle and di nako magdali-dali ug adto sa airport.

Like mag early ug boarding kay mao man na kasagaran magsayo ko gud kay traffic,” she said.

Lozada also added that because of CCLEX, she can now travel for about an hour before boarding.

Mariza Famat, business owner, also shared that the construction of the third bridge is a big help for her.

“Traffic going to Lapu-Lapu is a big problem. CCLEX is a big help for us in doing business transactions in order to avoid the heavy traffic in Mandaue City,” she shared.

The construction of the bridge aims to improve access to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and ease congestion along existing bridge crossings.

The CCLEX is expected

to accelerate the economic growth in Central Visayas as it will improve connectivity preventing delays in business transactions, support the growth of tourism by putting Cordova as the gateway for tourism in Bohol, the Visayas region, and mainland Cebu, as well as create new employment opportunities for local residents.

Despite the relief brought

by CCLEX, others are hesitant that the project will solve the traffic problem of Cebu.

Josephine Badal, a resident of Soong, Lapu-Lapu, explains that the construction of the new bridge cuts off travel hours but has its downside.

“Mas madali ang travel hours kay if sa highway muagi daghan traffic lights unlike sa CCLEX na straight-straight.

But ang downside for sure is matraffic ang Lapu-Lapu tungod sa kagamay sa karsada ba,” she said.

The opening ceremony of CCLEX will be on April 27 which happens to be a historic date—the 501st commemoration of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan.”

The ceremony will be led by President Duterte himself.

The construction of this state-of-the-art bridge is an answered prayer to most, if not all commuters. They are hoping that through this leadedge edifice, getting stuck in heavy, unmoving traffic will be a thing of the past.

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

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EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF Rochyne Daphne Kate Sapio ASSOCIATE EDITOR (ONLINE) Justine Toñacao MANAGING EDITOR Ross Erwin Cutamora EXECUTIVE EDITOR Miguel Lorenz Parawan VISUAL DIRECTOR Justin Clarence Masecampo

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SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Scott BJ Nadela Chelsea Candidato Yvette Sumipo Andrei Steven Delicana SENIOR STAFF LAYOUT ARTISTS Nerisa Sacay Charles Owen Apostol SENIOR STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST Isvhar Jake Magcanam SENIOR STAFF CARTOONIST Jeous Adonay

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JUNIOR STAFFERS Shalghney Balangyao Joanna Onieceline Faye Cinco Lorenza Marie Deada Gwyneth Delorino Trisha Kate Escalante Elaiza Galaroza James Victor Genayas Jhaymarc Hoy Loraine Magnaye Alwynn Kate Malubay Frances Ann Nolasco Dan Clifford Palang Kylle Niña Pantonial Angelique Therese Pe Frieney Josephine Pepino Reishi Glynne Quibido Loren Mae Ramirez Sasha Marie Robillos Jhan Clair Sta. Cruz Grace Gift Sumbi Ricci Gwennmorei Taghap Zavia Angelene Tuzara Xyza Marie Varga Alessandra Villaroya CONTRIBUTOR Bharatbhai Lakhnotra CONTENT ADVISER Mark Vincent Nogra

Reigniting Embers In the wee hours of the night, just before the rays of the sun shine upon the face of the Earth, stands the majestic Phoenix— donned in red and gold feathers—igniting its nest of incense and sacred materials, and itself in a show of embers and flames; and from its ashes will rise a young Phoenix, reborn anew.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world into chaos, it immobilized the entire economic sphere—the academe is no exception.

With the shifting paradigm in education, students are compelled to keep up with its aftermath.

Schools were forced to shift to a new and different learning modality and students were obliged to adapt to a system that is new to most, if not everyone.

The studentry has been compelled to adjust to this new normal setup the pandemic has trapped us into for more than two years now. But if a Phoenix can brave through time to be resurrected back to life, so can the studentry.

Now is the perfect time to be reborn as better students and critical

thinkers for the future.

The pandemic has opened the eyes of so many people, especially students. It made them realize that issues circulating in our society directly affect them—even if they think the opposite.

In this day and age, being sociopolitically active and aware is a must for all students. Gone are the days of apathy and neutrality.

One should not wait for another deadly disease to wake us up in the reality. It’s high time to get engaged in sociopolitical discussion because we are the voices of the country.

One of the many things the pandemic had revealed to us is the incompetence of key officials and their audacity to underperform while the country is undergoing a massive health crisis.

Take the held-up travel ban last March 2020, as an example. If only government officials had imposed an earlier lockdown, the nation could have minimized the aggressive spread of the virus.

The thing with these officials is that they don’t listen to the people they

are serving, they ignore the cries of the people and instead, they favor their personal gains.

Filipinos should be able to exercise their freedom of expression against iniquities, and criticizing the incompetence of those in power is just the tip of the iceberg.

And contrary to popular belief, to bleat against authorities is not tantamount to disrespect.

They are here to serve the citizens, not the other way around.

Settling for the bare minimum should be a thing of the past.

As we embrace the new normal, we must challenge ourselves. In order to open the mind for an active social discussion, one must strive to be better.

Be better as a student in class, better at studying, better friends, better sons and daughters to our families, and especially better citizens of this country.

Being better in the context of sociopolitics means to be discerning in choosing the right leaders and to voice out what issues that need to be addressed.

And only then can you say you have lived up to this university’s mantra, “become the best that you can be.”

The pandemic has shown that everyone is susceptible to the inequities of our government, even if you are uninterested in politics or apathetic in socio political issues, whether you like it or not, you are affected because you are a citizen of this country.

So let’s take the events of the past two years as lessons to become critical thinkers and muster up courage and be more political post-pandemic.

By becoming better little by little, it will only be a matter of time until our voices echo throughout the society, and ultimately, the country.

A progressive, proactive, and productive Philippines—that’s the finish line one should look forward to.

And what better way to achieve this than through the newly reborn studentry—the hope of the future. Afterall, a Phoenix brought back to life soars through the sky, stronger than ever.

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

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news opinion

Infinite Wars Within Myself

by ROCHYNE DAPHNE KATE SAPIO

RECALCITRANT’S RANTS

“

Our failures will take us to where we are supposed to be even if it means losing some things on the way.

”

One Step Closer

by MIGUEL LORENZ PARAWAN

MASSIVE MISSIVES

“

The view on top might look majestic but so is the trail.

”

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hings you might want to know about me: 1.) I am a huge Marvel fan. 2.) I have an unhealthy fear of failure.

Sometimes I wonder how the remaining Avengers felt when they realized they failed to save half the human race from Thanos’ snap in Infinity War. One of the most relatable themes in Endgame was their response to failure. It was unarguably one of the best storylines in the movie because it humanizes the characters.

Just like most of us, they had different ways of coping with failure. Thor succumbed to depression leading to his denial of everything that has transpired.

Natasha overworked herself trying to undo their mistakes. Clint sought for the violent road.

Bruce, Steve, and Tony tried to rebuild themselves and their relationships with other people.

I think it’s safe to assume that most of us hate failing. It hurts the ego and lowers selfesteem.

It took so long for me to

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o most people, the idea of success lies on a college diploma or being an entrepreneur managing a well-profitable business.

Having accomplished these feats would propel one’s standing in life—even elevating status and reputation.

I still remember the very first steps I took in the college three years ago. It was all new to me but little by little, I strived to build a future for myself.

Three leaps forward and who would’ve thought that I am now what I once aspired to be? Three years of breakdowns and pent-up laban lang mindset.

“Sana all, intern na!”

“Mo-graduate naka puhon.”

For freshies, being an intern meant worrying less about acads, but being on the final step doesn’t guarantee that worry-free life. The further you trail at the pinnacle of a mountain, the more likely you are to burn out.

And while it’s true we only need to comply with our

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

The Quill April 2022 Issue realize that I seem to have an unhealthy fear of failure. But what’s with failure that I am so afraid of it?

Many articles and videos later, it finally clicked! The root of my fear was not failure per se, but perfectionism and the thirst for validation.

I never described myself as a perfectionist when I was young. I was clumsy and dumb. And I never made it on the honor list. Things changed in high school. I did not know how but I became competitive, grade conscious, and calculated—making sure I’m always one step ahead of others.

My perfectionism was something I’ve developed over the years of pressuring myself to be the best.

The best student. The best daughter. The best at everything.

When I received the news that I won’t be a part of the Dean’s List for the first time since I entered college, I shut off for a while. I felt empty and numb. I began to question my capabilities and the what could have beens.

Had I studied enough, I

wouldn’t be in this situation— sulking and feeling the crushing weight of my plans that were no longer possible because I failed to ace the semester.

Maybe it’s true what they say that the higher you fly, the harder you fall. I put myself on a pedestal I could not even reach.

The fear got so bad that I ran off from the awarding ceremony at my first national contest. All because I was too scared to learn if I lost.

I won and it’s sad that I wasn’t the one who received my award but I did not regret running off because at that time, I was so terrified to find out that it’s true what the voices in my head say—that I was not good enough.

This fear can be immobilizing at times and it’s exhausting to think how people would react if I fail— or how I would react. People think it’s easy to ignore what others think of me but how can I quench my thirst for validation?

Growing up reading and watching cartoons with superheroes that never fail

to save the day has set an unrealistic notion in my head that everything in life would turn out perfect just like the endings of most films.

As I grew older, I realized life isn’t like the movies at all. Most of the time, things just don’t go as you plan, superheroes don’t randomly show up and solve all of our problems, in real life we fight our own wars, especially the wars within ourselves.

The Avengers failing to save humanity was inevitable.

In all the 14,000,605 futures Dr. Strange saw, there was only one future where they won and that was not a coincidence.

Failing in Infinity War was the key to winning in Endgame.

Falling short was the key to every moment of their growth.

And just like them, our failures will take us to where we are supposed to be— happy and content with our lives even if it means losing some things on the way.

And for where I’m at right now, I think my failures were worth failing for.

clinical responsibilities, many fail recognize the efforts we have to pour into our studies.

For us, it’s do or die.

Either be knowledgeable enough to meet the required competencies or disappoint our patients during shifts— we sure don’t want to do the latter!

Our knowledge and skill ultimately decides how well we can handle our patients. Since we are one of the pioneers of the remote and distance learning program, we have to make double efforts to learn.

That, in itself, takes a lot of time and work to accomplish.

And if those weren’t enough, there are costly trainings, seminars, and documents on top of our school fees.

While we understand that these things ready us for deployment to affiliated hospitals, some of us just don’t have the financial capacity to comply with these requirements in a snap.

There are lots we need to undergo to prepare for our

graduation and eventually our licensure examination.

Lucky for us, our clinical instructors make sure that we’re prepared to take on any question in boards through challenging cases and exams.

However, these courseworks tend to stack over one another as we near the finish line, slowing us down.

Being an intern isn’t all fun now, is it?

It’s easy to fall out of place in the final year. Just as how trailers get tired going back, falling from the top is easier than climbing back up.

The view on top might look majestic but so is the trail.

As an intern, I felt as if I was always racing to the top of the mountain, impatient to arrive.

This had me thinking, “why am I rushing things when I could at least enjoy my life as an intern?”

I may be a graduating student, but that doesn’t mean I have to force myself thinking that I should graduate on time.

To put simply, I learned to go with the flow.

From the academicallyinclined version of myself several years ago, I began to adapt the ‘one step at a time’ approach. I do this by learning bits of information on a regular basis until I accumulate information overtime.

This made me study smarter from the once burdensome piles of information I have to study in the past. This gave me enough time to enjoy my hobbies and skills.

While it’s true we’re at the pinnacle of our education, we also strive to be worthy professionals in the future.

The pandemic might have blocked some pavements for us to pass through, but taking a detour is not a bad option at all. It may even be for the better.

Despite being in dire straits, what you should look out for is the final destination.

Be it 15 kilometers or 30 kilometers, it doesn’t matter, so don’t rush. What matters is that you’re one step closer to your goals.

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

Noumenon Neutral

by MELANIE TALADTAD

GARRULOUS GEEZER

“

The silence only encourages the tormentor and never the tormented.

”

Module Madness

by NISANDREI CAÑIZARES

HEURISTIC HUSTLER

“

The burning emotions would all be extinguished when I get to my pace.

”

K swuphinmaquill.com

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he banners and tarpaulins on the street mark the start of the campaign period for the 2022 National Elections—which happens every six years on the 2nd Monday of May. Politicians have started filing for candidacy and so far, I don’t think anyone is capable or deserving to be the next president of the Philippines.

Sure, we can blame it on unprecendented COVID-19 crisis. However, we cannot let the bad governance and all the failed promises we endured in the previous years pass.

The last six years are a brutal reminder of the sole sacred duty of sovereign Filipinos to vote for responsible and accountable public officials. It is a reminder that it is high time that we take a stand on societal and political issues concerning our nation.

It’s time to choose between black and white without answering gray. It’s time to address the “maybe” because the only options left are a yes or no.

As Dante Alighieri once said, “The darkest places in hell are reserved for those

D

ear Modules, Let’s be frank—you’re driving me insane!

I am a newcomer in Southwestern University PHINMA and a victim of this ongoing health crisis which succumbed to this module modality, I am not used to the confusing and piling papers in front of me each day.

You might say that we got lucky as all the information that we need are already stated in the given modules and that we do not have to worry about the synchronous online classes.

People really think that we got the easy way out. But, let me take you on a bittersweet journey of the reality and madness we have to face every single day.

Modules, modules, modules!

I’ve been told that these are both old and new ways of imparting knowledge.

For the old students of the

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who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.”

There is always two sides to a story—the oppressed and the oppressor. Taking a stand and choosing a side might be hard decision but it is better than choosing to stand in the neutral zone—which benefits no one but the oppressor.

I could only hope that the 2022 National Elections would open the eyes of each Filipino on the significance of having morally right opinions and views.

In Political Liberalism, it is stated that everybody is equal. Equality is anchored and expressed on laws and principles that enable free speech or expression of perspective.

However, the freedom to express is enshrined in our laws. If you are neutral in situations of injustice where shreds of evidence are strong and valid, you have chosen the side and triumph of the oppressor.

If a lion has set its foot on the paws of the dog and you conclude that you are neutral, the dog will not appreciate your neutrality.

Critical Pedagogy argues that the purpose of education to students should not gauge in neutrality. Once a person understands the mechanism of social systems, this traces back the error that neutralites can be a substantial enabling part of the oppression.

The thing about not taking sides is the bubble-wrapped privilege that keeps them from being affected by reality. You chose to be neutral because you have not set your foot in the issue, and you don’t see it as a problem to begin with.

People who stand neutral in any situation are usually not neutral; instead, they favor the status quo.

When you choose not to take a side or hold an opinion, you just show how good you are at playing safe. Neutrality, as an eternal principle, is evidence of weakness.

When being neutral denies or diminishes the reality of oppression, it is a passive way of saying “you do not care.”

Why did it happen? Simply because you blindly enabled the oppression. You had a chance to make a change, but you did not.

Naive people absentmindedly evoke “unconscious” neutrality because of their privilege. You didn’t participate because you can’t see that it’s a problem with thousands of nuisance shut to arise for a fake truth.

Filipinos have so much to learn. During this coming elections, with masked politicians claiming entitlement and revisions of our history, may we use critical thinking in deciding which side we should stand on.

Your decision to pick between yes or no should not be stained with maybes.

If neutrality enhances your comfort in mind—then you’re just as masked-up to hide the unusual bitterness firmed within your judgment.

May it be personal, political, or societal issues, I hope Filipinos take morally right sides and choose facts to justify a situation. Afterall, the silence only encourages the tormentor and never the tormented.

How about you? Have you already taken your side or are you secretly feeding the ego of the persecutors?

institution, this strategy of getting students to both learn independently and efficiently has been drilled into their routine ever since stepping in to the university, but as for me, a student who was used to the traditional ways of gaining knowledge—no modules and just pure student-teacher interactions—I had to learn the hard way.

Everyday, we are tasked to complete not just one but sometimes two to three lessons in a short period of time. Imagine the rush of completing different student activity sheets everyday.

This learning modality is not easy if you wish to maintain your mental stability and gain knowledge at the same time.

The application process, the over-dependence on the modules, and the constant questioning if what I learned was really enough bothers me

to the core.

It is even a major concern that the modules do not even cover the majority of the lessons that are found in certain reference books, and are just handpicked lessons.

Albeit a good strategy, I’m afraid that these won’t be enough to quench the thirst for a wider knowledge.

As a future medical professional, it is scary and unsettling to think that we are not getting much out of what we’re paying for. We were promised quality education even in the face of the pandemic, but that idea seems so far-fetched now that I think about it.

It feels like it is never ending. It frustrates the little learner out of me to see papers everyday.

I know that this is just temporary and that one day I could successfully defeat these worries in me. I would

be able to adjust to whatever madness comes to me.

We all experience frustrations when it comes to academics. Sometimes that frustration gets a little too much to bear. For some, it may only take a sprinkle of motivation to combat adjustments and perilous mindsets towards the new learning system, but for some, it may take a little more than just sprinkle, and that’s okay.

You steer the wheel.

It’s just the start of the wild ride to my dreams. There will be more bumps and obstacles that will come my way, but I know that the burning emotions toward every single piece of educational papers would all be extinguished when I get to my pace.

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

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news photo story

The Quill April 2022 Issue

SALIG. Gugmang nagdilaab, labaw pa sa kalayo sa kandila. Wala’y kahumanang pagsalig, kanimo kanunay nga musampit.

Photo by Namo Onkhal Caption by France Nolasco

PROLETARIAT PERSISTENCE. Even when the day dims. Even when the world begins to sleep. There’s no other way but to keep going to make ends meet.

Photo by Namo Onkhal Caption by Angelique Therese Pe

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INTERTWINED INTENT. Shared ambitions, goals woven into fruition. Tenacity always trumps adversity’s disposition.

Photo by Isvhar Jake Magcanam Caption by Trisha Kate Escalante

TUYA-TUYA. Sa pinturado apan tayaong puthaw, dinhi ko makaikyas padulong sa kalipay.

Samtang ako bata pa, magpundo sa ko dinhi sa taas usa ko mutugkad paubos.

Photo by Zavia Angelene Tuzara Caption by Jhaymarc Hoy

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news photo story

The Quill April 2022 Issue

WAKAS. Panibagong simula, inaantabayanang labis. Sa isang iglap, natapos ang paghihinagpis.

Photo by Zavia Angeline Tuzara Caption by Cresmarie Felmar Villarin

A WOMAN’S PLEA. Straight from the hospice, tears dropping like candle drips. In the endless abyss echoes a mother’s mourn.

Photo by Kylle Niña Pantonialt Caption by Lorenza Marie Deada

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FARM FED FILIPINISM. Sweat-heartened soil fed the quintessential generation. Palms of heroes overlooked by the population.

Photo by Kylle Niña Pantonial Caption by Dan Clifford Palang

LUNGGA. Alipin ng hamon sa umaga, sa dapit-hapo’y pinuno ang pahinga.

Photo by Kylle Niña Pantonial Caption by Joanna Onieceline Faye Cinco

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photo story news

The Quill April 2022 Issue

DAYBREAK’S ENDEAVORS. Before the world wakes, some people rise with the pale gold sun, ready to face whatever challenge today might bring.

Photo by James Victor Genayas Caption by Reishi Glynne

MIRROR OF THE SOUL. Such priceless jewel of joy and laughter. Awaken the gloomy world with embers of wonder.

Photo by Kylle Niña Pantonial Caption by Shalghney Balangyao

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EDQ

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Rampant Tearing Into Upbraid

by CHELSEA CANDIDATO

DAUNTLESS DILETTANTE

“

All violence is violence and everyone deserves validation and justice!

” The Urgency to Vote

by MARK VINCENT NOGRA

NOTORIOUS NOTION

“

Strong and resilient democracies are not created overnight. Nation-building takes time.

”

K swuphinmaquill.com

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f you’re nowhere but neutral in situations like violence, then you’re indirectly on the side of the perpetrator.

While my life has been dominated by the comfort of technology, it has dawned me to many issues circulating the world. But what took me to another level of interest were issues about sexual violence and victim-blaming.

For the past years, there was a surge in reported cases of sexual violence in the Philippines and women, as victims, are still the common target as society perceives them not strong enough to defend themselves.

But it’s not only women who fall victim to this silent predator. Not many people recognize there are other targets: men, gays, lesbians, and transgenders had been preyed upon too.

As I was scrolling through my social media feed, I came

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very election season, we are bombarded with promises, random conspiracy theories, partisan profile pictures, cringe-worthy ads, and catchy jingles.

Amid this election circus and discussions, it is also hard to miss pessimistic sentiments from friends.

In correspondences with close friends and social media posts of acquaintances, it is actually common to read their thoughts on the hopelessness of the country’s situation.

Our democracy is beyond saving, they say.

There is a concrete basis to this sentiment. Philippine democracy has always been in a state of endless experimentation since its premature launching under American tutelage.

The disregard for rule of law, weak check and balance mechanisms, rampant corruption, frail institutions, and unchallenged elite control are just some of the most apparent deficiencies in our democratic practice.

Despite the success of popular movements in overthrowing presidents, these deficiencies continue to thrive as if our democracy cannot exist without them. In the nearing elections, many

news opinion

17 03

across several posts that infuriated me further. It points out people being victimized because “they asked for it”.

These deliberately obtuse apologists are trying so hard to make a point believing that victims should be equally to blame for the abuse that happened.

It’s common sense that no one will ever ask to be harmed and abused. But if you think that people— especially women, dress up to bring themselves to attract perpetrators, then that only goes to show your shortsighted mindset for thinking that there is an excuse for an unjustifiable crime.

Traditional constructs of masculinity, along with the subjugation of women, makes it harder to focus and fight for human rights. It becomes another reason why abusers could get through and get away with the crime because

they place victims at fault for the harm that befell them.

This issue has been ongoing since time immemorial. A friend of mine survived a sexual assault; she was raped and molested—at a very young age of 16. And since the rapist has the power to influence other people, no one believed her story and was not able to get the justice she deserved. Instead, she faced extremely tormenting days which traumatized her.

Another reason why the prejudice against victims is present is because of the normalization of abuse. For a society that has been resorting to violence as means of discipline, victims are forced to accept the fact that it is normal for them to hide their pain as they will be stigmatized by society should they open it up.

Just by imagining the effect of abuse and violence to the victim’s physical, mental,

and emotional health, I know that the consequences may include increased incidences of depression, severe anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder as an emotional response, or worse—suicide.

There is no competition of who has it worse; all violence is violence and everyone deserves validation and justice!

As much as we want to fight for what is right, there are people trying to sabotage the truth with lies. The enablers are the villains and as long as there are people who don’t allow themselves to be educated with what’s conventionally accepted standards of conduct, sexual violence and victim-blaming will not end.

It’s time to stop the rampant upbraiding of victims!

might be hesitant to involve themselves in the toxicity of Philippine politics—only to cast a single vote.

This raises the question, “does my vote even matter?”

Knowing the enormity of systemic problems that our country is facing, we also succumb to look for a “messiah” who would provide miracles to address our society’s most pressing concerns.

There is no such thing as a “perfect choice.” Our public servants are human beings capable of making erroneous statements and decisions.

Over the course of their political careers, they have surely rubbed their elbows with shady individuals. Their principles are sometimes compromised for a bigger goal.

The search for an ideal candidate is a herculean task in the context of the Philippines.

Despite the fact that we operate democratically, a significant number of our politicians are local elites who belong to political dynasties. These elites have demonstrated their ability to survive in the political scene for the sake of their vested interests.

Our fixation to look for the

best candidate would only lead us to the conclusion that it is indeed pointless to even vote when there is no real choice for genuine change at all.

With these sentiments, the pessimism towards the upcoming 2022 National Elections seems justifiable.

The complex web of problems innate to our political system is just unconquerable for an ideal candidate who does not even exist at all.

While I agree that the upcoming elections would only provide a minor change to the broader democratic deficiencies of our political system, it is an extremely crucial one in terms of addressing pressing concerns and laying a better foundation for nation-building.

In fact, I believe the upcoming elections will be the most consequential one in the post-EDSA period.

Overall, there is an absence of competent leadership amidst this crisis. As a result, the basic ills of the country— unemployment, poverty, lack of access to education, and poor healthcare system— have been worsened.

This election would be a testament to whether we, as a nation, would put an end to

or continue this democratic backsliding. It is a test of the resiliency of our adherence to democratic values.

Your single vote cannot resurrect the lives lost or validate the rights trampled, but it can provide justice for the victims and protection for the rights of every citizen.

Your vote this May will not automatically entail a better future for the country. More so, the election of competent leaders will not also guarantee a solution to our long-standing issues.

Strong and resilient democracies are not created overnight.

Nation-building takes time. The process involves experimentation with leaders, institutions, and laws.

Your vote, however, will dictate either continuity or change to the most pressing and urgent issues raised above.

The leaders we will choose and their response to societal issues would affect the generations after us.

Now is not the time for pessimism.

The urgent demand of our current situation requires choosing competent leaders. Do not waste your vote.

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

18 02

news opinion

Mics, Camera, Action!

by ANDREI STEVEN DELICANA

DIVINE DEALS

“

If the university wishes to remedy the cheating problem, the solution should recognize the common good.

” Passion: Out Of Reach

by REEM ALDEEK

RAZZ MATAZZ

“

Passions may change, but our purpose remains.

”

J

ust like blockbuster movies, the controversy over College of Nursing’s cheating incident hit top charts immediately upon release, making its way to news feeds and gossip pages.

This prompted the faculty to implement a new policy that requires students to turn their microphones and cameras on during examinations.

Remote and Distance (RAD) Learning is the official mode of learning used by Southwestern University PHINMA since the start of the pandemic. This learning method utilizes modules as the learners’ reference material, which enables learners to study at their own pace while still keeping on track with the academic requirements on a given schedule.

But there’s always a downside to every situation and sometimes, the bad outweighs the good. Albeit flexible, in this learning mode, most professors won’t give discussions and assume the students will learn the course themselves.

As a result of this laissez-

I

’ve always wondered where people get this “passion” that they talk about so pleasingly, and I ask myself why I don’t have it.

As soon as I try to think about what my passion is, my enthusiasm is overwhelmed.

It makes me feel deficient for not knowing. I’m currently coming of age, and I feel like my passion pursuit should be settled by now.

If pursuing my passion is solely for myself and not to benefit the greater good, why are those dearest to me so concerned with choosing the right path for me? I could pursue intellectual hobbies for a good time, but let’s face it, our capitalistic culture does not value that.

Living under a capitalistic system has changed our concept of leisure time.

Spending a day off relaxing after a long day of work or school basically denotes recuperating from our exhausting occupations and not necessarily making time for our own sanity. It’s

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

The Quill April 2022 Issue faire type of learning, students are more prone to cheating, especially with the accessibility of the modules, internet, and other tools during exams.

To counter further cheating incidents, the College of Nursing faculty implemented the on-cam policy during major examinations. Some instructors also require the use of mirrors or a second device to monitor the movements of the students.

While RADLearning is beneficial for both upper and middle class students, the implementation of this system is anti-poor and veers away from RADLearning’s goal to provide a quality education to students who cannot afford to participate in synchronous online classes.

Most students couldn’t even afford a stable internet connection, let alone provide other devices to comply with the department’s policy.

Majority of them rely on prepaid load and data.

Some students are just not fortunate enough to be able to use two gadgets at same time

and some may find it hard to follow the policies set by the department due to a myriad of reasons—with resources being the root.

Although we understand the department’s response toward creating an objective assessment, it is also imperative that they weigh how this affects the students, especially those who are struggling with internet connections, unavailability of devices, or their working environment.

Cheating has been going on even way before online classes began and even more so in this mode of learning since our instructors have no way of monitoring us. The university is not wrong in trying to counter this problem, afterall it is the quality of our education that’s at stake here.

However, they should also provide realistic solutions to the problem. Not everyone can adapt to this system no matter how hard they try.

Many students will be left behind and isn’t the school’s mission during this pandemic to make sure that no student

is left behind?

It may be best for the university to use a program or a Learning Management System (LMS) to help counter the cheating problem in the university. This system allows instructors to monitor and track the students activity during the duration of the examination.

Not all movies manage to top the charts, just as not all students have the luxury of owning and using two gadgets, not everyone has space to place a mirror behind them, or even use the cameras of their gadgets for technical or data constraints.

If the university wishes to remedy the cheating problem, the solution should recognize the common good and should not burden the students with additional requirements on top of already heavy ones during the examination.

The university should always look after the welfare of its students. A good school should be pro-student and pro-poor, especially in these trying times.

abhorrent how profitable hobbies and passions are seen as worthwhile, while unprofitable ones are a waste of time.

It is just as though our self worth is solely derived from our career. People only applaud when you’ve accomplished something proficient and look down on you when you’ve done nothing.

The pressure starts young.

We are told to chase our dreams like it’s the last cookie in the jar. Youngsters are brainwashed into believing the need to monetize their passion to be successful in life.

This teaches them that having passions is worthless if you can’t exploit them under capitalism and essentially overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion until you reach your purpose.

Automatically, the young me was jittery for picking a college course. The only question that ran through my mind was, “Will I make a living out of it?” I simply couldn’t figure out whether my desired

course is for practical reasons or something I’m genuinely interested in.

An underlying irrational fear holds people back from pursuing their passion— the investment of not just resources but also time. Time always moves forward. And things eventually change.

It is normal for passion to dissipate over time. But why do we spend an awful lot of effort trying to avoid these changes? We often carry the guilt of losing interest over something that used to thrill us, considering that was once a part of our identity.

However, the beauty of momentary passions is falling in and out of love with things. Our passions fade and eventually change. But I guess in reality, what really changed is us.

The experiences and lessons stay perpetual, however, losing interest is inevitable—but it changes our conscious level—which is why it may look different than how it once was.

I came to a realization that “passion” is whatever makes us feel energized. We find our passion from what energizes us—especially while we spend time with ourselves.

There’s nothing to be ashamed of with a change of passion. There is no guarantee that your passion will unlock a new set of achievements and help you work your way up.

Your passion can also cause you to stumble upon another one.

Our passion is not something we were born with and certainly not something we are obliged to excel at. You could be passionate about something and be poor at it at the same time. We should not be put on a pedestal as soon as we start new interests.

Passions may change, but our purpose remains. The intention is not wanting to become something else but rather finding out who we remarkably are.

And as for me, I’m still discovering my way around.

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

K swuphinmaquill.com

news feature

19 03

Scintillating Star in the Sky

by ROCHYNE DAPHNE KATE SAPIO

I

It has been two years since the pandemic but the drastic changes the people had to go through still feels surreal. It did not only take away hopes and plans for the future but selfishly took away the lives of so many people—even the ones dear to us.

Last August 9, 2021, recent Optometry graduate Dr. Ebenezer “Chow” Balais passed away due complications caused by COVID-19.

What was supposed to be a joyous celebration of his birth turned out to be a tragic day for his family, friends, and colleagues as he breathed his last breath.

A BROTHER, A FRIEND

Bonded over the love for the metalcore band, Bring Me the Horizon (BMTH) and the shared passion for music, Dr. Lian Sarmiento, best friend of Chow, shared how he met his best friend almost six years ago at SWU Phinma College of Optometry.

“He sat beside me at the back, near the aircon. I saw his shirt with a print that says BMTH.” Dr. Sarmiento shared that it was one of his favorite bands and coincidentally, it was Chow’s favorite too. He said that they had an instant connection when they blurted out that they shared the same favorite song from the band.

“He asked me, unsay favorite kanta nako. I told him ‘It Never Ends’.”

That was the beginning of a six-year friendship that blossomed into brotherhood.

He shared that without Chow, he wouldn’t be able to graduate and said that the latter helped his spiritual, mental, physical, and overall growth.

“He’s a big loss in the college,” he said.

A RESPONSIBLE STUDENT

Known for his positive personality, Chow was the go-to person when it comes to advice and motivation because he was the “kuya” of everyone in the college.

In an interview, Dr. Noeh Fernandez Jr., Dean of the College of Optometry, talked about Chow’s academic performance in the six years he studied in the department.

“He was a responsible student. Very dependable in terms of accomplishing tasks asked of him,” he shared.

It was as if the world knew, Dr. Fernandez and Chow had a deep philosophical conversation about life, love, and their shared passion for music one week before he passed away.

“Chow was a wonderful guitarist.

We shared admiration for Eraserheads.

Years ago, we actually had a chance to jam and during our last conversation, we were even planning to jam in the future but sadly, we won’t be able to so anymore.”

ON BEING A BOYFRIEND

Sweet, caring, and selfless.

These were only a few of the many words Dr. Lou Caluscusin used to describe her boyfriend of two years and six months.

In an interview with The Quill, Dr. Caluscusin shared some of his traits as a boyfriend and reminisced her memories with him.

“Naku, si Chow, very sweet kayo na siya, lambing and hilig mu surprise, and unahon jud niya ikaw, kesa sa iyang self,” she shared.

When asked about her favorite memory together, she

said that food makes them happy so they always eat out at restaurants and fast-food chains.

“Bahala mangahurot ang money, basta busog.”

THE CRACK ON THE GLASS

Things started to go awry when they found out Chow tested positive for COVID-19 days after his vaccination.

As Drs. Caluscusin and Sarmiento described, Chow always prioritized others than himself. He doesn’t want people to worry about him so he endured being unwell.

It wasn’t until a few days later they found out, he was positive.

Dr. Caluscusin was persistent to bring him to the hospital where he would get treated as early as possible but he was adamant to go since during that time there was a surge of Delta variant cases.

Chow was admitted on August 6, 2022 at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Dr. Caluscusin shared that not being able to visit to bring food and see him in person was one of her struggles during his hospitalization.

“Ga worry jud ko ato niya.

Kanang ganahan ka i-visit siya, dala ug fruits and food, then dili pwede since COVID,” she shared.

The events transpired so quickly that they didn’t have enough time to process what was happening.

Dr. Sarmiento shared that Chow made them feel that he was okay, he was constantly communicating with both of them so they were not aware that the case was that severe.

It came to them as a shock when they got a phone call and were informed that Chow passed away on August 9, 2021, the day of his birth.

Dr. Sarmiento said that

his world stopped for a few minutes. He was left speechless and empty when he found out that the person whom he considered as a brother was no longer with them.

Dr. Caluscusin shared that last year was the lowest point in her life—losing someone dear to COVID-19.

“Up to now, if ma-think nako, maka-cry gihapon ko sa nahitabo tungod sa kamingaw niya,” she shared.

A GOD-FEARING SON

Unarguably, the most painful thing a parent has to endure is the realization that they have outlived their child.

Nothing will ever compare to pain of receiving your only child’s ashes in a jar, three months after he passed away.

In an interview, Federico Balais, father of Chow, shared that his son grew up as a good and loving child to them and their relatives.

“He was a God-fearing child up to his manhood. He never talked back to us when he was reprimanded,” he said.

He added that Chow’s aspirations in his life was to finish his second course, which was Optometry and establish his own optical clinic.

“It was [a] very painful truth that our son [was] not able to harvest the fruits of his efforts [in spite] of his sleepless night[s] just to pass the subjects,” he shared.

Upon knowing that their son passed away due to COVID-19, they lost control of their emotions.

He shared that there were no nights left dry as he and his wife mourn for their only son and up until now, they are still struggling with the pain of missing him.

“Lisod gyud kayo nga isa ra atong anak, sakit kayo ang mingaw.”

Due to the long process of documents in Cebu, restricted

movements, and travel bans, Chow only reunited with his parents last November when his ashes were shipped to his hometown in Mindanao.

OF ACCEPTANCE AND HEALING

Everyone has a different way of coping up with loss and grief, some people turn to coffee and music to cope and some turn to God for guidance.

There are different stages of grief and the last and most important stage is acceptance.

Because once there is acceptance, the healing can begin.

Dr. Caluscusin said that healing is a process and that she needs to be strong for herself; and eventually move forward because she knows that is what Chow would want for her.

Mr. and Mrs. Balais got their strength to cope up with greatest struggle of losing their son through prayers and the grace of God. And even though they are struggling, they believe that all things that people endured and experience in the world was already planned by God. More than two years later, the impact of the pandemic can still be felt enormously as many people continue to deal with drastic changes and tragic losses.

The field of Optometry lost what would have been a great doctor that would have changed the lives of so many people.

Unfortunately, as much as people want to, the past cannot be unwritten and all we can do is remember and honor the memories once shared with the people who are not with us anymore.

To Kuya Chow, our scintillating star in the sky...

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

02 20

news feature

The Quill April 2022 Issue

Photo from the wires.

LOADED FOR BEAR

by REEM ALDEEK

w

hen faced with intimidating challenges in life, one must be prepared with ammo to gun for the bear.

Adjusting to the new normal has grown to be a challenge we still continue to face. Fortunately, the epoch of digital media enables us to open new possibilities in making ends meet.

Without knowing what the pandemic would bring at first, people began to fraught in providing temporary and reliable access to their necessities.

Unexpectedly, the number of people working online has grown exponentially since the pandemic. With the swift change brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become widely recognized as a medium to earn money that limits exposure to the widespread virus.

Similarly, schools and institutions have taken an unprecedented shift, providing education online—minimizing health risks to students.

As we adapt to a virtual environment, there are a lot of opportunities to work remotely with decent dedication. Now that teleworking has matured customary in the new normal, millennials can most likely

fit the qualifications without a college degree, and are capable of being employed under short-term jobs.

The intent of working may perhaps vary among working students. Most individuals do it as their primary source of income or for earning supplementary funds, while others ought to solely seek to gain proficiency and build expertise.

In an interview with The Quill, select SWU PHINMA students shared their experience of being employed online while juggling academics.

Eloiza Añora, a 20-year-old student from the College of Dentistry, concurrently works as a Call Center agent since the start of the school year 2020.

She expressed that she was compelled to continue pursuing her studies despite experiencing financial distress, and help her parents with her brother’s tuition fees and expenses.

She also stressed how frantic her schedule is, with still having a rigid time to give precedence to either online work or studies if both clash in her way.

“It’s difficult to manage to study and answer calls at the same time,” she said.

It is certain that being a medical student is no easy matter, lamenting that

CHANGING CHANGING THE THE NATION NATION ONE ONE ARTICLE ARTICLE AT AT A A TIME TIME

some of her teachers are not “considerate enough” knowing that she has a hard time juggling responsibilities.

Jhoela Lopez, a 23-yearold Psychology student and Online Customer Service Representative, shared that she merely works to finance her education.

“If I will not work, then that means I will not be able to go to college,” she expressed. Lopez also shared that she contributes her minimum share in “paying for rent and buying necessities” for her family.

When asked about dealing with hectic schedules, she said that it gradually turned into a norm and got used to the setting. She believes that being independent at a young age is one of the most important things to grasp.

“Since I am already capable of working, I decided to find a job,” Eridexus Dugaduga, 22-year-old Pharmacy major and Virtual Assistant, shared.

“Being able to help my parents in my own simple ways and fulfilling my duties as a student keeps me motivated,” she furthered.

Mary Jhuneth Gullem, Medical Technology student,

presently works as an English tutor since mid-September 2020.

Gullem initially started off the job to support her college expenses, steering her opportunity to graduate on time. However, her plan took a drastic turn when she learned that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in mid-January of this year.

With the additional responsibilities forced to weigh on her, she found it needful to support her mother’s chemotherapy treatment. She shared that the discovery of her mother’s disease “highlights another struggle that I have to brave.”

She shared that she studies in the morning and ensures she gets her academic works done during the day before working for hours at night.

With the struggle to balance her workload, she mentioned getting approximately five to six hours of rest on an average day, including a day off work.

“Sleep has become a luxury I can hardly afford these days.”

Gullem lamented.

Through the agony, Gullem gradually appreciates the experience of working and

studying simultaneously.

She shared that it allows to showcase an “overview of the work culture” and further added that, “It teaches balance, independence, and value for the hard-earned money.”

It is certain that being a working student is no piece of cake. When spotting a bear nearby, one is left with no option but to fight for survival.

Everybody has their own fair share of struggles. However, for these students, they aren’t privileged enough to keep up with other students’ pacing.

Meanwhile, for these hardworking individuals,

the fruit of their labor is undoubtedly valuable for one who is diligent.

As the saying goes,

“Opportunity a l w a y s shows its appreciation for those who are loaded for bear.”

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

news feature

K swuphinmaquill.com

Braving

the Storm

by CRESMARIE FELMAR VILLARIN

w

hat was supposed to be a bright and merry holiday celebration for Filipinos turned out to be quite literally one of the darkest times for several provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao region.

Eight long years after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda, the Philippines was once again hit by a super typhoon named Odette, last December 16-17, affecting the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, and Palawan.

Those seemingly long days of December 16 and 17 left a deep trauma for the residents of Cebu and its neighboring provinces as raging winds kept howling continuously for hours, roofs being blown away due to strong winds, and trees swaying to the point of breakage.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, electricity, water supply, and signal were cut off.

This went on for over a month– forcing people to spend their holidays in the cold and dark, some without roofs over their heads.

In an interview with The Quill, Trisha Kate Escalante, a 20-year-old Siargao native, shared the feeling of anxiety, worry, and fear of their lives

during the typhoon.

“Mura na jud to og life or death para nako,” she described. [“My experience was like life and death.”]

As early as 10 in the morning, they were already preparing to evacuate to a much safer location since they were living in the mountainous side of Siargao.

They evacuated to their ancestral house where their other relatives were waiting.

Windows and doors were shut in the hopes of preventing damage. Prayers for safety were uttered while they were tightly holding their rosaries for dear life.

At exactly 1:30 p.m. on December 17, Typhoon Odette made its first landfall in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

The fury vengeance of nature was unleashed. The howling winds and grumbling s t o r m s settled in the island

u n t i l s u n d o w n

resulting in damage of not only properties but also the hearts of the people that were affected.

“Pag gawas namo sa balay para mag lantaw sa lungsod kay wala jud. Humpid na.

Murag dili na among lungsod,” she said. [“When we got out of the house to roam around the island, everything was gone.

The island was flattened. It’s not like Siargao anymore.”]

In another interview, Henryl Baquiler, an 18-year-old Carcaranon, also shared his traumatic experience during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

“Wala ko gaexpect sa kagrabe ug hugno ni Odette. Sa akong pagpamuyo, first time nako maka-experience ug inani na bagyo, nga gadala ug kusog nga hangin,” he said. [“I did not expect the severity of damage brought by Typhoon Odette. In

of existence, it was my first time to experience such a typhoon bringing strong winds.”]

Their family was busy preparing for dinner when the heavy rain started to pour, accompanied with strong winds. They took shelter in the bedroom to which they considered the safest part of their house. They huddled in the safety and comfort of each other’s arm.

Baquiler was filled with fear, tears rolling down his cheeks, worried if his family would survive the long night. He was unsure of what tomorrow might bring.

The morning after the storm left Baquiler and his family to pieces as their house was greatly damaged by Odette, leaving only half of the property intact.

“Magsugod mis uno ani.

Pero importante safe mí tanan,” he said. [“We will start over again.

But what’s important right now is the safety of our family.”]

They always say that after a rain comes a rainbow but the morning after the typhoon Odette ravaged Cebu was not a pretty sight at all.

Roofs of houses, debris from building, and fallen coconut trees and electric posts filled the roads. The cellular signal and electricity were shut down, leaving people with no means of communication to contact their loved ones from other provinces.

People were desperately looking for water, queuing up in gasoline stations to power up their generators, and booking hotels to beat the

21 03

heat from having no electricity.

The Queen City of the South and the other affected provinces celebrated Christmas and welcomed the New Year with no light, electricity, or water—some even without the traditional Noche Buena and Media Noche.

After four months of Super typhoon Odette, the provinces are slowly recovering and getting back on their feet.

Escalante now seemed light-hearted as she narrated how her family got through the trauma Odette brought.

“Ok lang kaayo mi. May nadamage sa amo house pero gamay lang man naukab lang an uban palid nan sin. Gipaayo na sab namo ron.” [“We are doing very well.

Although our house was partially damaged, and a part of the roof was blown away. We are currently doing household repairs.”]

Meanwhile, Baquiler said he is motivated to do everything and bring his life back to normal.

“Naguba among half sa balay pero di pasabot guba nasad akong pangandoy.

Maningkamot ko para namo.

Laban lang jud.” [“The half of our house is damaged, yet it does not mean my dreams are too. I will work hard for my family. Let’s keep going.”]

This just goes to show that no matter how dark the town gets, brightness can still be seen radiating from the resilience of the Filipino people, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is light.

m y 18 years

Photos from the wires.

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

22

literary

The Quill April 2022 Issue

Ang Apat na Madilim na Pader

by ISVHAR JAKE MAGCANAM

N

akaupo sa gilid ng aking higaan, Dinig ang buntong hininga sa kailaliman, Hindi alam kung may ilaw pa bang makikita, O habambuhay kadiliman na ang kasama.

Bintana’y aking sinisilayan, Humahanap ng senysales ng kalayaan, Silid ng mga nakakubling damdamin ang tanging tinatambayan, Umaasang may makaririnig, at sa bigat ay maiibsan.

Mga luha’y aking inunan, Mga mata’y nangangamatis kailanman, Gulong-gulo na ang isipan, Parang lantang rosas, ilang buwang hindi nadiligan.

Sa sulok ako’y nakatulala Apat na madilim na pader, sa akin ay nakaprotekta, Mula sa kalaban na hindi nakikita ng ating mga mata, Ako’y gulong-gulo, gusto nang kumawala.

Ala-ala

by YVETTE SUMIPO agsimula lahat sa isang laro. Sa isang dapit hapon sa lilim ng mayabong na puno ng mangga. Habang nasa duladulaan ay naisip mong maging doktor.

Kaya ayun, sumibol ang pangarap na iyong baon-baon.

Araw-araw sa pagpasok ay palaging ganado.

Dahil bata pa, sugat sa siko at tuhod ang regalo kina inay pagsapit ng hapon. Kaya noong araw na ng pagmartsa sa elementarya, ‘di muna nagkamedalya pero surebol na pumasa.

“Babawi na ako dahil bente na ang aking baon.”

Yan ang sabi mo nang naging sekondarya.

Unang araw pa lang, tumibok na ang iyong puso pero ganunpaman, nagkadiploma at may kaakibat pang medalya.

Tumungtong ng senior high na litong-lito pa.

“Gawin ang iyong gusto,” sabi ng dating titser. ”Huwag ‘yan kasi barya lang din magiging sweldo,” ani ni ama.

“Kahit ano nalang,” bulyaw mo.

Habang papauwi, nakatulog ka sa dyip yakap ang bag sa sobrang pagod.

Pagdilat ng mata, naging malayo ka na sa lahat. Kamera at kompyuter nalang ang koneksyon mo sa mundo. Bag na dati’y puno, nakatengga nalang sa kanto ng kwarto.

Sa bilis ng panahon, ‘di mo na namalayan ang pagpapalit ng taon.

Sa takot na mapag-iwanan, napilitan kang mag-enroll. Abot langit naman ang

N

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

saya ng inay na ika’y nakatungtong ng kolehiyo.

Sabi nila, madali lang ang buhay kolehiyo.

Iyon pala ay puro sarkastiko. Kamuntikan ka nang bumagsak sa isang asignatura kaya puro pag-iyak ang iyong ginawa.

“Maaabot ko ba ang aking pangarap?”

Natameme at walang gana. Walang sagot sa tanong na ikaw rin mismo ang lumikha.

“Nakakapagod, ano?” ani ng isang pamilyar na boses.

‘Wag ka munang mangamba.

Mahaba pa ang oras mo. Bakit pagtanda na ang iyong inaalala?

‘Di ba pwedeng maging bata ka muna?”

Namamalik-mata nga ba?

Bakit kamukha kita? ”Hoy! Gising na. Laro na tayo.”

Naimulat ang

mata. Napalingon sa paligid at nakita ang sarili sa harapan ng tanawan. Ika’y nasa iyong kamiseta, nakapajama at may teddy bear pang dala.

“Ang sama ng panaginip ko, ang lungkot ng hinaharap. Sana’y hindi nalang ako tumanda.

Nakatatakot. Parang ‘di ka makahinga,” sabi ko sa kanya.

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

K swuphinmaquill.com

SWU roscopes Tusok diri, tusok didto. Tuod hanas na kaayo kas imong trabaho apan pag bantaybantay kay sa pag-abot sa takna nga mo hayag ang bitu-on sa kalangitan, ikaw matusukan. Ug unsa ang mo tusok, ato panang sabutan.

Medical Technology

Malas nga butang: specimen nga wa’y label (mura’g kamo gud, aw)

Mabulahan ang imong adlaw karon kay walay quizzes ihatag ang imong mga maestro ug maestra. Apan ayaw og pakampante kay nag pundok sad ang mga aktibidades.

Information Technology

Swerteng numero: 01100101

Dentistry

Rehabilitative Sciences

Ayaw kabalaka kung bagsak ka sa exams, apan posibleng may umaabot na sad na tao nga mohatag kanimo og “lessons ug experiences” nga makabag-o sa imong kinabuhi

Nursing

B-School

Swerteng butang: catheter

Mao na kini ang adlaw nga angay ipasundayag apan ang kagroupmate ninyo sa research nga walay ambag, maawardan na sa inyong maestro og puwa na grado.

Pre-Med

Malas nga numero: 17/100

Medicine

Law and Governance

Kung constitution ang hisgutan, ikaw na! Paglikay sa mga trolls na sa social media apan labayan lang kag script na kapila gi-recycle. Tunla ang imong garbo kung kamo mag away pero og wala gamita ang Pride kay aduna pakay uniform nga wa malabhi.

Numerong Billion

nawagtang:

15

Radiologic Technology

news entertainment

by JUSTINE TOÑACAO

Nawagtangan ba ka og paglaom sa imong minghoy nga grado? O nangita’g timaan nga makab-ot ang gugmang way pakyas?

Ani-a ang mga kinutlo nga gikan pa sa mga engkanto nga gi suwat sa mga bito-on, ang inyong mga kapalaran nga lisod malikayan.

Matagamtam nimo ang grabe ka abunda sa kwarta karong adlawa. Maong paghuna-huna og tarong sa imong desisyon kung asa nimo ni igasto, sa dental materials o sa sunod na sale sa Shopee ug Lazada?

Swerteng lugar: SWU Villa

Optometry

Karong adlawa mo gawas imong pagka relihiyoso.

Pag-ampo og napulo ka Amahan Namo og napulo ka Maghimaya ka Maria kay ang Ginoo nalang ang imong dalangpan para magpabilin pa aning kursuha.

Swerteng butang: rosaryo

Adunay duha ka dalan sa imong atubangan: Ang una nga ma-top ka sa inyong board exam, ang ikaduha, ma-top earner ka sa Frontrow kung dili na makaya ang kurso. Maong ipabilin ang pagkaopenminded.

Swerteng shape: Pyramid (scheme)

Sa kadugay na nimong pag eskwela, ayaw kalimti na maligo og pahumot dili tungod sa walay undang nimong pagtuon, apan tungod sa pirmi nimong pagtupad sa mga cadavers.

Gi-perfume ang formalin?

Bango yarn?

Swerteng butang: Daily Scent

Pagtaod og anchohos aron dili naka magpakabuta sa imong crush nga mu-chat ug “Good morning, langga.”, unya igo ra diay mangutana unsaon pag convert to sphero-cyl. Maypag magglaze nalang ta mga dzai ug dzong.

Butang dimalas: anti-rad glasses gikan sa Shopee

Kaligo karon adlawa apan tawagan ka sa Zoom sa inyong maestra. Ang imong matubag wala diri wala didto pero maayo nalang ang dagway kay presko. Bawi nalang sa quizzes nga gikan sa Quizlet.

Pharmacy

Malas nga butang: burette nga gubaon

Lights, camera, action! Pag bantay-bantay kay ikaw palibutan ug mga aktor. Miga/ migo kunuhay pero libre na drawing diay ang ampay.

2022 na, palihug og suporta sa imong mga miga/migo sa ilang pagdibuho.

sd+c

Swerteng butang: Commission from crush uWu

Tuod ang kurso nga imong gi pili dili jud lalim, mao ayawg kahibong kung hangtod karon single gihapon ka, kay nagka dugay nagka-ilis namog nawng sa baki.

Veterinary Medicine

Malas na hayop: imong tapad karon

Bench

Likayi imong mga chismosa na ante nga labaw pas X-ray ang mga matang manghusga apan maningil dayun kini sila og libre na tests kung ikaw molambo na.

Swerteng lugar: palayo sa Pinas

03 23

Abroad

Pagbantay sa mga klasmeyt nga ganahan mangayo og ideas sa imong essays apan i-copy paste ra na nila ug pun-an og mga pulong nga naglabaw sa pan nga lami tanawon pero hangin ang sulod para murag unique.

Education

Malas nga butang: lesson plan

OFFICIAL STUDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION PUBLICATION OF OF SOUTHWESTERN SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY PHINMA PHINMA OFFICIAL

24 02

news entertainment

The The Quill Quill April 2022 April 2022 Issue Issue

KEEPING UP WITH THE

KAGAWADS ˜

by JUSTINE TONACAO

F

ilipinos crave a good teleserye but who wouldn’t lose their appetite on overly-used plots, lowbudget editing, and bland story-telling of these series lately?

The viewers deserve a tall, concocted glass of good drama and a plate of sweet, sweet plot twists.

Fret not, for the teleserye, “Keeping up with the Kagawads,” delivers a feast for your eyes. The serye revolves around the life of the “Kagawads”, a band of middle-aged to too-old-to-serve misfits doing their daily dabbles in governing their little town, “Maharlika.”

Not familiar with this series? Here are the main characters and the episodes they are best known for: SPOILER ALERT!

Henry Rookie,

1. the spokesperson of the leader of the Kagawads, a fan favorite for mememaking.

Season 5, Episode 12: “Henry’s big, bleak tantrum”

Back from his appearance in the CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

episode, “Mental Health in Manila Bay”, Henry throws one of the worst fits he had in the show. He retorts back to his 5-year old persona and fumes out his frustration to the doctors for hurting his feelings.

Bing

Go,

2. a loyal confidante who is so close to the leader of the Kagawads he can be dubbed as the “first lady” of their leader.

Season 1, Episode 43: “Blushes and Crushes” Bing finally gets the urge to tell Tatay that he likes him. But Bing isn’t good with words so he tries to confess it through his actions. He tries many attempts: making a simple cake out of rice on his birthday and staring at Tatay until a telekinetic force would somehow send him the message of how Bing felt for Tatay, who doesn’t seem to take a hint.

France Douche,

3. a sensitive Kagawad that likes to take things slow like Maharlika’s internet.

Season 6, Episode 9: “Winarak Niyo Kami!”

France has always been the introvert trying to get out of the shell of his complacent behavior like in his last episode, “Travel Ban Troubles”. Now, he

digs a foot deeper in the hole of his grave.

In this episode, he misses the chance to procure vaccines for the virus and has every Filipino viewer slap their foreheads in total disbelief and further plays the victim as he shouts total balderdash in response to being flagged.

David Sinus,

4. is a Kagawad who seems a little bit too overqualified in size based on standards in leading his tanods.

Season Mañanita”

4,

Episode

18:

“The

David Sinus is in for a treat in this episode. David gets surprised by his tanods in a once in a lifetime, magical experience of his life: celebrating his birthday while the quarantine is in full effect. David had never received roses and other things an 18-year-old would want on her debut so he refuses this day to be ruined and leaves the people wishing to be in power to also have the chance to gain immunity from the law.

Tatay Kagawad,

5. the head of the Kagawads who strives to continue his legacy.

Season 5, Episode 1: “The Shutdown” Tatay fights his will to let his potty

mouth get the best of him as he comes to set his mighty iron fist down upon the network who dares expose his sad boy alter ego. His silent plan succeeds as he watches his rivals go down but little does he know that sad boys don’t always get away with their manipulations as the network returns for a comeback.

This Teleserye has provided the viewers servings of surprisingly new flavors of drama since its first aired episode in 2016 and will air its last episode in the season finale this year.

But word on the street tells of a possible spin off on the serye. Voting polls will be available in May. We get the chance to choose if we want a spin-off to see our favorite characters once again. I mean, only people in the right mind would vote no for them, right? Who wouldn’t want to see how they tickle us pink with the comedic acts they pull?

In the meantime, keep yourselves full with that bottle of good drama and generous plate of plot twists that the cinematic universe of “Keeping up with the Kagawads” has provided for us on the house.

Bon appetit!

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

K swuphinmaquill.com

Arboc M A D A M

by ROSS ERWIN CUTAMORA, MELANIE ANN TALADTAD, ISVHAR JAKE MAGNACAM, CHARLES OWEN APOSTOL

Artwork by TRISHA KATE ESCALANTE

P

entertainment

AHIMANGNO: Ang karaketer gimugna lang gikan sa kiat nga panghuna-huna apan gibasi sa tinud-anayng kinabuhi ug kasinatian. Ang tanang pagkapariho sa mga pangalan wala kini gituyo ug sulagma lamang basi sa maong panghitabo. Ani ana ang swerte nga bitin sa Southwestern!

Kining atong sugilanon karon kay pinadpad lamang sa maayong mga kamot.

Eeemsss. Mga shurekat kong estujams, kumusta naman mo?

Di mabangbang ang kamingaw sa akong lungga oi. Hebi hilom gyud, mga dzaee. Naa pay tibuok adlaw magtinutukay sa screen sa phone ug laptop. Oh, diba?

Pak digital eye strain ang gawas!

Pero aminin, mas nibongga inyong tita. Pwede na kaayo ilaban kauban nila Beatrice ug Tracy. Mga dzaee, ingna lang unya ko og manginahanglan mos akong lana. Shudi abas lang kay basin nya makabalo sila sa sikreto natong mga Cebuana.

Ang reyna nga chismosang chikadora ug giilang swerteng bitin sa mga Ranza, andam

nang muhatag kaninyo sa mga chikang gilumloman og pipila na ka mga buwan. Ready na mo, mga sizst ug orbs? Ali og kuyugi ko’g rampa sa bag-ong SWU Villa. Ayaw og kabalaka kung matagakan tag hollow block kay naa ras kilid ang SWU Med. Check-in lang gud ta. Hoy, siszt!

Joke ra intawon na. Pero veyga gyud ning PHINMA, gipalamian gyud og maayo ang puy-anan sa donya. Magpa house tour na gyud ko aron masuya akong mga mega sa Sangkarlos ug Sanghoseh.

Matag abli nakos akong Facebook ug Twitter hebi rant ang mga estujams sa RADL oi. Over sa kalahams daw ang tuition, dzae! Lupig pa ang pestopes. Naa pay mga bedjo-bedjo, modules, ug basahunon na arang daghana.

Di mabangbang ang pang-usa ka sem na topics sa duha or tulo ka subject kuhaon sa usa ka bulan.

Mga mamser,

beke nemen daw pwede mo mag discuss di kay send lang link sa yowtube. Remote and Distance Learning (RADL) ba kaha gyud ni o basig Reklamo Ang Daghan Lodi? Mas bet ang ikaduha, diba? Cheress!

Egis magpagwapa sa daw ta yamag while waiting sa ilang modules na wala pa naabot, aw na anseran diay. Naghulat pa sila sa milagrosong hunhung sa utokang jumeyga.

Speaking of, mga jumeygang kuNars laysho inyong persyers ron ha. Wayuk magpatrending sa Sangkwestern. Shooketh si oka oi kay dugay-dugay nasad ko kabati og hebi chesmes.

Chikabels ra gyuy makapabuhi nako, mga mamsh. So, inyong ateng nars kay ukosh sa mga estujams na ebarg cheat kada exam. Naghimo og gc tas confront dayun kang veve boi.

Oh diba, lakas maka face-toface ala-Tyang Amy online edition. Kuyawan tanan kay si ateng di na need og ebidensya.

Hala bira dayon!

Aduna pa siyay gikuptan na panultihong, “I won’t take this as a lesson but an experience.”

Unbothered queen si ateng! Mga ctrl+F warriors ara, humanda.

Id man sayop maukosh sa cheating kay cheating is truly bad, ang sayop ang manumangil kang veve boi. Este, ang manumangil nga walay ebidensya. Mga estujams sad, tuon sad ta panagsa dili maghulat kanunay sa gasa sa atong utokang mga jumeyga ug sa pinalanggang

25

ctrl+F. Unya kay niabot man ang chikabels sa mother superior sa atong mga kunars, nagpa oncam si mother kada-exam. Dzah, live selling ang peg! Dia pa, duha ka gadgets or samin ni Grimhilde ang kailangan aron olark na walay limbong. Saon nalang akong mga anak na uyamot intawon.

Nasuya gyud ang inyong reyna sa mga girlalu ug bekibells nga ala Rapunzel ang hair nga nagrampa-rampa sa fifth floor sa PHINMA hall. Veve bois man ta akong gianhi woi! Tanang pwede ipahid sa ako ulo napahid na pero aw epek man gihapon oi. Samot guro ka wafa inyo mamshie if magkahair oka. Pero siszt, naloka si aketch sa ako nadunggan oi! Ebarg pangasaba ang maestra sa ateng natong bekibels kay ngano daw taas iya hairlalu nga ekal man

Abi ko bag LGBTQ friendly ning Sangkwestern? daw siya.

Nagparainbow lighting pa gani tos PHINMA Hall diba? Aguy very wrong na. Hebi hilak raba si ateng kay naulaw siya sa iyang mga batchmates. Natagbaw sad comfort iya mga jumeyga sa iya tawn.

Nanginit gud akong dugo sa mga etsujams ug juestrams na hebi og share posts sa ilang botaran karong eleksyon.

Jusmeyo, puro man peyk news oi. Di ra ba

maminaw ug istoryaan kay wa daw hilabtanay. Pwede diay na?

Kani ra gyud tawn akong maambag na chika sa inyo mga mamsh. Diba hebi ka mingaw?

Pero sige lang, basin magkita nata next year kay pestopes naman daw mo. Mabusog nasad akong mga mata sa mga veve bois ug sa mga chika. Di lalim mag inusara sa akong mga lungga. Puro dukdok ug drill ra gyud akong madungog ari.

Balik lang usa ko sa akong lungga og atngi na pud akong pagluntad sa musunod nga isyu sa Quill. Speaking of, hoy Quill pagsige na lagi mo ug release aron di na kaingon ang mga tawo na wala nasad mo. Og mao kini inyong mas buhi ug swerteng bitin sa Southwestern, ako si Madam Arboc, nga magbilin kaninyo ug tambag: ayaw og kastress sa imong uyab nga dili mo reply, kastress sa imong maestra nga mangseen ras messenger!

Paaak! Sssssss. . . sssshudi abasss. . .

26 02

news comics

“Peckish Problems” BY: JUSTINE TOñACAO

“Pink or red” BY: JUSTINE TOñACAO

“Utok on the run” BY: JUSTINE TOñACAO

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

The Quill April 2022 Issue

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

news graphic illustration

K swuphinmaquill.com

03 27

one giant leap

by GRACE GIFT SUMBI

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

02 28

news graphic illustration

The Quill April 2022 Issue

Bukang-Liwayway

by TRISHA KATE ESCALANTE

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

photo manipulation

29

THE UNHOLY TRINITY

by ELAIZA GALAROZA

02 30

news photo manipulation

The Quill April 2022 Issue

SPACE JAM

by JUSTIN MASECAMPO

CHANGING THE NATION ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

EDQ

@swuphinmaquill

What’s Not Clicking, PH Gov?

by CHARLES OWEN APOSTOL

HIRAYA MANAWARI

“

It’s high time that the administration should appreciate the talents cultivated in our land.

”

sports news

K swuphinmaquill.com

Just like diamonds, our athletes are only appreciated when they’re all shiny and brillant, but when they’re unpolished and still on the ground, they’re often taken for granted.

I say it’s a tragic chess move how the Philippine government is treating our potential champions.

Most of our athletes struggle to become better olympians due to the lack of support from the government.

They failed to invest in our athletes and shamelessly turn a blind eye to corruption in the sports commission.

It’s like they’re just waiting to eat the crop while our athletes struggle to plow the seeds of their skills.

Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz was among our brethren who suffered along the treacherous path laid upon by our government as she was wrongfully accused of conspiring against the

Duterte Administration just by voicing out her request for proper funding in the hopes of strengthening her Tokyo 2020 campaign.

Even with the lack of support, the administration still has the audacity to pressure her to bring home a medal.

Philippine-born chess prodigy Wesley So, basketball player Jack Danielle Animam, and Golfer Yuka Saso were just among those Filipino talents wasted as they chose to play for other countries to secure substantial financial support.

In the case of pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who still battles the embezzlement he was put into against PATAFA, I wouldn’t be surprised that he will choose to play for foreign countries as the sporting federation [PATAFA] is pushing his limits.

Mentor Jim Lafferty revealed he [Obiena] got multiple offers from other countries way before being

embroiled in a controversy.

It’s as if history will repeat itself and Obiena follows in the footsteps of Wesley So—dismayed by the lack of support, recognition, and appreciation from his own country that he eventually don and represented another.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque admitted that the government has not been consistently in touch with Philippine sports programs.

Roque said during a press briefing that while the government’s support is lacking, PH still won gold and perhaps more if they’ll support our athletes.

If they want a great output from our athletes, they should be quick in giving moral and financial support such as reimbursing their training, food expenses, travels, registration, and lodging. These athletes shouldn’t have to worry about scarcity of resources as they’re preparing for an international

03 31

competition.

It’s high time that the administration should appreciate the talents cultivated in our land so that they can confidently say they had a hand in our athlete’s victories.

In these trying times, it is only right to give credit where credit is due—and for now all credits are the athlete’s alone.

Unless we have better, far-reaching, and transparent sporting programs developed by our government, there will still be many diamonds in the rough athletes that have not yet been polished or discovered.

Careful, other miners are always on the look out. And long before you’ll know it, they’ll be bringing home the diamonds that were right under our noses.

SWU PHINMA SHS bags silvers in CESAFI 2021

by ANDREI STEVEN DELICANA

Amplifying the voice of the students’ situation in the implied new normal academic set-up, Joan Emma Rivera and Angelica Faith Victoria Espiritu of Southwestern University PHINMA made sure they’re heard, as the two clinched second places on their respective contests on CESAFI Academic and Cultural events, held last April 26 and 28, 2021.

Rivera and Espiritu, both senior high school students, competed on CESAFI’s Oratorical and Vocal Solo, respectively, with the theme: Maintaining Optimism in the New Normal Through Academics and Culture.

The said competition was streamed live in the CESAFI official FB page (Cesafi_ OFFICIAL) Angelica Espiritu clutched the 2nd place after coming short from winner, Eurica Quijano of Cebu Institute of

Technology-University, during the Vocal Solo (High School) competition which was held last April 26, 2021.

Espiritu performed a rendition of the song Rise Up which was popularized by Andra Day. “It was an honor to perform on behalf of the school and I feel humbled to even place in the competition.

I had a lot of paperworks to finish prior to the event but the stress and overall experience was humbling,” Espiritu said.

“We wear our eye bags like they’re some sort of badges of honor for no one gets paid to rest,” this is an excerpt from Joan Rivera’s top-drawer oratory speech which garnered her the silver medal, succeeding the winner, Rembrandt Ponce of University of Cebu- Lapu-lapu Mandaue in the Oratorical Competition which was held last April 28, 2021.

Joan Emma Rivera Her speech was about the impact of COVID-19 and the new normal mode of learning on the academic performance of students.

“The theme really resonated with me and the competition served as a medium for me to express my thoughts on the said topic,” Rivera on her thoughts about

Angelica Faith Espiritu

the competition.

“I may have not won the competition but being able to step out of my comfort zone and express my creativity makes me really proud of myself,” Reian Abao, who delivered an impromptu speech said.

Other students who participated in the 2021

CESAFI Academic and Cultural Events were Abao for the CESAFI Impromptu Speaking Competition, and Alyssa Mae Cañete for CESAFI Vocal Solo (College Level). Both students are from the College of Rehabilitative Sciences Department.

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHINMA

SPORTS

CHANGE OF COURT: SETTING ASIDE PASSION

by SCOTT BJ NADELA & CHARLES OWEN APOSTOL

A

s players enter the court, one sees to it that the first set would turn to his advantage. As they switch positions, that edge will either still be on his side, or to the opponent.

When the pandemic struck, what became our thenlifestyle became a thing of the past. Now, we’re forced to adjust our lives to adhere to the new normal. The game is still in play, but the score gap between passion and reality is slowly increasing.

The first year of the pandemic made us feel confined in the corners of the court. Work was limited only in-house when quarantine restrictions were at its strictest. Players cannot take a step away from the court and they had to adjust to make everything work — students and athletes included.

Initially, students weren’t allowed on-site classes due to the risk of disease transmission until a new rule had been set in place. Just recently, academic institutions approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the

Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFMEID) under Resolution No. 148-G are slowly welcoming fully-vaccinated students back for the limited face-to-face classes, provided, they are in areas under alert level 1 and 2 with low risk for Phase 1 implementation.

At the time when schools were closed because of quarantine, most of us worried about the academic aspect of our student life. But on the flip side, student-athletes who juggle not only academics, but their sports career were not given the spotlight.

The question is, what happened to our studentathletes?

For Mary Rosyll Roncal, team captain of SWU PHINMA women’s volleyball team, her new shift of focus is to graduate despite it meaning that she may not be able to represent the school in her final year.

“Actually, wa pajud ni-sink in na I may not be able to play for the school again despite daghan pa playing years, but as what I’ve said, focus rajud sa ko ug unsay naa karon

which is ang pag-graduate,” Roncal said.

Roncal is currently a 4th-year student majoring in Business Administration – General Management and has been a student-athlete for about 11 years now.

“Sweat out inside the court. Rush to classes afterward. Hang out with friends. My life was obviously productive during the prepandemic,” she shared when asked about the things that she missed about her school life before lockdown.

With the pandemic still ongoing, Rosyll opened up that she sometimes loses interest in working out for the sport she loves as there’s still no assurance that any of their games would resume in the near future.

she furthered.

Meanwhile, Rhey Ian Boc, a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management student who played as the small forward for SWU PHINMA men’s basketball troupe, shared to The Quill that he’s been working two parttime jobs while studying since September of this year.

“For me, it is an achievement and a challenge.

I can’t say that it’s easy, but I made it work.

I had a lot of sleepless nights trying to finish both my school work and freelance part-time jobs at the same time,” Boc said, who is looking forward to taking action inside the court again together with his teammate and longtime friend Ramish Alforque.

The 22-year-old small forward is doing cycling, skipping ropes, and many other cardio exercises in lieu of basketball.

According to Boc, it helped him in trying to shift his attention from this pandemic and it has uplifted his morale when it hit the down low.

“My family and friends are the ones who inspired me to keep pushing and strive hard to become a better athlete that someone can look up to,” “I have learned

that as much as we take care of our physical health, we should also keep our mental health in check,” he added.

As much as regular students suffer in this situation, there are also student-athletes who face and reprioritize things in their lives to cope up with the current circumstances. It’s a double adjustment for them as they have a life inside the classroom and a life inside the court.

“I think everyone should know and learn how to focus more on what’s best for themselves, especially the things that could greatly contribute to their growth and success over time,” Roncal’s takeaway from the problems she bravely faced over this pandemic.

Both athletes are caught in a dilemma for a moment, but their change of court would not be to their disadvantage.

Rather, it opens a steadfast desire to be champions in their own respective battles.