TheSPARK Vol XXXIX, Issue No. II

The SPARK TRUTH KNOWS NO LIMITS

NEWSLETTER | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES | OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019

MOMENTARY AUTHORITY PAGE 24

FEATURES | 16

SPORTS | 20

DEVCOM | 22

“Gibuwon sana ngamin a dapat. Diri magparaduru-darwa kin kaya man sana.

‘Tsaka, tinawan nayka sa opportunity bibiliwan mo pa.” – John Jay Abinal, Philippine delegate on Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Worldskills Kazan 2019.

The idea of winning has, at least for once, fascinated us. In all likelihood, upon getting ourselves positioned into the act of winning— in platforms which are designed to reveal our natural abilities—we can essentially be of idea as to what we can potentially be, aside from being a part of a culmination.

Of the marginalized communities of the society, life is a hard reality. In some cases, it is a voluntary submission to the inevitable arrangement of fate in the materiality of existence. These communities, of families withdrawn with the opportunity to occupy a portion in the promises of...

The Spark of Positivity

The Hope of a Home

The Finish Line's Paragon

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CSPC faces with CHED requirements for PSUB STORY BY MARY FRANCE O. BALDOZA

After President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the House Bill No. 8730, an Act Converting Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) to Polytechnic State University of Bicol (PSUB), on March 16, 2019, the latter will only take effect by the time the College has complied with the requirements of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as stipulated on CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 46, s. 2012.

CMO 46 or the Policy-Standard to Enhance Quality Assurance (QA) in Philippine Higher Education Through an Outcomes-based and Typology-based QA states the measures to meet of both public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEI) that serves as the basis of quality assurance of the school. In pertinent to this, CSPC is now facing the provisions.

In the latest assessment of the school as of July 2017 by CHED evaluators as per Dr. April Luzon, head of the Planning Office, the most crucial requirement to be complied is to offer doctorate degrees. “[…] Medyo mabigat for CSPC to comply, kasi kailangan nating mag-offer ng doctoral programs immediately. But to offer doctoral programs, maraming requirements.”

Addition to at least 20 academic degree programs that the CHED have asked for, six of which must be at the graduate level. The College have already complied with the 20 degree programs with the offering of Bachelor of Science

(BS) in Midwifery and BS in Information System, but still working on graduate level programs.

The current three master’s degrees provided by the institution are crafted to join with by three target doctoral programs in 2020. These programs under the graduate studies are Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Nursing, and Doctor of Business Management.

However, Dr. Luzon assured that with the newly-created office, School of Graduate Studies, led by Dr. Maria Teresa Manzano, this gap between the conversion of the College towards universityhood will be filled. “The College is not remiss of doing its job to offer immediately doctorate programs. […] In fact, nagkaroon na sila ng […] interview with experts and industry partners if we are now ready to offer doctoral programs.”

Moreover, besides the biggest hindrance that the College is laboring as of this time, there are few more requirements given the same amount of importance to adhere to.

On the improvement on the library and laboratory requirements, as of June 2019, overall library compliance percentage is 78.30 percent while 70 percent on laboratory compliance.

Certificate of Program Compliance is 8 out of 20 programs. The College have already planned on allocating funds for books and other library and laboratory equipments.

Pres. Charlito Cadag, in an interview with TheSPARK, mentioned that he already tapped the deans of the different colleges to submit list of needed laboratory equipments that are vital with

the offering of masters and doctoral degrees. “[…] While we intend to offer additional masters and doctorate programs, we need to equip all the more those colleges.”

In terms of linkages with other research institutions, CHED had checked on the school’s linkages with international institutions. They have given remarked that Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must strengthen the relation through research activities.

On the aspect of faculty development, alignment of faculty’s educational attainment and relevant licenses to the subject he/she is teaching, is rapidly complied. From 16 faculty without relevant license out of 80 on 2017 to zero faculty up to date who does not have the relevant license. It is also the College’s part of the enhancement by giving scholarship grant to deserving faculty. Furthermore, with the CHED’s specification on the involvement of full-time faculty on research, CSPC’s stint have already reached an average of 31.04 percent engagement on research for the past five years.

With the noncompliant mark of the College to some requisites of CHED, Dr. Luzon said that the new strategic plan focuses on the aim to officially convert CSPC to PSUB. “With the assumption of office of Dr. Cadag, […] immediately thereafter he convened the academic, administrative council to review the situation and plan. […] Last September 30, 2019, na-approve ang bagong strategic development plan, […] na mas lalo pang lumawak para matingnan ang mga bagay,” she added.

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CSPC attains PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II STORY BY JEAMALYN B. GORGONIA

After a series of evaluation and an on-site assessment of institutional components, the regional office of the Civil Service Commission (CSC-ROV) officially announced the one hundred percent compliance of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) in the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIMEHRM) Maturity Level II indicators.

Aimed to be conferred of the aforementioned merit, CSPC on October 28-29, underwent CSCROV assessment procedures, with Sharon F. Flores, Director II of CSC Albay Field Office, and Lynbee N. Navio, Human Resource Specialist II of CSC-ROV, as evaluators.

In relation to the provisions of PRIMEHRM, CSC, of its specified standards, assessed the systems, practices, and the competencies of the institution’s HR department, based on monitoring and review, as the enhancement of its existing programs and practices under the HRM core systems, was also evaluated. These systems are recruitment and selection, performance management, learning and development, and rewards and recognition.

The College then submitted to the necessary processes of the assessment and was subsequently acknowledged by the Commission to its complete compliance of the HRM requisites.

Similarly, the application of equal opportunity principle in all HR processes was also found out to be of the College’s practice. This includes the use of gender sensitive language in official documents

COMPETITIVE EDGE. College president Dr. Charlito P. Cadag adds the College’s PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II compliance, a first in the region, as one of its advantages in its path towards universityhood. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

and social media releases, availability of facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities, provision for parental and other domestic leave for employees, provision of adequate awards, incentives, recognition programs to all with no bias, use of employee performance as input to rewards and recognition, and many others.

This attested that the College is of observed management and implementation of its HRM systems according to documented standard operating progressions, as it achieved a processdefined HRM maturity level.

CSPC is the first institution among the State Universities and Colleges of the Bicol Region to be evaluated and recognized as a PRIME-HRM

2 studes clinch gold in Luzon ZSC STORY BY LORENZO B. ARENGO

Photo Credit: TESDAofficial

WINNING HANDS. Mark Julius Maravillo (left) and Francis Yango (right) emerge victorious as they secured gold medals in the 2019 Luzon Zonal Skills Competition. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

Mark Julius Maravillo, a second year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student, and Francis Yango, a second year BS in Electrical Engineering student, won the battle of skills and knowledge, as they clinched gold medals in the 2019 Luzon Zonal Skills Competition (ZSC), held on November 6-10, at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – National Capital Region (TESDA-NCR) Center, Taguig City.

Maravillo, who participated in the trade area of Information Network Cabling, garnered a total of 728 points.

“I believe that training is a lifelong process,” Maravillo stated, as he revealed in an interview with TheSPARK that the process he underwent during the competition was comprised of three sets of modules, of rigorous tasks which were made to be unlocked in a given period of time.

“When [the] awarding day arrived, and they announced that I won a gold medal, I was very

happy and proud,” he added.

Meanwhile, Yango, who took part in the Electrical Installation Skills area, obtained 720 points in summation.

“For me, winning is just a title. It is just only the beginning of my journey, but [to be] chosen […] to represent my beloved College is an honor,” he said.

He imparted that despite the tension which got into him during his manipulation of the test packages, he was determined to achieve the national standard and belong to the group of competitors whom are going to represent the country in the same field of area where he competed for.

Mr. Rey Cortez acted as the supervising coach of Maravillo, while Engr. Eddie Cabaltera guided Yango in the course of the competition.

With the stance of skills they have manifested in achieving the standard rating and the abilities they have exhibited in their individual areas, the two seized an opportunity to represent the country in the Association of Southeast Asian

Maturity Level II complied school.

“Since becoming a university is a bigger and wider horizon, it is […] an edge of CSPC over the rest of the State Universities and Colleges [of the region],” said Mrs. Nancy S. Penetrante, Administrative Officer V, in an interview with TheSPARK. “We can be a model as to the processes that we are implementing, in compliance to the CSC rules and regulations,” Penetrante emphasized. “It will add up to our readiness to quality and excellence, not only among the students, but also among the employees that we will be hiring. […] If we have competitive employees, we can produce quality students,” she supplied.

Moreover, the officer highlighted that one of the privileges the College has attained upon its attainment of the abovementioned recognition, is being allowed of taking the action on the appointment of employees.

“We will no longer submit the appointment to the Civil Service Commission, but we can act on it. Si President [Charlito P. Cadag] na lang ang magsa-sign,” the officer affirmed. She, although, claimed that there can be limitations to this provision.

PRIME-HRM is a mechanism that “empowers government agencies by developing their HRM competencies, systems, and practices toward HR excellence.”

At present, the College is recommended for PRIME-HRM Level II Bronze Accreditation and is currently preparing for the next assessment.

Nations Skills Competition and/or in the World Skills Competition to be held in Singapore and in Shanghai, China, on their respective dates that the international arena will declare later on.

The Luzon ZSC for this year, gathered a total of 123 competitors and 119 experts in 23 trade areas among the participating regions of the archipelagic division.

According to Secretary Isidro Lapeña, TESDA Director General, the said competition among its equivalent platforms, aims to “develop locally and internationally competent experts and competitors who can showcase and promote quality TESDA technical-vocational education and training.”

Before the abovementioned competition, Yango and Maravillo, along with Lorenzo Arengo, a second year BSIT student who competed in the IT Network Systems Administration, received gold medals for being the champions in the 2019 Bicol Regional Skills Competition, held on July 21-24 at Sorsogon State University.

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CSPC studes bag awards in 22nd NCEC STORY BY MARIA SHARLYN I. BAYTA AND FE MARIE F. BERMIDO

Photo Credit: Engr. Rowel Bermal

CRAFT OF THE CHAMPS. Civil Engineering students of the College set their minds together in competing at the 30th National Bridge Building Competition and bagging home gold. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

Fuelled of the aim to unveil talents, skills, and knowledge, alongside the objective to practice camaraderie among the Civil Engineering students of the country’s State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the national body of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers’ annual congregation, deemed as the National Civil Engineering Conference, took place on its 22nd year, last November 19-20, 2019.

The abovementioned event was convened at Newtown Plaza Hotel Event Center, Baguio City, wherein several activities were observed for the completion of the two-day conference.

With 42 SUCs that competed for various awards, CSPCeans bridged pride to the College as the group of John Louis Naranjo, Marvin Bermido, John Vic Brigola, Shena Mhellyn Mae

Nilo, and Aldrex Viyuda bagged the first place in the 30th National Bridge Building Competition, and as Jennelyn Baso seized the 10th place in the 26th National Civil Engineering Quiz.

In an interview with TheSPARK, Naranjo stated that their triumph was unexpected as he stressed that the probability of claiming a spot among the winners was placed of the difficulty to anticipate probable outcomes.

“As part of the contest, hindi nila sasabihin ‘yung parameters and materials na gagamitin, so pinag-aralan talaga namin lahat ng aspect simula sa theory, kung saan ito pwede mag-fail, and it’s aesthetics,” shared Naranjo, regarding the preparations they have observed for the bridge building competition.

“Lahat din naman kami sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng bridge na nagawa, [...] may ambag. Para siyang puhunan ng mga isip at puso namin,” he added.

Amid the criticisms their group has received of solely being after the aspect of aesthetics, as their crafted bridge was made with a distinct pattern, the group reasoned out that aside from creating a bridge that is sturdy, they also aimed for it to be built with a design that would be physically appealing.

When asked about their edge from the other teams to whom they have competed with, Naranjo highlighted that aside from the skills and the bridge model they have exhibited, what brought them distinction was the humble and content characters that they established throughout the course of the competition.

“All throughout the competition, kami ‘yung pinakamasaya,” he shared. “We are really not expecting it. Nasabi nga namin bago magsimula ang weighing kung ‘Ano ang aabutin?’ ‘Baka ganito lang.’ Pero, tinawa lang namin ‘yun. Naging masaya lang kami, all the time,” Naranjo added.

The bridge building competition aimed to gather students all over the country to build a model bridge with the lightest weight and greatest strength to withstand possible loads.

Meanwhile, clutching the 10th place in the National Civil Engineering Quiz, Baso stressed that sacrifice is a key element in attaining a place among opportunities such as competitions.

“Sabi ko, willing ako mag-sacrifice just to make it happen. Less gala, less unwind [...] just to review especially [on] advanced lessons,” she stated.

The said contest is the “largest and most highly-anticipated civil engineering competition that is open to undergraduate students.”

First launched in 2006, NCEC is a celebration of noteworthy events that aims to uphold camaraderie among its participants and equip them with skills and ethics suitable for real-life problems and situations.

Valle tops prov’l, reg’l PSQ; ranks 10th in nat’l tilt STORY BY MARIELLA S. VILLAR

Nancy S. Valle, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) first year student, conquered the annually held Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, as she clinched the first place both in the provincial and regional level, which made her represent the College and the Bicol Region in the national forum of the competition.

The Provincial Statistics Quiz held on October 28, 2019, was taken part of 14 participating schools from among the State Universities and Colleges of Camarines Sur, wherein alongside Valle, John Antioquia, a BSCE first year student and Janela Berce, a BS in Mathematics first year student, represented the College.

After having passed the easy, average and difficult rounds, Valle then bagged the first place, which made her receive a medal, a trophy, a set of certificates, and a cash prize, as she qualified for the next level.

The Regional Statistics Quiz held on November 12, was participated of 18 contestants, including Valle. She then garnered the first place, which qualified her to represent the region in the Nationals.

This year’s Philippine Statistics Quiz, the national level of the competition, held on November 27-30, with the theme: “Data Innovation: Key to a Better

Photo Credit: Nancy S. Valle

VICTORIOUS STAND. After winning gold, both in provincial and regional tilt of the Philippine Statistics Quiz, Nancy S. Valle (center), a first year Civil Engineering student, bags tenth in the Nationals. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

Nation,” was partaken of over 17 participants from each region, in which Valle placed 10th.

Engr. Eugene P. Barbonio and Mr. Mark Ronel Ocbian, attended as Valle’s coaches, and Nestor Bagacina Jr., a BS in Electrical Engineering fifth year

student, acted as her student-coach.

Designed to test the knowledge of first year students in the learning area Statistics, PSQ is being conducted annually all over the country as part of the National Statistics Month Celebration.

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BUILDING UP THE MOMENTUM. Months after the Board of Trustees named him as CSPC president, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag has been officially designated as the fifth College president, after an investiture ceremony held, giving him the lead to steer the Academe in achieving universityhood. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

Dr. Cadag marks official start as prexy in investiture rite STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

Dr. Charlito P. Cadag is now officially installed as the fifth president of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC).

As CSPC celebrates a milestone, after president Rodrigo R. Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11283, converting the College to be Polytechnic State University of Bicol, Dr. Cadag, on December 6, was invested and inaugurated as the current president of the institution.

The ceremonial occasion, which was convened at Holy Cross Parish, Nabua, Camarines Sur, gathered the members of the College community, viz.: student body, faculty and administrative staff, unit heads, academic deans, and division directors, the CSPC Board of Trustees (BOT), as representatives of various State Universities and Colleges including officials of government commissions and agencies took part in the realization of the event, as well.

Of accord to the investiture ceremony,

Mr. Charles Ralph O. Cadag, Dr. Cadag’s son, presented the institutional head as the honoree.

Moreover, Ms. Vivian E. Lastrollo, the acting board secretary of BOT, read the Diploma of Appointment, while Dr. Ma. Dolores D. Salud, the director of Civil Service Commission Provincial Field Office, and Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, the director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office, awarded and vested the Diploma of Appointment and the academic gown, hood, and cap of the president, respectively.

The imposition of the academic medallion and the president’s ring, on the other hand, was carried out through Dr. Agnes E. Tolentino, the regional director of National Economic and Development Authority, along with Dir. Emelita P. Bagsit, the officer-in-charge director of Department of Science and Technology’s regional office, and Mrs. Maria Victoria O. Cadag, the wife of the president.

Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, the presiding officer of

CHED, administered the Oath of Office, as Dr. Teresita B. Salazar, the institution’s vice president for Research, Extension and Production, presented the College Mace. The installation message was then delivered by Dr. Darilag, until the newly installed College president, Dr. Cadag, delivered his inaugural address.

The event concluded with a cultural show, and an organized gathering for the involved personalities and officials was observed.

Dr. Cadag sees this opportunity of leadership, as a means “to reach out to more students and communities, and make a difference in their lives.”

Alongside his official assumption of presidency, he is of the vision of “transforming societies for the better,” and he believes that this can only be materialized if CSPC will provide “a supply of knowledge that responds to the needs emanating from the society.” Of this consciousness then, in his expression, can meaningful transformation be in societal reality.

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Jaguar’s lad, Phoenix’s lass bag Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2019 STORY BY MARY FRANCE O. BALDOZA

Mr. and Ms. Intramurals kicked-start the 2019 College Intramurals, with the theme: “#1CSPC Towards Excellence and Transformation through Sports, Culture and Arts,” where Growling Jaguar’s Christian Andrew Llagas, and Blazing Phoenix’s Sheena Magistrado won the title against 20 hopefuls, on November 11, 2019 at the College Gymnasium.

Soaring Falcon’s Angelica Centeno of College of Management and Entrepreneurship (CME) and Clinton Espallardo of the College of Health Care Technology (CHCT) Blazing Phoenix landed as first runners up. Gladys Makie Mae Palcon and Pol Dexter Dato trailed closely as second runners up who are from the College of Engineering (COE) and CME, respectively. Soaring Falcons’ another pair Nikita Marisse Awa and Nick Rafael Sasaluya finished the show as third runners up followed by Ronnadyn Pacer also a Blazing Phoenix and John Carlo Beltran a Mythical Shark of the College of Education, Arts, an Sciences (CEAS) as fourth runners up.

Meanwhile, prior to the pageant night, each department chose students who have the beauty and wit to represent them. During the close door screening process on October 30, 2019 conducted by the Committee on the said pageant, strict implementation of the height requirement included in the official guidelines were observed. This resulted to the disqualification of some representatives readied by departments beforehand.

The misfortune of the few circulated an alleged discrimination issue about the event which was

CHAMPS OF WIT AND GLAM. Showcasing their wit and beauty, Christian Andrew Llagas and Sheena Magistrado conquered this year’s Mr. and Ms. Intramurals, bringing with them the crown. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

cleared by the president of the Central Student Council Inc., Eisen Galvante, as the weeklong celebration’s main instigator organization.

“The process of screening of the candidates was based from the official guidelines given by the committee of Mr. and Ms. Intrams 2019.

Naka-indicate du’n sa guidelines ‘yung about sa height requirement, so we expected that each department are informed about the said info,”

Galvante reiterated.

This was backed up Magistrado, Ms. Intramurals 2019, as she stated,” Height really matters in a pageant especially in a national and international pageants. […] the school was just following the requirements […] to be sure that we can have representatives in the national pageant like Mr. and Ms. PACSL.”

admission tab, students of intent to admit will then be directed to an electronic application form.

Initially, upon clicking the button for “New Application,” the Control Number will appear in its corresponding box, automatically.

The Control Number is to be noted, for the verification of the approval and the result of the entrance examination, later on.

Afterwards, the students will supply the corresponding boxes to be filled out of necessary information.

Once the applicant is already done in completing the latter, upon choosing the primary or the preferred program of the student’s selection, the requirements to be submitted will then be displayed.

Moreover, the system allows students to choose the date and time of their entrance examination, according to the presented schedules, indicated under its selection.

“Pupunta na lang dito [ang applicants] for their scheduled entrance exam,” stated Deniña.

He posited that this would help students in taking their respective examinations of agreement to their

availability.

After all the necessary steps have already been accomplished, the applicant should click on the confirm box, and the save button afterwards.

Upon visiting the website anew to check for the approval of application, the selected schedule for examination will then be shown to the applicant.

The requirements will be submitted on the scheduled date of examination.

The Guidance Office, meanwhile, will be delivered of the list of applicants and examinees according to the fixed schedules in the online system.

“Sa part naman ng Guidance Office, makikita na nila kung sino ‘yung mga nag-admit for the day, then ano-ano ‘yung mga date na pinili based from the examination schedules,” said Deniña, as he claimed that the implementation of this enhanced institutional operation is a path to a more accessible provision of services in the aspect of admissions.

As of writing, there are already 1,487 students who have sent their applications through the online-based operation.

CSPC now adopts online admissions

STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

The process of accepting students for the next academic calendar is now provisioned of a new system, as Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) adopts online admissions for transferees and incoming freshmen.

According to Mr. Julius C. Deniña, Database Center officer, to divert from the manual means of accepting applications and to provide convenience to its clientele, the College, particularly their office, crafted an enhanced system aimed at delivering accessibility in the process of admissions.

“May mga features na nilagay [sa online system] na mas ikakabuti ng operation, especially [of] the Guidance Office,” supported Deniña.

Online admissions, with the new version it offers in its level of operation, is now of present usage and facilitates to students, as they get freed of the task of personally asking for the application form and the list of requirements due for submission.

This particular interface is accessed through the official website of the College: my.cspc.edu.ph.

Upon going to the student portal or the “Login to my.CSPC” selection box, and pressing for the

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DOST V, DOST-TAPI and S&T Networks spearhead 2019 Bicol Regional Invention Contests and Exhibit CSPC’s entry emerged as two of the qualifiers

STORY BY JEAMALYN B. GORGONIA

Innovators, makers and researchers convened during the 2019 Bicol Regional Invention Contests and Exhibit (BRICE) coincided with the celebration of Regional Science and Technology Week, on October 8 to 10 at Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology Gymnasium in Naga City, Camarines Sur. Highlighting the theme “Science for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development,” the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office V in cooperation with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and Science and Technology Networks (S&T) have once again successfully conducted the 2019 BRICE in pursuant to Section 4 Republic Act no. 7549, also known as “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines.”

The three-day event served as a starting ground and fitting venue to encourage, stimulate and expose the inventiveness of the Bicolano

innovators, researchers and local inventors to promote products of their ingenious minds and commercialize technologies not only in national, but in international market, as well.

BRICE distinguished outstanding inventive and innovative works in five categories, namely: Outstanding Invention (Tuklas Award); Outstanding Industrial Design (ID); Outstanding Utility Model (UM); Outstanding Creative Research (Likha Award) in two sub-categories: government-funded and private-funded; and Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for high school and college students.

The judging of entries was done by DOST V, DOST-TAPI and S&T networks, where submitted entries were scrutinized and screened in accordance with the contest rules and mechanics.

Kitchen Scraps Composting Device and Point of Payment Solution for e-Government Systems Mr. Ferdinand D. Valencia, vice president for Administration with his entry entitled “Kitchen Scraps Composting Device” and Mrs. Challiz D. Omorog, dean of the College of Information and

Technology, together with her colleague Mr. Philip Aljer M. Serrano, Instructor I of the College with their entry entitled “Point of Payment Solution for e-Government Systems” represented Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in the recently concluded BRICE and emerged as two of the qualifiers in the creative research category.

According to Mrs. Omorog, “Actually […] it’s hard to do researches, kasi it is something we cannot just think of in a bit of [time]. You have to look for what is really interesting, up to date, and at the same time, the on-going problem we have in the society. In joining such exhibit and contest, we get to magnify our work and get also applauded with our work at the same time, it is really an exposure and we have to expose our work,” during an interview with TheSPARK. Moreover, Mr. Philip Aljer M. Serrano stressed that joining a contest and exhibit like BRICE help us learn, develop and gather additional ideas and concepts, it also gave opportunity to expose own research or invention and at the same time explore different researches and local inventions.

The one-day judging in creative research was held on October 09, 2019.

DOST promotes S&T/R&D innovations thru RIEEQ 2019, CSPCeans win 3rd STORY BY MARY FRANCE O. BALDOZA

A TEST OF MINDS. With sharp minds and skillful thinking, three 2nd year engineering students emerged victorious bringing home bronze in the Regional Industry, Energy and Engineering Quiz (RIEEQ). -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

Rodave Prestado, BSEE-2A, Mark Joseph Lim, BSCE-2B, Justin Reyvan Tataro, BSME-2A, who composed the CSPC team, bagged third place in the Regional Industry, Energy and Engineering Quiz (RIEEQ) during the conduct of Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) 2019 at Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) on October 10, 2019.

With its initiative to disseminate awareness in the field of Science and Technology/Research

and Development (S&T/R&D) in support to DOST’s mandate, the Department of Science and Technology-Bicol Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-BCIEERD) spearheaded the event as part of the week-long science fair in the region. The regional celebration highlighted various activities in accord to this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) theme: “Science for the people: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development.”

Lim, as one of the competitors of CSPC, said

that despite of mishaps preparing for the event they managed to represent the college with flying colors. “We prepared for about a month only given the broad topics covered in the contest. During that time, we don’t know where to start but with the help of our coaches, Nestor Bagacina Jr. and Engr. Edna P. Montañez, and our determination to represent the school well, we were able to pull it off.”

Meanwhile, 10 competing teams from the different schools in the Bicol region vied to grab a place in the competition. In the end, team from the host school, BISCAST ousted its competitors and landed as this year’s RIEEQ champion. Team from Mariners Polytechnic College FoundationCanaman secured the second spot. On the other hand, challengers from, Sorsogon State College placed 4th and Camarines Norte State College earned 5th place.

The competition was composed of two rounds: Elimination and Championship round. Questions for each round covered topics on industry, engineering and emerging technologies, current events, engineering theories and other S&T/R&D innovations. After hurdling 15 questions in the elimination round, five teams advanced to the Championship round where winners of the five spots were determined.

Other participating schools were Bicol University, Central Bicol State College of Agriculture, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, University of Nueva Caceres, and Partido State College.

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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

Klik! Klak! Pshhhhhhh!

Klik! Klak! Klik! Klak! Tunog sa tapat ng dingding nakakaalarma. Ito ang pinakakapuna-punang uri ng na hindi naman sa kanila… delinquent na ugali ayon kay Hedge (1979) at most Klik! Klak! Klik! Klak! Sa kalaliman ng gabi; sino highly rated kind of disorder naman ayon kay Skogan kaya sila?

(1990).

Klik! Klak! Klik! Klak! Pshhhhhhhh….

Ayon sa American Psychiatric Association, ang Tumambad kinaumagahan ang mga salitang walang Histrionic Personality Disorder(HPD) ay ang labis na kabuluhan; sa pader na malinis na matagal nang paghahangad ng atensyon at approval. Dagdag pa pinangangalagaan. Sa isang rito at ayon na rin kay Timothy iglap lang, dahil sa pagkasira J. Legg, PhD, PMHNP-BC, ang ng isipan---- nilapastangan at mga taong may ganitong uri ng dinumihan. kondisyon ay may distorted mental Hindi sagot ang Bandalismo, ayon kay image ng kanilang sarili. Ngunit krimen sa isa Bessette, ay “willful or marahil kaya sila namamalimos ng pang krimen. malicious destruction or atensyon ay dahil may mas malalim defacement of any public or pang rason. Batay kila fisher at private property without the Baron, sa akdang equity theory of consent of the owner or persons vandalism, pinipiling daan ng ilan having control.” Ito ang mga gawain ng mga taong ang vandalism upang maihayag ang kanilang saloobin. walang papel sa lipunan kaya nagsusulat sa dingding.

Subalit ang mali ay mali.

Pero bakit nga ba may mga gumagawa nito?

Kaya marahil ito ang rason kung bakit ayon kay Ayon sa akdang: “psychological analysis of Francis Joven ng Panday Sining, isang art ang kanilang vandalism” ni Fuellgrabe, ang bandalismo ay maaaring ginawang paglalapastangan sa pinondohan at kakalinis sanhi ng kasakiman, pagkauhaw sa atensyon, pulitikal lamang na mga dingding sa Maynila. Para sa kaalaman na ideolohiya, paghihiganti o kaya naman ay trip trip ng lahat, may malaking kaibahan ang vandalism sa lang. Subalit para sa’kin, ang pinakapangunahing urban art. Ang urban art, legal. Ang bandalismo, ilegal. sanhi ng bandalismo ay ang pagiging kulang sa pansin.

Ganun kasimple. At kung tatawaging graffiti ang Wari bang nagiging isang epidemya na ito at tunay na kanilang pinagpipinta? Well… nasaan ang aesthetics?

“

SHEM ON U SHIELA MAE C. PARCO

A philosopher once said, “Uno pa kiton, padi? Isi na!”

Ladaw Taparazzi---Ang paboritong lugar ng mga estudyante tuwing heartbroken, binasted ng nililigawan, o ‘di kaya naman, may problema sa pamilya, pera, o kaya sa acads---typical na mga dahilan upang lumiban sa klase.

Kamakailan lamang nang magkaroon ng proposed ordinance #004 s. 2019 o mas kilala bilang AntiTruancy Ordinance sa bayan ng Nabua. Ito ay isang ordinansa na naglalayong mabawasan ang mga estudyanteng nagbubulakbol tuwing oras ng klase at pagbabawal ng kahit na ano mang uri ng paglalakwatsa sa kahit na anong establishmento kagaya na lamang ng malls, internet cafes, billiard halls, sari-sari stores, restaurants, boarding house, at iba pang lugar na pwedeng tambayan upang magpalipas oras.

Samantala, masasabing truant ang isang estudyante kapag siya ay lumiban sa oras ng kanyang klase na wala naman talagang katanggap-tanggap na dahilan. Ngunit, ang isang kolehiyo na umiinom ay hindi na sakop ng ordinansa dahil wala na sila sa minority age. Kung iisipin, hindi naman talaga natin pwedeng sabihin na truant ang isang estudyante, lalo na kung wala naman siyang pasok kahit na siya ay umiinom at nakasuot pa ng uniform. Idagdag pa natin na sa kolehiyo, hindi natin malalaman agad kung nagcutting, lalo na’t iba’t-iba ang kanilang mga schedule.

Pero papayag ba tayo na isawalang bahala na lamang ang ganitong ugali ng kolehiyo dahilan sa “legal” naman na raw ang kanilang edad?

Hindi ako kumukunsinti sa kahit anong masamang gawain. Dapat lang na maging sakop ng ordinansang ito ang kolehiyo sapagkat maraming kaugnay na hindi inaasahang pangyayari ang pwedeng maranasan ng mga estudyanteng nagbubulakbol.

‘Buti pa sa alak, may tama. Eh sa quiz at exam kaya?

”

WORDWRIGHT EVE KARL CHRISTIAN L. REARIO

Linawin ko lang na maging ang graffiti ay hindi rin katanggap-tanggap at isa ring krimen.

Nakakairita sa mata na dinudungisan ang pagaari ng iba. Bakit hindi na lang ‘yung mga tirahan nila ang pagsusulatan ng mga ganoon. Ang gastos para sa pagkukumpuni ng mga ito ay hindi lamang monetaryo kung hindi pati na rin sa sosyal na aspeto. Sige isipin mo: tama bang sirain ang mga bagay na hindi naman sa’yo? Sining ng iba tinatapakan mo tapos sasabihin mo…IT IS ART… wow! Akala mo ikinaangas mo ang mag-vandal? Pa-cool kid? Kesyo para sa pagsulong ng katwiran kuno. Hindi sagot ang krimen sa isa pang krimen. Marami nang tumilamsik na dugo sa lansangan. Marami ring pulang pinta na nagkakalat sa mga dingding. Ano ang pagkakaiba ng dalawang pulang mga bagay? Hindi ba’t parehas lamang sila krimen?

Bakit kailangan pang magsumbatan imbes magtulungan? Bakit ayaw magpatalo? Bakit kailangan magsiraan? Bakit ‘di na lang magalak sa mga mabubuting pagbabago? Oo, maraming problema ang mundo. Dadagdag pa ba tayo? Sige, isipin mo!

Klik! Klak! Klik! Klak! Tunog sa tapat ng dingding na hindi naman sa kanila.

Klik! Klak! Klik! Klak! Sa kalaliman ng gabi; sino kaya sila?

Klik! Klak! Klik! Klak! Pshhhhhhhh….

Absent-minded Hindi ko naman nilalahat, pero nanggigigil talaga na estudyanteng nag-cutting classes na diumano’y ako sa part na may time pa nga silang mag-inom pero nahuling nag po-pot session sa isang bahay sa Makati. pagdating naman sa pag-aaral, wala na! Kulang na Kung grade 9 nga, nakagagawa na ng ganitong gawain, lang, mag-wish kay Starla para magic na makapasa. paano pa kaya kung sa kolehiyo?

Minsan naman, present nga sa klase, absent-minded Bukod pa rito, pwedeng magkaroon ng aksidente naman. Oh, ‘di ba, nakakagigil lang talaga. Pa’no yung sa labas ng eskwelahan, pagpapatiwakal, prostitusyon gigil? Balakajan! o ano mang uri ng karahasan. Kilala niyo ba si Angelika Wala namang masama kung iinom na naayon Tumang? Share ko lang ulit, siya lang naman yung sa okasyon o kaya naman wala na talagang pasok. sumikat na nambugbog sa isang dalagita sa loob ng Konting respeto lang din ang kailangan na huwag CR sa Angeles City, Pampanga. Napag-alaman na ang na sanang isuot ang uniporme at ipangalandakan grupong kinabibilangan niya (Smoking Area Group) ay na lumiban ka pa sa klase. ‘Di ko sinasabing para sa ‘di umanong gumagamit ng shabu at marijuana upang CSPCean ‘to ah, pero parang ganu’n na nga. mas lalong maging bayolente.

Dumaan naman na tayo sa inuman, ‘wag na Sa tingin mo, makakakuha ka pa kaya ng maayos nating ipahuhuli ang pwedeng mangyaring teenage na trabaho pagkatapos mong grumaduate kung halos pregnancy. Cue: Basta may alak, may balak by Skusta sunod-sunod ang pagliban mo sa klase, marami Clee. Isa rin sa dahilan kung bakit dapat isama ang kang bagsak, nabuntis ka, may record ng krimen, at kolehiyo sa sakop ng paggamit ng drugs? Naku, bes, ordinansang nasabi ay mag isip-isip ka na. Disiplina para maiwasan na rin ang ang kailangan. Matuto tayong Bakit pa kailangang maagang pagtanggap ng unahin kung ano ang mas hintayin na maging batas ito responsibilidad bilang prayoridad at sa ngayon, ‘yun kung pwede namang ugali na magulang.

Maiiwasan ay ang pag-aaral ng mabuti. rin ang pagtaas ng kaso Nang isilang ka sa mundong lang muna ang baguhin, ‘di ba? ng sexually transmitted ito, laking tuwa ng magulang diseases lalo na sa mo. Cue: “Anak” by Freddie teenagers.

Ayon sa Aguilar. Kung malaman nila Population Commission (PopCom), umaabot sa na may iba ka palang ginagawa na hindi naman dapat 200,000 na dalaga sa Pilipinas ang nabubuntis kada gawin sa oras ng klase, matutuwa pa kaya sila? Aba, isang taon. Ito na rin ang nagiging dahilan kung bakit dapat makonsensiya ka na! Sayang lang ang pawis na tumataas ang bilang ng droupouts sa bansa. tumutulo sa kanilang mga sentido para lang mabigyan Kung napag-usapan na natin ang tungkol sa pagka lang ng baon na iaambag mo lang naman sa inom at maagang pagbubuntis, isama na rin natin ang inuman. Kung pagsusumahin, wala sa ordinansa ang pagigiging lulong sa bisyo, pagsusugal at posibleng sagot kundi nasa sa’yo. Bakit pa kailangang hintayin paggamit ng mga estudyante ng ipinagbabawal na maging batas ito kung pwede namang ugali na lang na droga. Share ko lang, may nabasa akong balita muna ang baguhin, ‘di ba? sa GMAnews website na kung saan, mayroong 11

“

”

OPINION

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

The SPARK

Pedagogue-Go-Go!

THE GLOW JOB JOANNA ERIKA Y. PUZON

Just think of it: it’s only once a year that every attacking a 55-year-old teacher named Melita Limjuco. teacher around the world is celebrated for their job. A The said teacher was being reported for “abuse” as she day to pay gratitude for all the sacrifices and hardships sent the child out of the classroom due to him causing they put out for us, not just for their chosen profession trouble inside the facility. After several investigations but as well as their desire to be an instrument to with the filed complaint, Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, educate more students. What is it that they lack to a lawyer and an education advocate appeals to the not deserve all this praises that we give? Don’t they public. “The public school teacher deserves the right deserve more? to be heard,” Estrada said. Atty. Estrada then offered “School is our second home, and teachers are our Limjuco help as he believes that he does not see any second parents.” abuse done by the teacher. However, the complainants Tell me, how many times have you heard of that claims that the student was “traumatized” and saying? You probably can’t “humiliated” by the teacher’s act. even decipher how many Albeit the teacher apologizing for times you have seen it written the deed, the complainants still on personalized greeting continuously bleats their demand Nobody deserves to cards, shirts, mugs, and for the revocation of the teacher’s be put into situations banners during Teacher’s Day. license as a punishment. And that make them too Remember the time when the said TV show was seemingly vulnerable for everyone the whole class agreed to propping and fueling up the anger to draw out a fool buy a bouquet of flowers but of the suers as Raffy Tulfo, the especially when they are it was costly and 2 of your host of the show, without sufficient not.

RK classmates just won’t amount knowledge regarding the volunteer to do it so you all case, abruptly asked the teacher decided to get artificial ones via live conversation if she wanted instead, and sometimes you get short of class fund a child abuse case to be filed against her or just quit so everyone’s been roaming around picking flowers? her job.

What about when the class wanted to buy a cake and The issue went viral and gained massive backlash everyone was asked to chip in some cash and then from the public. The TV show, known to be biased, moments later you’ll just feel the weight in your heart sparks sudden popularity due to the society’s growing and the lightness in your pocket because you worry interest in meddling with other people’s lives like that you might fall short of your daily allowance? it’s some kind of entertainment. Alarming, it is, Oh, you don’t have to worry about any of that! allowing someone without a single background in It’s the least you can do to draw a happy curve on a the by-laws and constitutions of the country to judge teacher’s face. unceremoniously about a particular case that needs Speaking of curves, here’s a frowning moment for support, evidence and right knowledge is indeed all our pedagogues. ludicrous. And still, a lot of people continue to seek This recently released issue regarding the case of help from the show. How come everyone’s entertained a furious parent inveighing in a TV show—Tulfo in by this?

Action—about a teacher who allegedly “humiliated” I could only reminisce the time when two of my her child and threatened to file a complaint against the classmates including me was sent out of the class for educator for child abuse left its viewers aghast as it was being too talkative in 2nd Grade, we laughed it all off.

“

”

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

09

We took that chance to sneak our way to the canteen to eat. I remember not feeling ashamed of it, we’re just kids. And how can I forget when I got pinched in the ears when my 5th grade teacher told us to clap five times and I clapped six. It was painful, but it was worth the laugh remembering it now. I did not shed a tear nor told my parents about it because I knew I deserved it. I told myself many times, “Lesson learned! I won’t do it again.” Learning from mistakes and experiences makes us all better. Being in situations that send us into understanding ourselves better—what must be and must not be done. Still, we’re humans, we make mistakes: both big and small. Our teachers, too.

It’s a shame to be amused by the shameless. Shame on those who are regaled with prying and barging into stuffs that does not concern them. It’s our rights that we are talking about here. Unconsciously, you are being fed with distasteful and advices that are parti pris.

Picture this: half of your life as a kid was spent in school, studying, being shaped for what you will become in the future. You are taught essential knowledge and values, your teachers stood beside you along the way—being a part of who and what you are now—acting as a foundation, a support. They are our second parents indeed. May it be in a form of disciplinary action or getting a plus point at school, everything they do, they don’t do it just for themselves because they do it for us. If you’re too hesitant to say thank you, respecting them is the least you can do.

Nobody deserves to be put into situations that make them too vulnerable for everyone to draw out a fool especially when they are not. Not because we gain authority to what we possess—parents to their kids—doesn’t mean no one is allowed to cut off tiny imperfections from them.

You’re not the only one who’s allowed to touch the tree you planted when sought help from somebody else to take care of it.

Editor-in-Chief JOMAR C. ONDING | Associate Editors MARY FRANCE O. BALDOZA, HANNAH RUTH P. CHUA| Managing Editor BRIEN ARISTOTLE S. IRAOLA | Art Editor JOSEPH RYAN R. IBARRETA | Layout Editor CHARIS JOY N. LUNA |News Editor CHRISTELLE O. ONG | Feature Editor LEONIDO T. BELLEZA JR. | Sports Editor ANTHONY JAY A. COMBATE | Literary Editor KARL CHRISTIAN L. REARIO | Senior Photojournalist ALEXANDER B. CEZAR | Senior Artist EDEN GRACE P. LU | News Writer JEAMALYN B. GORGONIA | Feature Writers CHRISTINE T. ASTIBE, SHIELA MAE C. PARCO, JOANNA ERIKA Y. PUZON, HERMINIA A. VASQUEZ | Sports Writers EMMANUEL D. BRISENIO, FELIMON L. GOZUN JR. | Staff Artists LARRY ANDRE V. PACARDO, KIRSTIEN AJ FRANCENE R. RODENAS | Photojournalists MICHAEL WILLIAM R. RONCO, JUDE ZYMON M. CASYAO | Apprentices JAN KLOUDE M. IGANA, ROSE ANN S. LAGATIC, RAFAEL ANGELO O. MORALES, FRANKNEL ROSELADA | Broadcast Journalists ASHLEY MAE T. BENICO, FE MARIE F. BERMIDO, MARIA SHARLYN I. BAYTA, MARIELLA S. VILLAR, LORENZO B. ARENGO, JANSEN B. IBARDO | Editorial Assistant MA. ENJAELYN M. BONGCAYAO| Contributors IAN BENEDICT C. FALLER, VICTOR N. BALAGAT JR. | Publication Moderators MARLON S. PONTILLAS AND GIGI V. SEVERO Contact and reach us through:

thesparkpublication@gmail.com

facebook.com/thesparkpub

10

The SPARK

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

The SPARK

11

12

The SPARK

Hemorrhage

Kaonashi

By Jomar C. Onding

By Brien Aristotle S. Iraola

A single light flashing thru my face… white As void choke me with its bitterness, dark and heavy No mirror, I am not able to see my face Is it horrible? A sheep clawed by a lion.

Rose bloom at the centre of the black Drawing my sullen eyes to its beauty A magnificent thing, isn’t it?

Should I caress it with my dirty little fingers?

No. I am a sheep, fat and lazy and hungry and old.

She, in the contrary, the opposite— Her pinkish glow can never bind With my rotting stench, with dark-green vapour.

Stimulus Sight.

I crave for your presence The glimpse of your face Attractive Adhesive I find myself, lost in your gaze.

Hear.

I yearn for your voice The huskiness of your whispers Euphonic Eudemonic Goosebumps! —It gives me shivers.

Smell.

I long for your scent The fragrance of your perfume Alluring Tantalizing Your aroma fills this empty room

By Brien Aristotle S. Iraola

Sitting by the window sill; I am…

Following the drop of every snowflakes, By eyes.

White—no, red.

The taste— exhilarating, quenching, satisfying, intensifying the craving to perfection, addiction, creation of own damnation.

Chaos after chaos…

In one frame, Garden of Eden, There are screams in the next; Melancholy; Joy; Alienation; Pills…

Like flash cards, a cinematography.

One long second…

The pixels becomes a blur— Blur becomes sharp as pixels.

A snowflake, white.

My hands raise, should I touch it?

Then, I heard a thud.

Glass; windowpane.

Thwarting my ever existence.

I Am sitting by the window sill Following another snowflake By eyes, again.

Drop!

Drip!

Drip!

Drop!

Humanity switch— no off, just on and on.

Stuck down the abyss of oblivion.

Murderer’s Confession

Taste.

I plead for your affection.

Starving for love, hungry for adoration Amorous Marvelous A strong feeling of emotion.

Desert dry I can no longer deny A voice inside of me will reply: I am T H I R S T Y.

When I fail at Shamanism

The aroma— inviting, flooding, invading, diluting the sanity to hyperactivity, insensitivity, sensitivity, insanity.

Pulsating veins…

Bloodshot eyes…

Sharp fangs…

Black, Red, White, Pain…

Stain…

Rain…

By Shiela Mae C. Parco

Feel.

I beg for your touch The warmth of your skin Ignited fire Great desire A flame blazing from within

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXX | NO. 2

By Ian Benedict C. Faller

Have you ever wondered Why to destroy is easier than to create?

Or why it takes less effort To break something than to fix it?

Have you ever wondered Why it just feels so good To throw a plate on the ground Or to see a thrashing body slowly stop?

The euphoria – it feels so right!

It’s just the way the world is: The natural entropic state of the universe, The innate force toward decadence and death.

But I digress — I confess; I have been craving for that sensation For far too long, I’m afraid.

They say we all have our demons, Mine just happened to be murderous.

It didn’t matter who they were.

I will do it again.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXX | NO. 2

The SPARK

13

Manhid Ni Victor N. Balagat Jr.

Buhay, Talo Ni Jomar C. Onding

Sa kalawakan inilimbag ang kwento na hindi dapat ikwento nang malaman, hindi ng may alam, hindi rin ng walang alam, kung hindi ng mga namaalam.

Ang katotohanan sa gitna ng mga kasinungalingan ay katotohanan.

Sa kamatayan nakasilid ang kasagutan.

Kapag sinabi bang “masaya” ay masaya na?

Kapag sinabi bang “malungkot” ay malungkot na?

Kapag sinabi bang “buhay” ay may buhay?

Kapag sinabi bang “patay” ay wala nang buhay?

Kapag sinabi bang “kamatayan” ay katapusan?

Inamoy—sininghot mula sa abo ng tinupok na aklat, Umaalingasaw yaong baho’t lansa, Ng mga bumarang letra’t kataga Sa masangsang na basura ng maling prinsipyo’t paniniwala.

Narinig— sigaw ng umaatikabong tunog ng kalamnan Pilit pinakakalma ang ingay ng dangal, Sa giyerang pluma ang sandata Makikitil ang batang bingi sa kamalayan.

Binulag— sa sakit ng lipunang numero ang batayan Sa lipunang ilaw ang pera’t yaman, ‘di na daw makita magandang kinabukasan Dahil hinabol ang sariling anino sa kadiliman.

Nilasahan— nais matikman siyang magpapahupa ng ano’t bakit Pait at alat ng malayang makapagbasa Lumipad kasama ang tamis ng alapaap Kahit mangiwi sa asim sa bagong teknolohiya.

Nadama— ramdam ngunit ng iilan, uhaw ang lalamunan sa karunungan Tigang ang luha sa di mapagbigyan Paos na sa kakasigaw Manhid parin kayo— kaya’t nag aalinlangan

Hindi lahat ng nabubuhay ay buhay.

‘Yung iba, buhay lang.

Hindi lahat ng may hininga ay humihinga.

‘Yung iba, humihinga lang.

Hindi lahat ng lahat ay lahat.

Matuto kang mamatay.

GahASA

Ni Karl Christian L. Reario

Ginahasa ako ng walang saysay na salita— Malaswa’t marahas.

Sa hubad kong diwa’y wala akong nagawa; Kahit sa tadhana’y labis nang nagmakaawa.

Patak

Ni Karl Christian L. Reario

Namanhid yaring labi sa lasa ng isang patak; Mapakla’t mapanakit...

Nagsisising sinubukan kong tumikim...

Kapagdaka’y nasundan ang isa... ng isa... ng isa... at isa pa...

Hanggang ako’y inulan, ng hindi kalunok-lunok na mga katotohanan...

Aking nawaring— Hindi pamatid-uhaw ng lalamunang sugatan...

Ang ulan ng katotohanan... sa tagni-tagni’t huwad na kaalaman...

Nuot sa aking laman ang hapdi ng katotohanan, Ang pait na mapagsamantalahan— Nakapanlulumo, Nakakasuklam.

Buntis, alaala sa inakalang hustisya…

Subalit wala; Tigang mga labi’t inuod dilang hibik-himagsik…

Uhaw…

Kung mayroon lamang akong sapat na lakas upang ipagtanggol ang sarili; Hindi ako mahahalay— Ng tampalasang salita…

Sa lakas ako’y uhaw…

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The SPARK

Oh, kumusta mga kapwa CSPCean?

Inaabangang ISPAY ay narito na naman!

Handa nang isiwalat, mga bahong nalalaman.

Bato-bato sa langit, umilag nang ‘di tamaan.

Sa mga pasaway, bida-bida at pabibo.

Aba! Aba! Aba! Baka nakalilimutan n’yo?

ISPAY ang nagsisilbing tainga, mata, boses at anino.

Pupuna sa kapalpakan, maling pag-uugali ay iwawasto.

Sa mga natauhan sa aming unang patutsada Ito lang ang masasabi sa minamahal na madla: Salamat sa realisasyong inyong nahinuha Nawa’y magtuloy-tuloy pagbabagong nais naming makita.

Ngunit sa mga oras na ito, ang makampante ay huwag, Matatalim na sungay ngayoý handa nang sumuwag.

Paalala kaibigan: Huwag nang subukang pumalag!

Mga bagong isyu amin na ngayong ilalatag.

“Paabot po ng pamasahe... Paabot naman poooo.”

“May sasakay pong matanda, pausog na lang ho.”

Sa loob ng multicab, kaonting konsiderasyon naman mga iha at iho.

Suot n’yo pa naman, tatak CSPC na uniporme n’yo.

Pagdating sa CSPC, naggagandahang motor nagsisipasok.

Sana all may service, ‘di na kailangang magcommute.

Kahit walang sticker umaarangkadang motor nakalulusot.

Mga guwardyang istrikto, paki-explain nitong gusot!

Hala! Ba’t sa harap ng LS building karamihan ng motor nakasuksok?

Pati daan papasok ng building halos lahat okupado.

Flexibility ng dadaan tiyak naming masusubok.

Guards! Punahin n’yo rin ito sa pag-iikotikot.

Hindi puros nakasuot ng PE ang sa inyo’y nalalagot.

Tara dumako sa CSPC Chapel, doon manalangin.

Baka sakaling this 2nd sem, marka moý tumaas na rin.

Pero bakit laging locked ang pinto?

Sa publiko ay sarado.

Nabubuksan lang kapag may ipu-prusisyon na santo.

Repackan din ng relief goods kapag nanalanta ang malakas na bagyo.

Pagbubukas nito nawa’y dalasan rin.

Purpose ng chapel, isapuso, buhayin.

Sa facade ng Duran Hall inyo nang mapapansin.

Pagpapakalat ng announcements at papuri, upgraded na rin.

Tumingala ng kaonti, tatambad ang big

ISPAY

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

screen.

Sana madagdagan pa, ilagay naman sa gym.

Pagtungo sa cafeteria, ano itong mga pinagkainan at basura sa lamesa?

Nakasulat na CLAYGO at Self-service ‘di nyo ba mabasa?

Hay naku! Pasosyal ka pa namang kumain sa kantina.

Salaulang gawain sa bahay, ‘wag nang dalhin sa eskwela.

Pagdaan sa likod ng DH, ba’t mga plastic bottles sa lupa ay nangangahulog?

Oo nga pala, punong-puno na basurahang hugis bilog.

Dyanitor o student leaders, sino nga ba ang dapat managot?

Kayo ang itatapon namin kapag ISPAY ay nabagot!

Pagtungo sa gym, sa CR agad ang diretso.

Butas na pinto at sirang mga kandado.

Pero walang choice, ibang CR sa campus okupado.

Nakaraos na sana kahit paano, ngunit naglolokong flush dumagdag pa sa sakit ng ulo.

‘Di ba sabay-sabay ang CR na under renovation kuno?

Oh, ba’t ilang palikurang gumagana hindi pa maasikaso?

Management pakiayos naman ito.

Salamat sa magagadang pintura lalo na sa mga bagong building.

Ngunit, panggugulo ng mga batang pasaway aming napansin.

Angkop ba na magsulat ng “ACID” sa pinto at mga dingding?

Mga epal nga naman, sadyang kulang sa pansin!

Kapag kayo’y aming nahuli, Vandalism Act inyong haharapin!

Tara aral tayo sa ipinagmamakalaking bagong learning space.

Katabi lang ng library sa second floor makikita.

Malawak ang espasyo, marami ring mga sofa.

Aba! Napakalamig. Naks naman, airconditioned pa.

Kaya CSPCean, ang pag-aaral ay mas lalong pag-igihan.

Sana all may sapat na space for learning!

Kakulangan sa facilities isa pa rin sa mga daing.

Hindi lubos na matututo mga bata sa speacialized subject Kung room for workshops ay kulangkulang pa.

Mechanical engineering students sa mismong hallway nagkakalas ng makina.

Karamihan sa lamesa ang iba sa sahig na.

Kaya naman pala, room for workshop puno ng

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mga naglalakihang makinarya.

Isa pa, Automotive Practice na asignatura, sa kanila ay mahalaga.

Driving test raw pero wala namang sasakyan.

Kasanayan sa application ng mga mag-aral hanggang saan na lamang?

Panindigan sana quality education na pangako ng eskwelahan.

Hala,

takbo pataas sa computer lab!

Bilis! Baka maunahan ka computer pa naman ay ‘di sapat.

Buti na lang ibang estudyante may dalang laptop para sa AutoCAD. Paano ‘yong wala? Magsasalo na naman sa isang desktop.

Pati pagdadala ng sariling mouse ay required.

Mga donated mouse kasi noon, iniuwi, tinangay.

Silid na dapat ay malamig, ba’t tila naglalagablab?

‘Yong totoo? Impyerno ba ito o Computer lab?

Aming bulalas: “Aircon ay paandarin ng madalas.”

Mag-akyat-panaog mula first to third floor is okay.

Pero ang maglakad paakyat nang may pasan na upuan is definitely not okay.

Iyan ang palaging scenario sa GB, mga kaibigan.

Nakakapagod kaya na sa tuwing papasok na lang, maghahagilap pa ng mauupuan.

Isang malugod na pagbati sa mga bagong board passers ng CSPC. Pagkamit sa inyong lisensya ay sadyang hindi madali.

Puyat, pagod at pangungulila n’yo lahat ay nagbunga na.

Kayo’y kinikilala, inspirasyon ng madla.

Shout out nga pala sa mga instructors na kung magturo’y kausap lang ang board.

Kaya almost 30 minutes pa lang, estudyante ay sobra nang bored.

Paalala ma’am at sir: more than 50 po kami sa loob ng room.

Paano na lang ang mga nakaupo sa dulo?

Kapag may seatwork after discussion, kamot-kamot na lang sa ulo?

Marunong naman po kaming tumanggap ng tres.

Pero huwag naman sanang tingalain sa hangin, pag-compute ng grades.

Kahit gaano kahirap ang lessons ay pilit pa ring iniitindi.

Bilang guro, pagtuturo’y pagbutihin; Maging responsible.

Uy, may bagong canal palang ginawa sa

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gilid ng gym.

Almost 6 inches lang ang lalim.

Kapag umuulan malaking tulong rin.

Ngunit kapag tumigil ang ulan, pagdaloy ng tubig tumitigil rin.

Stagnant water pala; Hindi maayos ang slope.

Tubig na stocked maaaring pamugaran ng lamok.

Tsaka isa pa, buong kanal ay lagyan naman sana ng takip.

Nangangahulog dito mga basura at plastik.

Isipin din mga estudyante’t instructors na dumadaan pabalik-balik.

Republic Act No. 11032, taong 2018 nang sa senado ay maipasa.

No Noon Break Policy posters sa mga offices nakakabit na.

Pero ba’t Registrar at ibang offices kapag 12 noon at 1 pm ay sarado?

Ah, naglu-lunch pa raw mga empleyado.

Hindi naman sa kagustuhan na gutomin kayo.

Ang kalahati sa inyo ay maaaring kumain sa kalagitnaan ng alas onse at alas dose.

Sa kasagsagan naman ng alas dose at ala una ang iba.

Paano naman itong mga estudyanteng maghapon ang klase?

Mabuti na lang kung mga request ay mabilis n’yong ma-process.

Malaking thumbs up naman sa orginasyong aming namasdan.

Engineering Mathematics and Science Society o EMSS ang pangalan.

Salamat sa mga tutorial, quiz at seminar na binuo.

Nag-aabang pa kami sa mga susunod na activities n’yo.

Isa ka rin ba sa nabiktima ng “Ikaw na lang sumali sa pageant, disqualified candidate sa department natin.”

Kung kailan ilang araw na lang ang pageant tsaka nagtagalan ng candidate.

Nakakaloka! Di raw pasok sa height requirement.

Mga impormasyon sana’y maayos na i-dessiminate.

Para na-apply ka agad sa screening by department.

Ngunit sa success ng Intrams ang ISPAY ay saludo.

Makulay na tunggalian at masayang alaala na naman ang nabuo.

Isang pagpupugay sa lahat ng buongpusong lumaban hanggang dulo.

Congratulations sa CME; iniuwi ang kampeonato.

Samu’t saring isyu na naman ang ating napagpiyestahan.

Marami na naman ang nagkabukol, di nakailag, natamaan.

Humanda na sa ISPAY ang mga taong nasa kublian.

Kayo naman ang sunod naming babanatan.

Hanggang sa muli mga kaibigan.

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THE SPARK OF

Positivity STORY BY ROSE ANN S. LAGATIC

“Gibuwon sana ngamin a dapat. Diri magparadurudarwa kin kaya man sana.

Tiyaka, tinawan nayka sa opportunity bibiliwan mo pa.” – John Jay Abinal, Philippine delegate on Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Worldskills Kazan 2019.

In this world full of changes, uncertainty, and differences, it’s hard to take every opportunity, knowing that circumstances may or may not work for us. After all, every opportunity is worth it. We always have to take chances, for every experience is a victorious event, because of the lessons we learnt and the persons we encountered. The only challenge there is, on how we are going to build our confidence to face and grab every gift of good chances in life. Living is a battle, not between us and others, but between ourselves. We must be brave enough in every situations that can make us grow and succeed in life. Truly, if we can fight all those negativities we have in ourselves, nothing is impossible. This is proven to us by a man at the age of 21, as he first believed in himself, then, he made the whole Philippines believe him, as he proudly represented , not just the whole CSPC community, but also the more than 100 million Filipino in the 45th World Skills Competition, particularly in Electrical Installation and Maintenance at Kazan Russia on 22nd to 26th day of August, 2019. A person with the heart and soul of John Jay Abinal is a Filipino pride we should treasure.

The tremendous competition The 45th World Skills Competition, also known as WorldSkills Kazan 2019, is a tremendous event showcasing the 56 dexterous skills of gifted people from the 63 WorldSkills members including the Philippines. WorldSkills is an organization aiming to inspire young people to develop a passion for skills and pursuing excellence through competitions and promotions. It conducted competitions every couple of years. 1,354 bold and brave competitors participated in that event, with hopes and prayers, that they will be the best among the bests to get the trophy and make their fellow citizens happy and proud.

Six talented participants, including John Jay Abinal and Engr. Eddie Cabaltera as

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his expert, represented the Philippines in different events.

The young man Growing up in Bustrac, Nabua Camarines Sur, Jay as he requested to call him, live simply and happily. He always bear in his mind the purpose of helping his parents and lifting their family from the chain of poverty.

His admiring outlook in life can be perceived in his smile and laughter. During my interview with him, he always responded to me with appreciative smile and glee. “Nong bata ako, balance lang. May time para sa paglalaro, may time din para sa pagtulong sa family, lalo na at nagsasaka ang aking mga magulang,” Jay added. He successfully finished his primary education at San Vicente Sur Elementary School, and secondary at Bato National High School.

Wind beneath his wings His beloved family is one of the biggest factors that affect how Jay grew up and developed into a positive person. His hardworking father, Hilario Abinal, who was the bread winner of the family as a seaman, decided to stay in his hometown with his family as a farmer after years due to an illness. Fortunately, with the hopes and prayers from the whole family and friends, his father was able to recover immediately. His devoted mother, Jocelyn Abinal, is a housewife and farmer at the same time, providing them the love and care a mother could ever give. Jay is the second among the three children of the family. His older sister and younger brother are his buddies in every challenges he may encounter in life. With each family member, they surpassed all problems, no matter how hard it is. “Thankful ako sa family ko dahil sa support. Sila talaga ‘yung inspiration ko, simula pa sa una.”

The chosen path From Mechanical Engineering, to Electrical Engineering. Jay plans to take Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering for he really loves to assemble and manipulate different things. With all his eagerness and perseverance, he took the exam here at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, one of the known school in terms of Engineering courses. He continuously gathered for updates.

Unfortunately, during the enrolment, he lost his slot in mechanical engineering bringing him to the decision of changing his course.

He decided to took Electrical Engineering on which he love later on. “Masakit talaga ku mga una-una, pero habang nag-uban, nagustuhan ko naman iya.”

Fired up and ready to go As Jay grew up in his chosen field, he mastered every little skill that made him

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stand-out. It was year 2017 when Jay started to compete outside the school. He shared that, at first, it was nerve-racking. To see different participants from big schools who seems to be equipped with ample experience almost made him lose his hope for winning. As time passed by, from a simple competitor, Jay became much stronger, braver and a learned contestant, making him a force to be reckoned with in every competition he joined in the following years. May 18, 2018, Jay qualified as competitor for the WorldSkills Philippines Training Camp and was able to represent the Philippines to the 2018 ASEAN Skills Competition at Bangkok, Thailand on September 4, where he garnered Medallion for Excellence award. It is an honor and recognition only bestowed to the competitors who have gained total points above the international standards. Recently, February 20 of this year, he qualified once again in the international level as he topped the elimination conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA Bicol.

CSPCean to Worldskills Kazan “Bago ang WorldSkills Kazan, nagdadalawang-isip ako dahil sabay sa pag-aaral, tapos busy pa kami sa thesis, pero kinausap ako ni Sir Ed kaya diniretso ko na, tiyaka one time lang naman to mangyayari.”

We must always think first before grabbing different opportunities coming into our lives to give way for some priorities, but Jay didn’t want to miss the chance.

Using all his courage and with proper time management and prayers, everything that he was worried about was going smoothly today. Truly, if you want something, there’s always a way to get it. The time he invested in his practice on electrical installation bore sweet fruit of success.

Presence of experiences Indulging every moment in Kazan, Russia, Jay gained not only knowledge on electrical installation, but also moments, molding him into a better individual. “Dahil sa WorldSkills, marami ‘kong nakilala.

Marami na rin akong narating na

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bansa at mga tourist spots na dati ay pangarap ko lang.” More than the awards and recognition, having the opportunity of developing himself and having the people supporting him is already a gift from above.

“Iba sa feeling na nai-represent mo ang isang bansa. Tiyaka nakakagaan sa loob na alam mong buo ang suporta ng lahat sa ‘yo.” The people beyond his success served as his wings to achieve his aspirations.

Golden rule to victory For his future successors, remember these tips. “Sacrifice first before glory.” We must inculcate in ourselves that genuine success in life doesn’t happen by accident. It is a product of investing time and effort on the things where our heart belongs to.

“Basta dapat matiyaga sana ika. Kin ginusto mo, kakayanun mo!” Plus, he added, “Tiyaka di na muna magpara-love life, makaaabala sana yan sa pag-adal,” he added jokingly.

Outgrowth of a better man Currently, Jay is a 5th year student in this institution. He was once a dreamer - a dreamer who also doubted himself once. Now, he became more than what we expect a student could ever do or a person could ever be because he believed and trusted himself. His good mindset and sacrifices brought him beyond his wildest dreams. He didn’t fail to make his family and community proud by continuous training, prayers, and motivation from the people he looks up to.

Truly, Jay is a winner on the game of his life because of the experiences and the people who serves as his wings to soar up high.

To all young individuals out there who have the wit, talent, and skills, continue on dreaming. Keep on believing. Keep on improving yourselves. Just be positive while facing the hindrances of this world. Don’t just let opportunities come and go into your life. Consider it as a gift from above and take it with courage from your heart and soul. Every experience is valuable. In win or in lose, remember the lesson, and be a better person. Time will come when you will be great on the field you chose to venture. You will also have your own glorious triumph and joyful victory.

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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

NABUA:

Hometown of Dollars

Early into the evening, a boy snuck out of his house to meet with the other neighborhood kids. It was happening that night, they heard. And they wanted to see it for themselves. After all had been accounted for, the kids walked together towards the main road. The sound of swing music loudened the same way their excitement intensified.

Shortly, they make it to a function hall on the side of the road where three words are seen on the building’s face: loyalty, protection, service.

After gawking at the cars parked nearby (back then only the richest of the rich could afford cars), the kids try to catch a glimpse of the occasion.

Peeking through the windows, the boy watches the party going on inside. Gray-haired men dressed in long sleeve shirts are dancing with women in heels and sparkly ornaments in their hair. A few more men are chatting with drinks in their hands. They were speaking a mix of Filipino, Nabua dialect and a foreign language. Those men, that function hall, who knew they were going to make town history?

Although the municipality of Nabua is more known for the BoaBoahan festival and being the home of the modern Kuntaw, it has been given a name few know about: Hometown of Dollars.

After being colonized by the Spaniards for over 300 years, our country was sold to the Americans on 1898. Soon, the United States planted their military bases here in the Philippines with one of the more notable ones being located at Subic Bay. It was during this time that Filipinos were being recruited into the US navy. Although the US navy looked for recruits all over the Philippines, some of them happened t o round up a large number of enlisters from a municipality in Bicol, that is, Nabua.

According to town elders, the Americans came driving their trucks around and stopping by to convince young men to join the US navy. They asked farmers, students and the like. Promises of good money and a better life were offered, and many came to consider the proposal. Some of the young men would go home to ask their families, only to be disallowed. This is because it had only been a few years since Spain relieved the Philippines into the US’ care, and the trauma of colonization was still there. Many families feared that if their sons or brothers left for the US navy, they wouldn’t come back alive. Despite the fear, some convinced their families to let them enlist while others left without their parents’ consent. Shortly, the trucks left with a large number of young, hopeful Nabueños to train to be part of the US navy.

The recruits started to send money to their families back home in Nabua, not in pesos but in American dollars. Many families’ lives changed since then. The o n c e farmers’ sons now can provide for their family more than e n o u g h

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money to send their siblings to school. The businesses of other families flourished by using their sons’ sent money for their capital. This started the joke, “Dapat pala sumama ako sa truck na ‘yon noon, ‘edi sana mayaman na tayo ngayon.”

Many of the recruits chose to marry and stay with their families in the US. However, the others decided to return home, back to Nabua, when they retired. During that time, large houses were being built all over town, a sign that a retired US navy has come home and used his money to make a better home for his family.

Soon, more cars were seen around Nabua. Even Americans came to visit, as the retired navy recruits suggested their new friends see their hometown. This activity caught the attention of neighboring towns and cities, making Nabua famous for all the dollars being brought in by townsfolk who have come home. Even the sons of retired navies decided to follow the footsteps of their fathers and uncles. But unlike then when anyone who wanted could get in, to get into the US navy these days, there is a thorough and rigorous screening.

Today, we can still see proof of how Nabua earned the name of Town of Green Bucks. If travelling down the Nabua-Iriga road, you might see a function hall called the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) branch 127 on the side of the road. When he was younger, my dad used to go here to gaze at the parties the retired navy men and their wives had. This FRA branch is the only one in Bicol, and one of the seven in the whole country. The FRA seal is displayed outside, along with their guiding principles, loyalty, protection and service. Also, in the official seal of Nabua, there is a symbol related to the town’s moniker. Within the seal, you’ll see a sailor.

This is a nod to the US navy recruits who made history for the town.

Chance is random. Even the littlest opportunities can spark the greatest adventures. When these young men decided to gamble for the possibility of better life for themselves and their loved ones, little did they know that they would also change the status of their town. Who would have thought that such a sudden opportunity would change the lives of Nabueños, let alone make town history?

Because of the risk they took, the lives of their families transformed and their hometown earned a new name.

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KARL CABALQUINTO: Pag-alpas sa Hamon ng Kampeonato LATHALAIN NI HERMINIA A. VASQUEZ

Matapos ang apat na taong pagkabigo, nasungkit din sa wakas ng koponan mula sa CICT ang inaasam-asam na kampeonato nang padapain ang COE, na apat na taon na ring naghahari sa Table Tennis Men’s Division.

Isa sa mga nanguna sa koponan ay ang kanilang prodigy at kasalukuyang team captain na si Karl P. Cabalquinto, 19 taong gulang na kumukuha ng kursong Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Ang pinakabatang manlalaro ang huling sumabak sa mesa para sa Do or Die Game matapos gapiin ng COE ang kanilang doubles sa 2nd game.

Unang set pa lamang ay nagpamalas na si Cabalquinto ng kagila-gilalas na talento nang simulan na siyang paulanan ng matatalim na spin ng kalaban. Dahil bihasa na ang binata sa paglalaro ng table tennis, ang bawat spin na ibinabato sa kaniya ay tinatapatan niya ng malalakas na block. Malimit lang magpakawala ng matutulis na spin si Cabalquinto na tila pinagbibigyan ang kalaban na umatake nang umatake hanggang sa mapagod ito.

“Naglalaro kasi ako base sa laro ng kalaban ko.

Kung mahina s’ya sa blocking tsaka ako magi-spin. Kung mahina naman siya sa spin, block lang ako,” wika ng atleta.

Nasa ika-lamang baitang pa lamang si Cabalquinto sa Baao West Central School nang simulan niyang humampas ng bola gamit ang munting paddle na kaniya pang hinihiram sa isang kaibigang naglalaro rin ng Table Tennis. “Niyaya niya akong maglaro, tapos ‘yon, nagtuloy-tuloy na,” kung kaya’t hindi lubos akalain ng binata ang mga karangalang kaniyang naiuwi suot ang unipormeng nagrerepresenta hindi lamang ng kaniyang paaralan kundi maging ng buong rehiyon.

“Since elementary [grade 5] player na po ako. Naka-palarong pambansa na rin kahit unang taon pa lang ng paglalaro ko. Sa Pangasinan ‘yong venue. Then, sa magkakasunod na taon [simula grade 5] hanggang grade 11 nakapalarong pambansa [pa rin ako]. Bale pitong taon po akong player [sa national level],” pagdadagdag niya.

Sa makulay na pitong taon ni Cabalquinto sa larangan ng Table Tennis, namumukodtangi pa rin para sa kaniya ang taong 2017.

Kasingkislap ng kaniyang pangarap ang pilak na medalyang nakasabit sa kaniyang batok nang mapanalunan ang ikalawang-puwesto sa Palarong Pambansa na ginanap sa Antique. “’Yon ‘yong unang taon na nakakuha ako ng medal. Silver medal lang, pero sobrang saya ko na that time,” hindi pa rin nawawala sa kaniyang mga mata ang labis na tuwa habang binabalikan ang kaniyang winning moment, tatlong taon na ang nakalipas.

Ngunit, tulad ng ibang student-athlete, sa kabila ng matatamis na pagkapanalo ay nakaranas din si Cabalquinto ng mga

pagsubok na muntik na sanang magpahinto sa kaniyang karera. ”No’ng una ayaw na nila [magulang] akong palaruin kasi puro na lang daw ako laro, ‘di na ako nagaaral. Kapag Palarong Bikol kasi lagi ‘yang one month, minsan two months ang training.

Hindi na kami pumapasok kaya wala t a l a g a n g natututunan.

Exempted naman kami, kaso pagbalik namin sa school, lalo na kapag exam, wala talaga akong alam,” pagsasalaysay niya.

Ngunit, dahil sa determinasyon niya sa paglalaro at paggugol ng oras sa paghahabol ng mga aralin, naipakita niya sa kaniyang mga magulang ang labis na kagustuhang abutin ang pangarap sa pamamagitan ng isports. ”Nag-try out ako. Then, nakapasok naman as a varsity player ng CSPC. Sa ngayon, gusto kong manalo sa Regional SCUAA. If ever man, gusto kong makasama sa National Team at makakuha ng gold medal.”

Hindi lamang ang tamang paghawak ng paddle, pagpalo ng bola at mabilis na paggalaw ng mga paa ang natutunan ni Cabalquinto sa loob ng pitong-taong pagsasanay. Nabigyan niya rin ng labis na pagpapahalaga ang pakikipagkapwa-tao at pagpupursige sa kabila ng nakakapagod na ensayo. “Kahit mahirap pag sabayin ang paglalaro at pagaaral, ‘yong paglalaro ko marami ring naidulot sa’kin. Marami ‘kong kaibigan o mga tao na nakikilala kahit sa ibang lugar. ‘Yong moment na nakakasama mo sila sa training n’yo na napakahirap, tapos ‘yong saya no’ng nakuha n’yo ang gold medal. Kaya kahit medyo nahihirapan sa paglalaro tuloy pa rin kasi ito ‘yong bagay na nagpapasaya sa’kin.”

Pang-pito si Karl sa walong magkakapatid.

Magmula sa kaniyang mga magulang hanggang sa kaniyang mga ate at kuya, wala sa dugo nila

ang pagiging isang atleta. Bilang kuya ng kanilang bunso, siya ang tumayong unang coach nito nang kakitaan niya ang kapatid ng interes sa paglalaro ng Table Tennis. Dahil sa impluwensya at tiyaga niya sa pagtuturo, tila sumusunod na sa kaniyang mga yapak ang nakababatang kapatid nang ilaban din ito sa Palarong Pambansa.

Katulad ng laging sinasabi ni Cabalquinto sa kanilang bunsong lalaki at sa ibang bata na nagnanais makapaglaro hindi lamang sa kanilang paaralan kung hindi maging sa buong bansa: “Lahat ng bagay nadadala lang sa dasal at pagpupursige. Enjoy mo lang bawat laro mo. Matuto ng teamwork at disiplina sa sarili.”

Kung sa unang taon pa lamang sa CSPC ay nagpakita na ang manlalarong ito ng kakaibang husay sa isports na Table Tennis, ano pa kaya ang ibubuga ng itinuturing na prodigy ng CICT sa mga susunod pang taon?

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The Finish Line’s

PARAGON STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

The idea of winning has, at least for once, fascinated us. In all likelihood, upon getting ourselves positioned into the act of winning – in platforms which are designed to reveal our natural abilities – we can essentially be of idea as to what we can potentially be, aside from being a part of a culmination.

Truth to say, it is with winning that we, for most of the time, become situated into the course of being remembered – and perhaps, that is how we started to yearn for triumphs.

However, for someone like John Michael E. Tanay – a student-athlete and -coach of Team Athletics of the College of Engineering (COE) Raging Rhinos – winning is of a different perspective.

For him, victories are not aimed to be planted, for the mere purpose of harvesting fruits, solely for oneself – as winning in his expression, is not just about having to be declared as a winner or someone who is to be greatly regarded for being adept in a particular ability.

On the track field, fulfilment for him, is running alongside his comrade until the surface of the finish line, and success is the sight of his teammates – prospering.

For this year’s Intramurals, the COE Raging Rhinos, clinched the championship in the event of Athletics, and bagged 33 medals; 14

gold, 11 silver, and 8 bronze, as they garnered a total of 187 points – the very manifestation of triumph for Tanay, as on Monday, he will see their team’s athletes, receiving their awards.

Tanay, who have played a huge portion in their team’s victory as a student-coach, has already represented the College for several times. He, for three years of consecutively qualifying in the Regional SCUAA, has made him bag two silver medals in single-player run, and a silver and gold medal in four-player run.

In 2018, he embodied the institution’s fired up spirit as he joined in 3000m steeplechase in the National SCUAA. Playing his part in honing the skills of his fellow athletes, the student-coach acknowledges that he would not be at place to where he is right now, without the people who have ran onto the track with him, in the course of his journey.

“Kung may hindi makasabay sa amin, halimbawa kulang pa sa hubog at training, mas mino-motivate pa namin [sila]; mas sinasabayan namin para lumakas sila. Parang tulad ko nu’n – mahina, [pero] mas minotivate akong mag-training. Hindi sila (coach and teammates) nagkulang na magpaalala kung ano ang mga dapat gawin [bilang athlete],” stated Tanay, as he related to how he imparts motivation to the athletes whom he coaches

for.

Tanay, having his viewpoint of engaging into sports as a means of looking through the concept of triumphs in the form of uplifting others, sees it pivotal to magnify one’s capabilities, especially in the event of being overwhelmed to perceived limitations.

“Huwag silang mahihiyang ilabas ‘yung totoong sila. Kung ano’ng gusto nilang gawing sports, i-continue nila, kahit sa palagay nila [ay] wala silang kakayahan para du’n. Baka matagpuan nilang may skill din pala sila dito,” he said.

“Ako, nagsimula akong mahina, then namold na lang. Basta, ‘wag ka lang madaling mag-give up, kasi marami naman ang tutulong sa’yo para lumakas; kasi sa sports hindi ka naman niyan hinihila nila (teammates, coaches, co-athletes) pababa, kundi hinihila ka nila pataas,” he supplied, with the respect he desires to dedicate to the field that has accepted his fibers, regardless of what he thought he was, before.

“Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga players ko, ‘pain is temporary, but greatness is forever’,” he put forth, as he meant to transcend clarity to the intention of bringing purpose amid the flashing lights of victory.

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Photo Credit: Google Images

Gintong Panahon: Ang Pagbangon ng Pilipinas sa Pandaigdigang Isports LATHALAIN NI ANTHONY JAY A. COMBATE

“Susukatin ang tapang, susubukin ang bangis, ipamamalas ang gilas at ibubuhos na ang isandaaang porysentong liksi at lakas ng mga pusong palaban.”

Sumunod sa Olympics at Asian Games, ang Southeast Asian (SEA) Games na ang isa sa pinakamalaki at pinaka-prestihiyosong palaro na inaabangan at pinaghahandaan nating mga Pilipino. Sa nalalapit na 2019 SEA Games na gaganapin mismo sa ating bansa sa Nobyembre 29 hanggang Disyembre 8, muling magtatagpo ang mga pinakamahusay na atletang pinili at sinala mula sa labing-isang bansa, na maghaharap-harap para i-uwi ang karangalang inaasam para sa kani-kanilang mga naghihintay na kababayan at tagasuporta.

Kaugnay nito, ipaparada ng Pilipinas ang isang powerhouse squad na pangungunahan ng mga world class pinoy athletes, kasama ang iba pa na bumubuo sa mahigit-kumulang 1,115 Pilipinong atleta na makikipagbuno upang iwagayway ang bandila ng Pilipinas ngayong SEA Games.

Matatandaan, matapos ang sunod-sunod na pagkagupo sa larangan ng basketbol sa nakaraang 2019 FIBA World Cup, bumangon ng malaki ang Pilipinas nang patunayan ng ating mga bayaning atleta na hindi lamang limitado sa basketbol ang husay ng mga Pilipino pagdating sa isports at pampalakasan.

Una sa listahan ay ang multi-medalled gymnast na si Carlos Edriel Yulo, na hinangaan sa buong mundo matapos ang makasaysayang tanso sa Men’s Floor Exercise noong 2018 at gintong medalya naman ngayong taon, sa ginanap na 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics sa Alemanya. Si Yulo ang naging kauna-unahan sa

bansa at sa Timog-Silangang Asya na nagkamit ng medalya sa nasabing kampeonato. Bago pa man ito, naging matunog na ang pangalan ng 19 na taong gulang na pinoy gymnast matapos magpasiklab sa kaliwa’t kanang mga torneyo sa gymnastics sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo.

Si Yulo ngayon ay didiretso na tungo sa 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Bukod sa kanya, nagsilbing inspirasyon din para sa mga atletang pinoy ang 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist na si Hidilyn Diaz, ang kauna-unahang pinay na nagkamit ng medalya at tumapos sa mahigit dalawang dekadang pagka-uhaw ng bansa sa medalya sa Olympics. Hindi rin niya binigo ang bansa nang pataubin ang mga katunggaling weightlifter sa nakaraang 2018 Asian Games sa Jakarta, Indonesia. Ito’y nagtuloy-tuloy matapos humirit pa ang olympian ng dobleng tanso sa nakaraang 2019 World Weightlifting Championships sa Pattaya, Thailand noong Setyembre.

Hindi rin magpapahuli ang pole vaulter na si Ernest John Obiena, na unang nagpakitang gilas matapos masikwat ang ginto sa nakaraang Asian Athletics Championships na ginanap sa Doha, Qatar noong Abril 21, 2019. Matapos ito ay mas ini-angat pa niya ang bansa matapos masungkit ang mailap na ginto sa nakaraang 2019 World Summer Universiade noong Hulyo sa Italya. Siya rin ang kauna-unahang Pilipinong nakapasok sa prestihiyosong 2020 Summer Olympics, matapos magtala ng 5.81 metrong talon sa men’s pole vault, pasok sa 5.80 metro na Olympic Standards noong Setyembre 3, 2019, sa Italya rin.

Tatangkain namang ibalik ng Pilipinas ang

unang pwesto sa boxing sa pangunguna ng boxing power duo na sina Nesthy Peticio at Eumir Felix Marcial. Magsisilbing pambato ng women’s boxing team ng bansa si Peticio, makaraang ibulsa ang ginto sa 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship na ginanap sa Russia noong Oktubre. Habang isusulong naman ni Marcial ang men’s boxing team matapos pumitas ng pilak sa parehong kampeonato, at tansong medalya naman mula sa nakaraang 2018 Asiad.

Hindi rin matatawaran ang naging ambag ni Margielyn Diadal sa bansa, na sumikat matapos magwagi ng gintong medalya gamit ang pambihirang talento at makapigilhiningang mga tricks sa women’s street skateboarding, noong 2018 edisyon ng Asiad.

Maliban pa rito, na-abot rin niya ang Top 15 sa natapos na 2019 World Street Skateboarding Championships sa Brazil. Inangkin din niya ang dalawa pang pandaig-digang torneyong ginanap sa Estados Unidos.

Samantala, sisikapin namang higitan ng koponan ng Judo ang kanilang 2-0-3 goldsilver-bronze performace sa nakaraang 2017 SEA Games sa pangunguna ng 2018 Asian Games silver medallist at three-time SEA Games champion na si Kiyome Watanabe.

Malapit nang magsimula ang pinakahihintay na bakbakan. Kakampi natin ang mga bayaning atleta na nagdala ngayon sa Pilipinas tungo sa kung ituring ay gintong panahon para sa larangan ng isports at pampalakasan sa bansa. Sa muling pag-arangkada ng mainit na agawan para sa ginto, matatakasan na kaya ng Pilipinas ang ilang taon naring pagkabilanggo sa ika-anim na puwesto?

Laban Pilipinas! Galing Natin Ito!

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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME XXXIX | NO. 2

THE HOPE OF AGawadHOME Kalinga: A Dwelling Built to End Poverty

STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

Of the marginalized communities of the society, life is a hard reality. In some cases, it is a voluntary submission to the inevitable arrangement of fate in the materiality of existence. These communities, of families withdrawn with the opportunity to occupy a portion in the promises of tomorrow— yearn for hope, transformation, and the silver lining that will bridge them to a life, in which their dreams are breathing.

Amid the bustling and dynamic scenes of the urban Iriga, five among its 36 barangays, lie along vulnerable areas, of settlements which are laterally in position to the banks of Bicol River. These areas are usually flooded during heavy rains, and are of great likelihood to be put into adverse conditions in the event of typhoons.

Families, especially the poor, the homeless, and the underprivileged, still choose to reside in these areas, even if they are bound to be placed at risk. Most of them perceive the necessity of finding a place among these settlements, as the proximity to the urban district of which these areas suggest, is of the seamed hope that their lives will eventually be uplifted amid the meager means they are of hold.

Though ill-equipped for urban occupation, they generate their source of livelihood through domestic employment, unskilled labor, and other short-termed opportunities for income generation.

Of cognizance to this milieu, the City Government of Iriga and the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Camarines Sur, on December 8, 2004, launched a sustainable community development site that is of the intent to end the rule of poverty by means of rebuilding the dignity of the the poor: the GK Character Village.

Within the margins of Barangay Perpetual Help, Iriga City, seven kilometers north of the Central Business District, ten housing units were initially constructed through the City Government’s lead, in collaboration with multi-sectoral partners.

According to Engr. Joel Paz, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) coordinator, the GK Character Village is of the vision to build a peaceful and a productive community where families are morally upright, harmoniously living, and are empowered.

“Building communities to end poverty,” GK intends to bring shelter to those whom are landless, residing in makeshift dwellings, and are vulnerable to destructive disasters—as the movement believes that to build a nation of empowered people,

they have to be in a home, where care is freely given.

The Foundation GK was made known to the margins of Iriga when the then CPDO official, Bro. Benjie Gonzales, invited several members of the GK Provincial Team and conducted an orientation of the GK program to Mayor Madelaine AlfelorGazmen and to the concerned city officials. The city head, who was then on her first term of office, willingly accepted the realization of the program and agreed to foster linkages with the GK Foundation.

The GK site was provisioned to be allotted of a total land area of 3.969 hectares, and was primarily envisioned for the socialized housing project of the City Government. It was comprised of 198 lots with an area ranging from 82-112 square meters per lot. Upon agreement, the site was bestowed to the GK Foundation, for the development of its provisioned community program.

Having set the grounds and the people ready for work, as per advice of the GK Provincial Office, the first ‘Build Day’ was conducted on February 8, 2005. By September 2008, all program components of GK, including housing construction, productivity and livelihood, education, community organization, values formation, and health services were already settled in the village.

The Gravel and the Sand GK Character Village is presently catering to 102 families, awarded of their very own housing units. The community members and the organization whom is in charge of maintaining the soundness of the village is called Kapitbahayan, coined from the term kapitbahay—of the image of collectively united individuals, together for oneness and development. “‘Yung mga bahay talaga dito […] magkakatabi. Ibig sabihin, tulong-tulong sa mga gawain, at nagdadamayan,” remarked Jonathan Cestina, the President of Kapitbahayan.

He detailed, moreover, that the beneficiaries of GK, before having been awarded of their own residential units, submitted an application alongside pertinent documents which were evaluated by the CPDO, as their respective standards of living including the previous areas or households where they have initially resided to, underwent a series of evaluation as well.

These have been considered to substantiate the significant necessity of a family to a proper settlement. The recipients, in addition, went

through a 50-day period of rabus works, in support to the cumulative construction activities and related works of the site.

Myra De Guzman, a resident of the GK Character Village for 12 years already, has been awarded of a housing unit after submitting her application to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and being directed to the CPDO for their family and their former household to be assessed.

De Guzman and her family were among the many who got deeply devastated of the super typhoon Reming in 2006. She shared that the catastrophe caused the complete destruction of their home in San Nicolas, Iriga City. This led for her to discover GK and the hope it yearns to stretch for families under severe situations. “‘Yung bahay namin […] washed out lahat yun, [kaya] nag-apply na ako nu’n [para maging beneficiary ng GK],” said De Guzman. “Ang bahay namin [noon], pinalibutan na lang ng trapal, kaya napakalaki ng tulong sa amin nito, na binigyan kami ng bahay at lupa na libre,” she added.

Of the purpose to build communities where no one is being left behind, GK also paved the way for families to be united anew, after being separated from each other due to the necessity of searching for the means to provide and the ways to improve the standard of living. Sherley Ordiz, a resident of the village for 11 years, is a testament to this.

In an interview with TheSPARK, Ordiz recalled how she lived apart from her children who were then separately residing in Quezon Province while she was of a leased household in Francia, Iriga City, and was transporting fruits to sell to sustain the needs of her family.

Through a recommendation to become a GK beneficiary, Ordiz submitted an application and was accordingly assessed by the CPDO to be an official resident of the community.

Upon having been awarded of a residential unit, she was brought of the hope to be together with her children, at last. “Ku naglipat na kami sadi, tiripon na kami,” Ordiz imparted.

GK, moreover, is anchored to the goal of “empowering the powerless for self-governance, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency.” It aspires to develop the outlook and boost the morale of individuals, particularly those of dispiriting circumstances that come with the sole option to live along.

Alma Baroga, the Secretary of Kapitbahayan, shared with TheSPARK how GK has helped her overcome the struggles of not having enough means to provide, being the only one to support for her children.

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“Mahirap ‘pag single parent ka, kasi lahat program, GK residents are provided with mentors iisipin mo [lalo na] kung paano makakapag-aral whom instill a sense of community among them. ‘yung mga anak mo,” expressed Baroga. “Bago In the GK Character Village, values formation is kami nakalipat dito [sa GK Character Village], the main initiative, in which the Kapitbahayan is doon muna kami sa San Nicolas, sa Iriga rin. […] of accorded adherence. As per Cestina, it is the Nu’ng nandun kami, […] lahat iniisip ko. Wala very core of their occupancy in the village, and akong bahay, nangungupahan ako, […] at nagthe purpose that will bring them to be a defined aaral ‘yung mga anak ko,” she added. community.

“Nu’ng nandito na kami, […] hindi na “Lahat ng tumitira dito nagkakaroon ng masyadong mahirap kasi, may sarili [na] akong values formation […] para maituwid at maitama bahay. […] Nakapag-aral ‘yung mga anak ko. ‘yung mga pag-uugali nila,” the President of Nakatapos na ‘yung dalawa kong anak at isa Kapitbahayan stated. na lang ang pinapa-aral ko. Kung halimbawa Couples for Christ, of the then fostered nangungupahan ako, hindi ko mapapa-aral ang partnership it encompassed with the GK mga anak ko dahil syempre Foundation, iisipin ko ‘yung pang-upa initiated the ko ng bahay, at pambayad implementation of ng kuryente,” Baroga values formation in Seems like we don’t care supported.

GK villages, as part enough. Or even if we care of the commitment The Building Block to displace the enough, we still are not Significantly, GK employs marginalized doing anything about it. an integrated and a holistic from the hostile approach to empowerment, conditions and wherein its community d i s o r d e r e d members are capacitated surroundings of and enabled in uplifting vulnerable areas. their lives from the impoverished conditions that The GK Character Village, through the they were once enclosed to. religious organization, was spearheaded of With the lead of the City Government, efforts that catered to the welfare, particularly of programs and initiatives that cater to the the spiritual being of the community members, progress and growth of the villagers in terms of as the movement also brought families to be their livelihood are being delivered. together and made couples united in marriage.

“Sa mga livelihood nira, nagparapa-training “Malaking bagay ‘yung Couples for Christ, na kami, […] at tsaka ‘yung iba naman kinukuha naging bahagi sila ng Gawad Kalinga. […] ‘Yung naming magtrabaho dito sa City Hall. Kung mga hindi pa kasal, sila ang nag-sponsor […] ng may project kami, sila na ang pintor doon, mga mass wedding,” Cestina imparted. laborer […] at karpintero,” Engr. Paz stated. “‘Yung mga bagay na alam nilang may mga “Sa mga pagtulong na gaya nu’n, ‘yung iba naikonting pagkakamali, naitama nila ‘yun. Sila encourage din namin para matuto,” he added. ‘yung naging adviser namin,” he supplied.

Baroga, in addition, imparted that the Furthermore, under the initiatives of GK is the community at present is of a collective livelihood, Child and Youth Development (CYD) program bigasan, wherein its generated income is being that is of the purpose to develop the skills and allocated for the future projects of the village. the talents of the community’s children and The community also observes the maintenance youth, by inculcating values that bring out their of the GK Shell Farm Institute, a garden area full potential. The SIBOL which literally means where they practice vegetation. They used to sell “to grow,” was established as part of the CYD its produced crops for income generation, but as programs inclusive to GK. It is a pre-education most of the residents already found a day job of school, providing value-based instruction to their own, they have discontinued making profits children aged three to six years old. out of the harvests, and continually preserved Values formation allowed the community to the greenness of the area in their weekly exercise be harmonious in realizing their contribution as of rabus, instead. members of the community, and bit by bit, the Meanwhile, Engr. Paz highlighted that the oneness they have found in this effort brought village has already produced professionals them to the essence of finally discovering a and that the local government’s scholarship home: family. programs have made it possible to realize some “Ang tawagan [dito] ‘brother and of the community members’ dream, of playing a sister,’ kasi nagtutulungan, tinuturing ang part in building the nation. kapitbahay na isang [ k a ] p a m i l y a ,” “May nurses na kami doon, may engineer, tsaka teacher. ‘Yung […] financial support, gaya ng scholarship ng City Government, nakatutulong din siya sa Gawad Kalinga,” Engr. Paz put forth.

At present, the CPDO official affirmed that almost 80 percent of the community members are already of permanent jobs and are on their own means of generating income.

Baroga, on the other hand, imparted that the GK village, with its provisioned assistance to the indigent, fosters additional aids and serves as a doorway for its residents to be among major poverty reduction initiatives, such as the Patawid Pamilya Pilipino Program.

Engr. Paz brought forward that the City Government also delivers all-inclusive efforts such as feeding programs, health assistance, and community support services towards the villagers—of contribution and support of several volunteer groups, multi-sectoral units and other non-government organizations, all with the aim to bring hope and restore the dignity of the community members.

“

The Cement The GK site in Iriga, deemed as a “character village,” is coined from the picture of the urban area, being a “character city.” Cestina described it as a place of people whom are established with good moral and character.

Essentially, under the GK Community Building

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Cestina put forth.

He, furthermore, shared how the physical appearance of the village reflects its community members—of the manifested differences they are of collective take among one another.

“Kung makikita mo ang mga bahay, iba-iba ang kulay. […] Nailalarawan nila na ‘yung […] mga taong nakatira diyan. Iba-iba rin ‘yung pinanggalingan at iba-iba ‘yung kulturang kinamulatan, [kaya] iba-iba ‘yung mga ugali,” Cestina described, as he imparted how values formation served as the means for the villagers to realize that their dissimilarities are just but fragments to the harmony they are of a whole.

The Roof Dedicated in eradicating poverty, GK aims to be a vanguard in empowering the underprivileged, not just to improve the condition of their lives, but to also transform their foothold in the state of the nation.

Cestina, as a beneficiary aside from being the president of the village, shared how GK helped him understand the phase of being an individual, made to be of small means.

“Kinakailangang magpursige ang isang tao, […] na dapat mai-angat talaga ‘yung pamumuhay nila sa mabuting paraan, at ‘yung mga anak nila mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan. Dapat kung ano man ang ibinigay sa’yo, suklian mo; magsikap ka,” the community leader emphasized.

GK as he impressed, caused him to be of the view that homes are built to be shared, and are made to be opened for those whom are most in need of a shelter.

Of the marginalized communities of the society, life is a hard reality. But what comes in to its essence, is something that reality can never take away, apart from these lands: hope. These communities, of the hope they tightly get a hold of for an opportunity to occupy a portion in the promises of tomorrow, manifest that there is a way to be empowered and that there is a door that is just waiting to be opened for poverty to not prevail. GK, among its equivalent platforms, is a hope of its stretched scale, yearning to reach those whom are underprivileged—that they may b e fully aware that their trails matter and the journey they embark upon is important.

EDITORIAL TheSPARK

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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES | OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2019

“It will be bloody.”

Rodrigo Duterte uttered many promises, this one he fulfilled. He said to give him three months to eradicate the drug problem of the country, the people gave him three months, three years and he was right–it was bloody.

With Duterte’s war on drugs campaign, the roads were tainted red, families were left with broken hearts, and cries for justice were heard from different corners of the nation. The police admitted to killing 5, 500 people while human rights groups claims that the actual death toll might have exceeded 27,000. Whether it is 5,500 or 27,000, we know that it includes minors end even children as young as three years old who the government sees as “collateral damage.” The figure was so alarming that on July 2019, the UN Human Rights Council presented a resolution to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings. Duterte answered with a hard “no” by pulling the Philippines out of the organization.

As the reports increased, the pleas for justice erupted. Vice President Leni Robredo did not sit still nor shut up when she saw the faults and wrongs of Oplan Tokhang. Being a former probono human rights lawyer, Robredo has long been a critic of Duterte’s bloody drug war. The senseless killings of the accused drug users or pushers without undergoing due process are opposite of everything she has been fighting for all this time.

The constant comment Robredo threw against the drug war has not only gained the attention of the current administration’s president, but also urged him to challenge Robredo to take on the responsibility of leading the operation. Duterte appointed Robredo as the co-chair of the Interagency Committee on Illegal Drugs(ICAD) which the latter accepted one week after the offer.

This, however, raised the eyebrows of the Vice President’s advisers and allies telling her that it was a trap. Nonetheless, Robredo walked right through it saying that even if she could save just one innocent life, her principles and heart tells her she had to try.

The hope to change the brutal and inhumane way of trying to end the country’s drug problem was put on Robredo’s shoulder. With lives in line, the Vice President put her utmost efforts to do her job as an ICAD co-chairperson alongside Aaron Aquino who is also the Philippine Drug Enorcement Agency Director General. As Robredo began her move, seems like the devil did, too.

At the start of her work, VP Robredo met with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to figure out a way to tackle the drug-related problems with health-based approach. This action alone made the Malacañang Palace flip and Duterte losing his cool. He did not want international organizations meddling with the issue. He even threatened to fire Robredo if she discloses any of the “state secrets”,

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CSPC faces with CHED requirements for PSUB

MOMENTARY AUTHORITY

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Hindi sagot ang krimen sa isa pang krimen.

secrets the vice not know anything Robredo disclose deprived with information and as an ICAD costate secrets that so afraid to be out something they UN Human Rights alone its own At this point Duterte did not anywhere near his himself said that the vice president the opposition, her. Why would the power to lead her? Ending, you of the resources needs to get the clarification of the not give the vice that Duterte never to take on his offer. what it looked like the vice president As Robredo challenge of co-chairperson, his allies questioned her the designated Aquino, who was her understand work, said that fail if she leads campaign. The underestimation provided that even want the to her by the constantly find faults

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president clearly did of.

How would anything if she was even the necessary documents she needs chairperson?

The the government was in the open must be wouldn’t want the Council to know let people. it is obvious that want VP Robredo Oplan Tokhang. He he does not trust because she is with nor does he know you give someone if you do not trust would deny her that she evidently job done. Even the mandate you did president. It is clear expected Robredo And when she did, was that he wanted to fail. takes on the being the ICAD Duterte and continuously capabilities to do job. Even Aaron supposed to help how the operations Robredo would the anti-drug mistrust and is confusing Robredo did not post. It was given same people who in whatever she does as

the leader of the anti-drug campaign.

Not a month after placing Robredo on her new post, Duterte fired her. The “reasons” she was fired does not even hold water. First, they said that the vice president did not seek clarification on role as ICAD officer, which is absolutely absurd. The vice president wrote a letter to Duterte for clarification, but he never met Robredo regarding the matter.

Second, Robredo did not present any new strategy or plan. The vice president sent reports and recommendations to Malacañang and Duterte did not read them using “the documents are lined up” as an excuse. Third, they said that Robredo should have talked to those who were drug war victims and communities, which the vice president did. She even attended the graduation of around 950 drug addicts from a 30-day rehabilitation. Lastly, they claimed that s h e wants to invite international “prosecutor” to probe drug war. Someone did not do his research right. The prosecutor they were talking about is not a prosecutor, but former Human Rights Watch director of Asia, Phelim Kine. This lead to Duterte and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo accusing Robredo of using the “state secrets” of the drug war for politics and for the 2022 elections.

Robredo swore not to give any confidential information to any foreign identity and cleared that if she wanted to win in the 2022 elections, she wouldn’t even accept the responsibility as an ICAD co-chairperson. Of course, with the lack of trust, they would not take her words. Instead, they were paranoid everytime Robredo gets involved with any international organization.

The push-and-pull act happened for 19 days.

In less than three weeks, Duterte declared that Robredo failed as the leader of the anti-drug campaign. Big coming from someone who failed to do the task within three years when he set his own deadline saying he could do it in three months.

He even admitted that the drug-problem became worse through the years. Robredo could have done a better job, but this egotistic of a president seems to not be capable of accepting the fact that someone might be better in doing his supposed job than he is–without all the senseless killings and brutal methods.

Robredo stuck with her principles, presenting resolutions that do not require violence or taking anyone’s life, hearing what the people have to say, giving importance to every life that could be involved and saved, respecting the law of the land.

Important things that are evidently absent on the list of priorities of the one who is running this antidrug campaign. VP Robredo did not fail as an ICAD co-chairperson. The reasons for her being sacked are excuses to not admit they could not do better than her. Robredo was ready for them; they were not ready for her.

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