The Vital Signs Vol. III, Issue No. I

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The Flight of the Country’s Angels of the Sickroom

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EDITORIAL

MMBU 2021

Our Heroes in Blue Suits

FEATURE

in Virtual September Fest 2021

NEWS

BUCN bags awards

The Official Student Publication of Bicol University College of Nursing

The Vol. III, Issue No. I

Vital Signs

Aug-Dec 2021

BUCN clinches first in 2021 SDG Innovation Competition Bianca Therese D. Rico

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epresentatives from Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) faced the spotlight as they claimed the first prize in the recently concluded 2021 International Youth Sustainability Leadership Online - SDG Innovation Competition.

Dr. Jean Annette S. Ibo

Continued on p.3

Lotivio hailed as Top 5 ‘Most Outstanding Scholar of the Philippines’ Adrienne Joyce G. Hermogeno

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iming to recogMr. Jave Andrae M. Lotivio nize scholars’ significant contributions in their schools, society and the country as a whole, the University Scholars Association of the Philippines (USAP) awarded Jave Andrae M. Lotivio, a 4th year student of Bicol University College of Nursing, as the Top 5 out of the 20 applicants in the Search for Most Outstanding Scholars of the Philippines (MOSP) held via Zoom Conference last November 25-27, 2021.

Continued on p.3

Rañeses grabs 1st place in ICONS 10 research tilt Bianca Therese D. Rico

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nother milestone is attained

by Bicol University College of Nursing as Dr. Maria Della C. Rañeses, a professor and the adviser of The Vital Signs, the official student publication of BUCN, took the spotlight as she placed first in the recently concluded 10th International Conference of Nurses (ICONS 10) held on November 26 and 27, 2021, via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Dr. Maria Della C. Rañeses Continued on p.2

SCRUBBED IN. Dr. Richard Bartolata (right), Operating Room (OR) rotation Clinical Instructor, together with Level 3 student-nurses of Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) perform nursing procedures for the OR Simulation during the face-to-face Related Learning Experience at the BUCN Hospital Room on December 1.

CHED approves limited face-to-face classes in BUCN Paulene Joy Ced

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n relation to the gradual reopening of selected healthrelated degree programs of higher education institutions, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) the Certificate of Authority for limited faceto-face classes on August 20, 2021.

Upon document compliance on June 11 and passed two inspection visits on August 13 and 20, BUCN’s tentative date of opening of classes was scheduled

on October 19, 2021 for Skills Laboratory nursing competencies and clinical experiences.

“Limited face to face is essential in developing the necessary expected competencies of student nurses. The implementation of limited face to face classes should be carefully planned.

Safety of the faculty, students and the public need to be prioritized,” according to college dean, Dr. Jean Annette Ibo. Preparation for the

BUCN ushers in new dean Antoinette Jayne Crispino

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icol University (BU) has named Dr. Jean Annette S. Ibo as the new Dean of Bicol University – College of Nursing (BUCN) effective 01 August 2021.

Dr. Ibo replaces Dr. Bernadette A. Palacio, who will be retiring at the end of the 2020-21 academic year.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing as Cum Laude, Dr. Ibo is a BU alumna who returned to BU in 2004 as a full-time faculty member and clinical instructor.

In 2004, Dr. Ibo finished her Master of Arts in Nursing at Aquinas University and has also earned a Ph.D. Major in Educational Management from Bicol University last 2015.

Dr. Ibo comes from an extensive background in higher education. She also was the Level IV Coordinator for a year, Associate Dean for two years, and Master of Arts in Nursing Program Adviser for two years. Dr. Ibo has also served as Research Coordinator for four years, as well as the chairman of the Research College Review and Evaluation Committee. She is also a member of the Bicol University Research Ethics Committee.

compliance on CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-001 include document preparation, creation of Crisis Management Committee, stakeholders meeting, retrofitting of facilities in line with health protocols, completion of evaluation for retrofitted facilities, and submission for inspection by the evaluation team.

Students aging 20 years old and above shall be allowed for the limited face-to-face classes and for those with approved appointment to pick-up learning materials,

Dr. Ibo is passionate about the educational outcomes of students and as a result, she has targeted her career serving as a clinical instructor at BUCN for 17 years, as well as a clinical instructor at Ago Medical and Educational Center for another six years. In addition, she worked as a part-time clinical instructor at the BU Tabaco Campus for two semesters and FilCanadian & Development Center for Caregivers for a year.

Moreover, Dr. Ibo has worked as a Document and Records Controller for 4 years and as well as the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariat for 3 years.

As dean, Dr. Ibo will oversee the college’s research,

submit academic requirements, access learning facilities for a limited time, defend thesis, or take final examinations, wearing personal protective equipment with filled-out health form. Strictly, no walk-in students are allowed.

“The college should conduct proper coordination with the local government unit and affiliating hospitals.

All stakeholders should demonstrate discipline in the compliance of JMC No. 2001-001 and the health safety protocol and requirements,” the dean added.

Dr. Jean Annette S. Ibo

teaching, and public engagement missions and provide executive, administrative, and strategic leadership to further advance BUCN’s excellence as a multidisciplinary college of unique breadth and impact.

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news

The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

BUCN’s Aler, New BU-USC Chairperson and Student Regent Bianca Therese D. Rico

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BUCN student-nurses volunteer in country’s National Vaccination Days

I VOLUNTEER. Level 4 student-nurses of Bicol University College of Nursing volunteer on the country’s National Vaccination Days as vital signs checkers and documenters at the Rural Health Unit of Bacacay, Albay from November 29 to December 1.

John Walter Ragragio

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tudent-nurses from Bicol University College of Nursing volunteer in the first phase of the country’s National COVID-19 Vaccination Days from November 29 to December 1, 2021through their respective Local Government Units and the second phase through the Bicol University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and Armed Forces of the Philippines from December 20-22, 2021.

The “Bayanihan Bakunahan: Ligtas.

Lakas. Buong Pinas” campaign of the Department of Health is a massive 3-day vaccination drive which aims to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination nationwide by

inoculating 9 million Filipinos aged 12 and up to increase vaccine coverage and mobilize stakeholders from every sector to support the national government’s goal of giving Filipinos a safe and healthy Christmas.

Total of 8.01 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered on the first phase and 6.1 million doses were administered on the second phase of the mass vaccination drive.

Initially, the second phase of the nationwide massive vaccination drive was scheduled from December 15-17 but was rescheduled to December 20-22 in the

storm-affected areas, including the Bicol Region, alongside ten other regions namely: Region 4B, Regions 6 to 12, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to prioritize the safety of constituents, healthcare workers and volunteers, and vaccines above anything else, according to the National Vaccination Operations Center. Other parts of the country proceeded as initially scheduled.

The Philippines aims to surpass its target in inoculating 54 million Filipinos by the end of the year. To date, more than 45 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

he crowd has spoken - Bicol University College of Nursing’s Marc Louie Aler of LLR Reporma is the new Bicol UniversityUniversity Student Council (BU-USC) Chairperson and Student Regent for the School Year 2021-2022.

Garnering a total of 4,368 votes as a result of the USC SY 2021-2022 Elections last May 5, it is indeed a given that Aler has deemed himself worthy of the position.

Following his lead in the tally is Angelica Nuñez from BU Leaders, having a total of 3,907 votes, and Jave Andrae Lotivio from Buklod BU, with 3,612 votes.

The other elected officers, in succession to Aler's position, include the following: Internal Vice Chairperson - Francia Mae Borras; External Vice Chairperson - Cyrus Christian Lee; Secretary General December Ann Mendones; Deputy Secretary General - Jan Esther Mae Salen; Finance Officer - Gerard Martin Magayanes; Deputy Finance Officer - John Joshua Dejucos;

Auditor - Alecks Danielle Rodrigueza; Business Manager - Ryan Basanta; and Public Information Officer Thiara Marie San Pablo.

Joining Aler in serving the student body is mostly composed of the rest of the party-list he's representing, with only Lee hailing from Buklod BU.

BUCN faculty researchers receive Rañeses grabs 1st place in exemplar awards in RD&E ICONS 10 research tilt

Mc Luis Glen Aserdano

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o highlight the contribution of faculty researchers to Bicol University’s feat as a developing research institution, eight faculty members of the Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) were among the 101 recipients of the 2020 Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) Exemplar Awards.

Aired virtually on the Bicol University (BU) Facebook page last July 26, the annual event was led by the Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension through the Publication and Management Division and in collaboration with the Research Development, Extension, and Intellectual Property Management Divisions along different discipline-based centers.

The awarding ceremony recognizes RD&E outputs who have won awards in international, national, and regional conferences, completed and published papers in accredited journals, as well as identifies exemplary faculty who have acquired certificate of patents, utility models and copyright of their official RD&E undertakings and with outstanding performance in extension programs.

Under the researches published in the BU R&D Journal, a Commission on Higher Education - accredited journal of the university, six BUCN faculty namely: Dr. Richard L. Bartolata, Dr. Maria Della C. Rañeses, Dr. Nera A. Galan, Dr. Jean

Annette S. Ibo, Dr. Alma S. Banua and Prof. Esther S. Valladolid were among the 64 faculty researchers presented with the distinction.

Each of them received cash incentives of 15,000 pesos and certificates of recognition.

Their research accomplishments centered on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) institutional situation, capacity, and gender mainstreaming, water resource analysis, traditional healing and their patients, infant health beliefs and practices of mothers, workplace assessment of barangay health workers, teaching health lifestyle and the dissemination and attainment of BUCN’s Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives.

Meanwhile, the scientific investigations of Bartolata, Galan, Valladolid and Rañeses who have acquired copyright of their official RD&E papers, along with Ruben P. Gariando and Lucilyn C. Ebengua, were also awarded.

Bartolata, Galan, and Rañeses top the BUCN RD&E exemplary awardees with one (1) nationally published paper and two copyrighted research inquiries each.

“This awarding ceremony, though conducted annually, is a manifestation of the tireless and continuing efforts of each

Mr. Marc Louie Aler

faculty and staff to do their significant role in ensuring that Bicol University, as an emerging research university, is not a far-fetched or chaotic dream. It is in fact within our reach,” says SUC President IV, Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas in his inspirational talk.

Based on the standing of Higher Education Institution’s (HEIs) in terms of their research performance over the last five years (2016-2020), BU overwhelmingly ranked 32nd in Science, 28th in Engineering and 40th in Health publications, despite not being in the radar for the past years.

Dr. Luis O. Armano, Vice President of Research Development, and Extension also mentioned on the opening of the event, “I hope this award scheme will encourage the development of a culture of research and innovation among our faculty members for the greater good of Bicol University.”

Research Development and Extension is a research developing program with the aim to provide institutions with new-found information on different categories related to science, health, engineering, social development, natural resources and the environment, economics and institutional policies while working with the interests and needs of the communities.

Mc Luis Glen Aserdano

Dr. Maria Della C. Rañeses

Continued from p.1

With the theme “Responsive Connections & Collaborations for a Better Normal: Transforming Global Nursing Research,” the contest, sponsored by Cebu Normal University, showcased a variety of presentations prepared by student and professional participants hailing from the Philippines, as well as other countries such as Japan, India, and Indonesia.

Dr. Rañeses participated in the Podium Presentation, specifically in the Nursing & Society Category, where she presented her research entitled “Insights

and Prospects Toward the Undergraduate Nursing Researches from 1999 to 2019”, and bested nine other professionals locally and internationally.

According to her Facebook post, Dr. Rañeses felt honored to accept such an award, especially on her birthday, and thanked the organizers of the said conference as well as specific BU personnel for their support, and for giving her the opportunity to join the said competition.

The ICONS 10 research competition was a two-day event participated by different higher education institutions (HEIs), health institutions, and partner institutions, who prepared Podium, Infographics, and Infomercial Presentations, and competed simultaneously via Zoom’s breakout rooms which were assigned per category.

The Podium Paper Presentations, specifically, consisted of the Professional and the Student Categories, each of which were further divided into three major categories, namely (a) Nursing and Society; (b) Qualitative Studies; and (c) Emerging Trends in the Nursing Academe.

Finally, winners were awarded from each category, which concluded the 2-day conference.

BUCN holds virtual Capping, Pinning, and Candlelighting rites Adrienne Joyce G. Hermogeno

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arked as the first major event after more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions, Bicol University College of Nursing, with the efforts of the Level 3 officers held its virtual 45th Pinning, Capping and Candle lighting Ceremonies last December 8, 2021 via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Attended virtually by parents and faculty, a total of 157 student-nurses, 113 females and 44 males were presented as candidates for the rites. To officially start the event, a Holy Mass was presided by Rev. Fr. Romeo Cirujales Jr. together with the BUCN faculty and selected Level 3 officers and Block Presidents at the BU Chapel.

The singing of the National Anthem followed by the Presentation of the BU Admin, BUCN faculty and staff was hosted

by Jon Luigi Ty, a Level 3 student. Dr. Richard Bartolata presented the Nursing Symbols and introduced the entrance of this year’s Florence Nightingale, Dr. Odette Gonzales. Next, some selected Level 3 singers gave their rendition of “Long Live” as the theme song for the whole batch.

BUCN Dean, Dr. Jean Annette Ibo, then presented the candidates of the ceremony.

“What is the essence of this momentous ceremony? Being capped symbolizes accruing the knowledge and prowess needed to truly serve as a

nurse… ‘The nurse's cap means to you what the soldier's uniform means to him.

When this cap is pinned on your head, it means you have become a member of one of the noblest professions’”, quoted BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas in his Conferment and Inspirational Message.

Flashed through a slideshow, the caps and pins of the Level 3 students were imposed to the students of Blocks A, B, C and D. Level 3 President Sheila Marie Juliet Sibulo led the Florence Nightingale’s Pledge. The program ended with the BU Hymn and Presentation of the Program Committee.

JOURNALISTS IN WHITE. The Level 3 Editors and Staff of The Vital Signs receive their caps and pins during the Bicol University College of Nursing's 45th Capping, Pinning and Candlelighting Ceremonies on December 8, 2021.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

BUCN bags awards in Virtual September Fest 2021 Antoinette Jayne Crispino

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mid the COVID-19 pandemic, Bicol University (BU) celebrates its 52nd founding anniversary virtually on September 21-26, 2021.

The said celebration anchors on the theme “BU @52: Continuing the Tradition of Quality Education Amidst the Pandemic.” Established in 1969, this institution has been producing bright students by discovering and shaping their innate talent since then.

One of the highlights of the occasion is the BU September Fest 2021 with various activities spearheaded by the BU – University Student Council (BU – USC). The said activities are Dalisay (Literary Competitions), Marahuyo (Singing Competitions), Marilag

(Visual Competitions), Indak (Dance Competitions), Bayle (Dance Sports Competitions), E-Sports Olympics, Palarong BU: The Amazing Games, Dunong BUeño, Online Quiz Bowl, and Mr. & Ms. Bicol University (MMBU) 2021.

The event went on for over 6 days and was filled with competitive yet positive spirits as the entire college community took a break from usual academic works and put forth their best effort by partaking in the activity. Below are the BUCN winners and runners up in each category: Dalisay: Literary Competitions In the Dalisay (Literary Competitions), BUCN freshman and The Vital Signs feature writer Kahjji Dane

Mark Gimoro, won 1st place for the Extemporaneous speech. Blesil Lunas, also a freshman and feature editor of The Vital Signs, won 3rd place for essay writing (English) for her article titled “The Pandemic VS. Healthcare.” Whereas, BUCN senior and former Editor-in-Chief of The Vital Signs, Thrizha Aubrey Barja, won 2nd place for storytelling (English).

Marahuyo: Singing Competitions In the Marahuyo (Singing Competitions), BUCN junior Nino Joshua Latagan won 1st runner-up for the pop solo category with his rendition of “Kailangan Kita” by Garry Valenciano.

Dunong BUeño: Online Quiz Bowl BUCN is proud to have two student-nurses who made it and won

awards for the Online Quiz Bowl. They were Allan Mark Vista as the champion for the Scholarship category and Kim Edward Bayaban who won 5th place in the Leadership category.

Palarong BU: The Amazing Games Moreover, BUCN sophomore Santiago Mella, places 3rd in the “Palarong BU: the amazing games” under the Riddle category.

MMBU 2021 Out of 27 candidates and broken down into 14 finalists, Nelson Villaflor II and Angelica Marie Camu of BU College of Arts and Letters were crowned as MMBU 2021. Whereas, BUCN representative Ms. Nicole Clarence Magtagnob made it to the top 7 of MMBU 2021 and was awarded

the Ms. Asian Golden Derma Spa 2021.

The overall champion of BU Week 2021 was determined by obtaining 50% from the Annual Events and 50% from the USC Events. For the overall ranking, the results are as follows: College of Engineering (BUCENG) triumphed as champions, the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (BUIPESR) placed first, and the College of Education (BUCE) placed second, while the College of Science (BUCS) placed third. Whereas, College of Nursing (BUCN) placed 12th in the overall ranking with 6,350 points.

Although the 52nd founding anniversary for BUeños is different this year; the spirit of the event lives on.

BUCN clinches first in 2021 SDG Rañeses’ health systems research wins 1st runner-up Innovation Competition Mc Luis Glen Aserdano

Bianca Therese D. Rico

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anding on a triple tie, Bicol University College of Nursing professor and The Vital Signs’ publication adviser, Dr. Maria Della C. Rañeses secured a spot as 1st runner up on the recently conducted Bicol University In-House Review of Completed Researches.

The Office of the Vice President For Research Development and Extension (OVPRDE) released the summary of winners per thematic area; whereas Rañeses submitted research,

Continued from p.1

Under the guidance of their adviser Dr. Mary Joy B. Sande, former BUCN College Student Council President Jave Andrae M. Lotivio, along with Rio G. Hemady and Mary Claire R. Garcia, former editor and staff of The Vital Signs, respectively, grabbed the chance to showcase their knowledge and initiative in the form of their project proposal, which was entitled RHEAS: Providing Health Solutions to Filipino People.

The Reproductive Health Education Awareness and Services, or RHEAS, highlights the need to give access to sexual and reproductive health services by 2030, specifically to vulnerable people such as pregnant women, infants, and children.

In a post in his Facebook account, Lotivio expressed his gratitude to the ones who gave him and his co-proponents the opportunity

to create such a proposal and the support and additional knowledge they earned upon entrusting them to participate in the said competition.

Apart from BUCN, five students from Bicol University College of Education, namely Charles V. Calais, Jay-ar N. Lucila, Aureus Ken S, Pupa, Kriztel A. Ramirez, and Relyn M. Guan placed second with their project, ELEVATE (Equity in Literacy and Education: Vivifying, Appropriate Timebound Effect, under the supervision of Prof. Ryan G. Dela Torre, their adviser.

TO THE CROWN. Miss College of Nursing, Nicole Clarence Magtagnob secures a place in the top 7 in the Mr. and Ms. Bicol University (MMBU) 2021 after the preliminary competitions and public voting. She advances to the MMBU 2021 Coronation Night on September 24.

"Insights and Prospects Toward the Undergraduate Nursing Researches from 1990-2019", won out of nine submitted papers under the fourth area of health systems management and development.

Meanwhile, Maria Elma Mirandilla, OVPRDE’s Technical Staff on Publication and Knowledge Management Division and a BUCN affiliate faculty, clinched the best paper award for her research, "Responsiveness of Graduate Nursing Research Outputs to Global Development Goals.”

BUCN studes advance to Bikol Christmas Carol Songwriting finals Antoinette Jayne Crispino

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wo of the fifteen spots advancing to the Bikol Christmas Carol Songwriting Contest 2021 were clinched by students from BU College of Nursing as unveiled by the BU Office of Student Affairs and Services (BU-OSAS) on Tuesday, November 25, 2021.

In the 15 finalists are freshmen Arturo Jaucian together with The Vital Signs Feature Editor, Blesil Lunas, for their composition “Paskong Pandemya.

Mari na.”

“Pasko sa Gabos na BUeño,”

composed by sophomore Sean Charles Sia, was also selected as one of the pieces to make it to the finals.

The Bikol Christmas Carol Songwriting Contest is an initiative of BU-OSAS in partnership with BU College of Arts and Letters. The requirements for all entries include the following: each song must be an original work, must be written in Bikol language, any musical genre, an instrument for accompaniment is allowed, within 3-5 minutes, and must integrate the theme “BUeño, Ipamate ang Pasko sa Virtual na Mundo.”

The grand winner of the said competition brought home P15,000, while the second and third placers received P12,000 and P10,000 respectively. The remaining 12 finalists received a consolation prize of P5,000 each.

During a pandemic in which freedom is being challenged, music is a powerful uplift – a medium to express oneself. This also offers a great way to ignite the Christmas spirit in the hearts of every BUeño.

Lotivio hailed as Top 5 ‘Most Outstanding Scholar of the Philippines’ Adrienne Joyce Hermogeno Continued from p.1

With the theme “Promoting the Values of Diplomacy, Leadership and Resiliency towards Global Partnership and Sustainable Development”, the three-day event also highlighted the 4th International Scholars Convention & International Young Leaders Congress 2021.

Aside from the aspiring scholars, international guests participated together with speakers from Greece, Ecuador, Thailand, India and Peru.

“I really didn't expect to be Top 5 of the MOSP. There are a lot of students that are also

deserving for the spot or award.

But I always believe that what you reap is what you sow and my award is the reward of my hardships and affiliations for that past years,” Lotivio expressed.

As a royal blue degree member of the Bicol University Order of the Blue Feather Society, consistent honor student and leader, Lotivio emerged as a top contender through the screening process involving the submission of an achievement profile, leadership achievements and community involvement.

“Joining this search became a channel to share my experiences as well as my institutional and community

involvement for the past years, underscoring a personal branding as a student nurse whose main aspiration is to influence other people especially the BUeño students,” Lotivio said when asked about his motivation in the nationwide search.

Three more BUeños also qualified to the roster of Top 10 Outstanding Scholars namely, Sydney Joseph L. Torrenueva from College of Social Sciences and Philosophy – Top 4, Alan B. Aycardo from College of Agriculture and Forestry – Top 7 and Andrea Denise T. Quintal from College of Engineering – Top 8.

USAP-MOSP is an annual search which honors and promotes the outstanding achievements of scholars and young leaders who are dedicated in upholding their talents and leadership skills in making a difference for the greater interest of their constituents and members.

Mr. Jave Andrae M. Lotivio

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editorial

The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

THE FLIGHT OF THE COUNTRY’S ANGELS OF THE SICKROOM I during the health crisis and to curb the flow of medical staff departing for other countries.

The restriction was removed months later, but the government established a 5,000-person yearly quota for newly recruited healthcare professionals with mission-critical capabilities, far less than the annual average of approximately 16,000 health workers deployed before the pandemic. After the 5,000 threshold was surpassed in June, the ceiling was lifted to 6,500 this year. According to estimates from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, less than 900 of the 6,500 vacancies remained

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Up to ten percent of health care professionals working in private health institutions have reportedly resigned, seek work abroad.

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as of August. "We fear that if more health care workers will be allowed to leave and we cannot find a replacement immediately, we may run out of health care workers," De Grano added.

Nurses' low salary, as well as physical and mental exhaustion, are among the top stated reasons by many of the

nurses for leaving their jobs. The majority of the resignations have occurred in private hospitals, where the minimum wage for nurses is P537 per day, or P11,814 per month, according to calculations by the Filipino Nurses United (FNU). Those who have resigned either shift to public hospitals, where they would be able to benefit from the salary standardization law with an entry-level nurse can earn between P8,000 to P13,500 per month, or move to higher-paying sectors and industries such as Business Process Outsourcing or go abroad. Apparently In the United States, nurses earn an average monthly wage of $3,800 or approximately P200,000; in the United Kingdom, 1,662 British pounds, which is nearly P116,000; and in Canada, 4,097 Canadian Dollars or roughly P167,000.

Local health workers have been suffering from low morale due to the government's attitude that is appalling toward them, more than the higher salary.

They are being urged to risk their lives during this pandemic without appropriate protection or recompense. There has been a case of a nurse in our country who died of COVID-19 last year before receiving the government's hazard compensation. The unfortunate Cainta nurse was Maria Theresa Cruz whose hazard pay was just

a staggering P60 each day.

The Department of Health (DOH) said in September that it has issued up to P14.3 billion in benefits and compensations for two periods, one from Sept. 15 to Dec. 19, 2020, and another from Dec. 20, 2020 to June 30, 2021, covering hazard pay, special risk allowance, as well as food, lodging, and transportation allowances. After health care workers had to take to the streets to demand what was owed to them, just then the release was made. Even now, according to Jao Clumia of the St. Luke's Medical Center Employees Association, many nurses and health professionals allege they have yet to acquire their benefits.

The Philippines is far from the only nation where the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on its health care system. Burnout has become prevalent among frontline employees in several countries throughout the world. While the Department of Health continues to debate proper compensation for health care workers, shuffled paperworks over inexplicably delayed benefits, and addressing Senate charges of mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, other governments in other nations are looking at ways to improve the work environment in their respective health care systems. In the United States,

for example, where there is a 10% vacancy rate in the nursing workforce, hospitals are providing nurses with incentives like sign-on bonuses, as well

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sn't it odd that the world's allegedly largest provider of nurses may soon face a shortage, especially in the midst of a pandemic? It's no surprise, however, that many Filipino nurses are departing the nation, leaving their loved ones behind, to seek greener pastures in countries and careers where they can earn up to ten times more than they do here.

Up to ten percent of health care professionals working in private health institutions have reportedly resigned, seek work abroad. The resignations aren't new to the field—they've been happening since before the pandemic started—but the pandemic's massive stresses on the medical frontlines, as well as the neglect many have experienced as a result of delayed provision of benefits and failed promises by the current administration, have sparked an exodus of nurses. If this does not cease to continue, Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., warned that the country's health care system will be more strained, if not paralyzed, in the next months.

The government delayed the deployment of healthcare professionals in April of last year, a month after imposing a nationwide lockdown, to avoid a lack of medical front-line staff

Local health workers have been suffering from low morale due to the government's attitude that is appalling toward them, more than the higher salary

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as free mental health care and short-term therapy.

In a radio interview, FNU president Maristela Abenojar said she can't blame other nurses for leaving the country or shifting to a different career path. A nurse's income, which might range from P8,000 to P10,000 per month at private hospitals that do not observe the minimum wage law, is plainly insufficient to maintain a family, according to Abenojar.

However, she believes that prohibiting nurses from leaving is not the solution. The just remedy is to increase their pay and ensure that benefits are delivered on schedule.

Abenojar highlighted that if nurses' remuneration stays low, they would not be compelled to stay in the country, or even the profession.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

An Affray Not Stagnant, A Celebration Not Alone | Blesil Lunas

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n unparalleled historic event. A fight for grueling balance. A "normal" we unthinkingly get.

The past year has mired us with not one deep crisis but three: a pandemic, an economic fiasco, and a tumultuous political shift in our history. Plaited in all three is the struggle for alterations, discomforted truth, inaccessible quality, and human functionality and sustainability amidst the academe.

Dealing with all these as students have dominated our scrutiny, energy, and, in our current state of affairs, our emotion. But for the Bicol University (BU) community, today, spring is not far off-sight. For today defaces that we are, by and large, recovering as a society – which makes it a respite to internalize how this has been the crucible for BUeños, which gave us much to learn – and even much to acquire.

The whole matrix of the Bicol University would not be conceptualized without its constituents – the entire composition narrowed down to half a century for most, ranging from the College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Industrial Technology, College of Agriculture, and College of Fisheries. Its conglomeration was created on June 21, 1969 through the Republic Act 5521. Yet this day marks significant because 52 years ago by virtue of resolution no. 1 of its Board of Regents, Bicol University was institutionalized – September 22, 1969.

It was only a couple of years ago, when festivities from mornings of thrills and socialization, to nights of symposium and tediousness radiated the atmosphere of Bicol University. It has tapped a history for BU as it celebrates its golden anniversary celebration.

The signature BU Hataw was made famous, and who wouldn’t forget the carnival? The transition of such impact of assembly has awaken so much of our social spirits and extroverted headlines.

More importantly, we have been faced with a conflict that encompasses more than our physical, social, and emotional

margin. With the pandemic evident by year 2020, what once was a festive celebration became unfelt for the succeeding year.

According to Chyna Arnedo, a third-year nursing student, “I would not consider the 51st founding anniversary an instant downgrade, it focused more on our way of adaptation base on the situation since the pandemic is still fairly new that time.” Today, BU celebrates its founding anniversary for 52 years with themes encapsulating enchantment, and what makes it magical? Here’s why.

Initial Pandemic Mistakes – Rectified

The pandemic, for most, hit an inauspicious geopolitical and geoenvironmental movement. Just as how the WHO and many leaders were in denial with the prevaricated notion that what was just a regional outbreak in China could spread far, wide, and fast, the BU community was in stage of denial too. Although series of events were conducted, like the CN Medley for Bicol University College of Nursing, there isn’t much emotion to ponder on.

What could an online set-up possibly bring to the table that is all out extravagant?

Today, we celebrate as one.

We recover as one as we remodel

and reshape our way of celebrating the annual founding anniversary. Through social media platforms, we are able to execute an event that is engaging and exhilarating – felt. This is evident through the program flow and series of events.

The Inconvenient Truth – Analyzed It is never just an annual recognition for the founding anniversary of BU, but also a twelve-long month of conceding that what we ought as a short-lived crisis be inculcated as a long and slow grapple for a resilient virus – the inconvenient truth we have grown to accept.

“With the government including the frontline personnel in basic education and higher education institutions (HEIs) and agencies in the vaccine priority list, the academe is off to a good start,” according to Arnulfo Mateum Mascariñas, Ph. D, the SUC President.

Today, we are ironed out with truth for ultimate recovery.

Standard Education Tradition - Maintained We acknowledge not just the founding,

but also the quality intertwined within the span of BU’s entity thereafter which is the constant excellence that it has etched not just to the Bicol region, but the entire nation. In our concurrent milieu, Bicol University never falters to showcase sublime pedagogy, for it continues to transpire many of the nation’s topnotchers till today despite of a raging pandemic and a stagnant online learning setup.

Finding Meaning – Redefined The celebration goes on! This belief that BUeños still excel despite disparities is a strong message that the 52nd Bicol University Founding Anniversary is sending across the BU community. It may seem a mouthful, but given enough push with a sideline of reality checks, one can safely assume that it is really achievable.

Failure to eradicate the virus does not guarantee that mortality, disease, or social isolation would continue on the same magnitude as they have in the past. The type and duration of immunity humans gain from infection or vaccination, as well as how the virus evolves, is what the future heavily depends on.

As we spur to a new year of dedicating our acknowledgement to the institution of Bicol University, we add not only a year to it, but also a network of pliability.

Four momentous reasons make this year’s celebration magical: rectifying initial mistakes, analyzing inconvenient truths, maintaining the standard of education, and redefining meanings. It may have dispossessed us from corporal amusement, and in the precedence, a feeling of acceptance. Yet, right now we are able to elude this berserk meltdown for we are BUeños. We are Bicol University at 52 years of mass producing equally competent and unturned individuals – an affray not stagnant, a celebration not alone.

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“Man is a social animal.”

A

s quoted by the Vice President of the Research Development and Extension, Dr. Luis Amano to preface the juncture. In the current world of masks and quarantine, the ever-so pending battle of the human mind against its own enclosing walls has never been more violent. The heightened restrictions to human contact have made us more touch starved; more alone than ever.

To add to the fact that we are approaching two years of the COVID-19 pandemic makes it even more alarming how deteriorated the mental health of our peers and loved ones have been.

On October 18, 2021, the Mental Health Webinar presided over

by Ms. Maricel Ortonio, one of the instructors of Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) addressed the current issue of mental health – entitled Addressing Mental Health Inequality Amidst Global Crisis.

Especially during October, marking the time for Mental Health Awareness all month long. The webinar consisted of three bright-minded and empathetically spirited resource speakers that revolved the discussions around the theme: “Mental Health in An Unequal World”.

Preceding all else, BUCN’s OICDean, Dr. Jean Annette Ibo graced the virtual floor with an introductory speech to contextualize the overall idea of mental health in the society. Professor Rowena F. Zoilo, the Director of Bicol University Extension Management Division also gave a few words in solidarity of the World Mental Health Day last October 10th. The Vice President of Research Development and Extension Dr. Amano shared his piece on the state of mental health amidst COVID. How it allowed for weaker mental walls, and thus strengthened the hulls of the ship of pursuit in addressing the mental health crisis.

Mental Health in the Eyes of an Advocate

The first of the speakers was Dr. Odette Gonzales, also from BUCN, who is also the presiding coordinator of the virtual event, spoke about the overview of the world mental health celebration.

The BU nursing instructor, alias Ma’am “B-U-tiful”, commented on the overall state of mental health in the context of the entire Filipino community. Treatment

The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

gap, or the lack of investment in the programs and plans for mental health catapulted the further derivations of stigma and unmet needs of mental health problems and issues. This further underlines the worsening mental health condition under the immense weights of the COVID-19 pandemic upon all of our shoulders. Dr. Gonzales’ heartfelt words prompted the mood for the duration of the webinar – empathy.

Living in Reality.

"I do not call the situation we are in right now the 'new normal', but rather reality." "stated by Ms. Alona S. Fortier, a Registered Nurse

i n Alberta, Canada and an international nurse-educator.

As the second r e s o u r c e speaker, she discussed a plethora of topics, with the teacherstudent interaction as its centerpiece.

Nurse Alona emphasized on the social-emotional and cognitive engagement between the educators and the students; especially during the pandemic. Investigating upon these relationships leads us further down the path of understanding the impact of the pandemic in the lives of the people within our respective communities. “Panic is an emotion for the unprepared”, she states. Prefacing the discussions she then gives upon certain guidelines and models of teacher-student connections.

She introduces the audience to an unconventional word for the common

tongue - mattering. The belief people have on the idea of other people caring about them. Amidst the discussion, Nurse Alona has also parted wisdom on the aerodynamics of bodily fluid projections. 3000 viral droplets of coughing reaching 9 feet at 50 miles an hour is an alarmingly large enough amount of viral infection, wait until you find out about the 30 000 viral particles of sneezing reaching 17 feet at 200 miles an hour. Nurse Alona further addressed the deep rabbit hole of the pandemic’s mental health repercussions.

How the required and

instilled loneliness via selfisolation and lack of physical community morale leads to a state of depression. Instilling literacy in this discussion was further explained through trauma-informed practice (TIP) and trauma-informed care (TIC). Nurse Alona closed the venture off with a dialogue with the audience. Tackling situations like confronting someone with deathly intentions and downed spirits. Nurse Alona parted with the BUCN crowd with a surprise raffle, among which won a tie and a bag.

The three Cs in Mental Health

Yves Miel Zuniga, a mental health advocate, fellow Bicolano, and the Deputy Director and CoFounder of Mental Health PH was the third speaker who tackled the three important Cs of mental health that

encompasses self-care: Compassion, Communication, and Consistency. In the brief yet precise talk, Mr. Zuniga discussed Compassion and how it could affect the human mind.

He pointed out that Compassion is a significant factor in bringing care to this world, but most especially to you. Coming from this first C is self-care and courage which are relevant in caring for yourself and the people around you. The second C in mental health as according to Mr. Zuniga is Communication which plays a vital role in our mental health, or wellbeing, as well. Without clear and transparent communication, misinterpreted information will lead the mind to confusion. It will also cause prejudice. That is why Mr. Zuniga emphasized that it is both the source’s and receiver’s responsibility to not be confused. As for the medium, the speaker introduced the “Empathy Map” to lead the receiver in knowing more about the specific person they are talking to. Lastly, Consistency. This third and last C which in itself, speaks volume. In order for a human mind to heal, one must stay consistent in applying the first two Cs into their own life.

In wrapping the event up, the “you” in this unequal and cruel world is all we have.

Yet, the self-care that you owe yourself is actually more than just a selfish act. It is an act that will bring light and courage to those who are not that strong.

What the three speakers have discussed encompasses the concepts on mental health – that it should start within ourselves until our self-care overflows and affects others. October is the time of celebration for your eagerness to fight mental battles, but remember that we are an everyday champion as we conquer different battles daily.

As we approach the two-year mark of this pandemic, the fact of the matter is human nature stays the same along the continuum.

“Man is a social animal”, we depend upon our families, our friends, our teachers, and even on the common friendly stranger.

The vaccines are continuously trying to remedy this world of this relentless virus, all the while, lest not forget to introspectively reflect and concur. And handin-hand, let’s collectively nurse each other back to mental health.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-November 2021 August-December

HERE To HEAR | John Stephen Felicita

T

ransforming one life at a time through counseling is the main focus of the webinar that had happened on the 24th of November 2021. Sharing the burden of being there for someone, the speakers had told experiences and discussed topics that would push the participants to carry on their endeavors.

Cultivating Young Minds The JOINT TRAINING/WORKSHOP FOR PEER SUPPORTERS AND PARACOUNSELORS was a webinar that had transpired which had the goal of sharing the knowledge of counseling and encouraging the young students to be part of this endeavor.

Part of the people attending the event were the different colleges' Peer Counselors' Organization (PCO) officers, including the officers coming from the Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN). As the webinar took off in the morning, the hosts had gracefully followed the flow of the program until it was time for the first speaker to discuss the first topic.

Tackling about the basics of peer counseling, the students had surely understood the foundation of counselling and its major roles.

“One of the roles of being a paracounselor is being a friend" quote one of the PCO officers and “One of the roles of being a peer counselor is being a minister” quote the other. Two lines that were quoted by the participants from the first speaker which spoke volume of the topic. Being a counselor is not a job, but a privilege and opportunity to help. Achieving this goal requires solid foundations such as creating friendships and establishing rapport.

Equipping In the afternoon, the event had continued on with its program with the host excitingly introducing the second speaker as the topic about to be discussed is being flashed on the screen: Stress Management and Mindfulness. Providing the participants with more knowledge and skills on how to handle others, the second discussed topic gave the participants a broad overview of one of the greatest causes of mental health problems: Stress. From understanding what stress is to knowing the different ways of coping with it, the young counselors gained the knowledge that would be beneficial as they go out and practice what they have learned.

“As a current BUCN PCO President, I want to do something, I want to create something that will help my peers who need help. For now, I am in the process of coming up with ideas of what shall I do. But to take one step at a time, I want to first establish rapport with my peers. This is the first and the core lesson of the webinar, we cannot do anything to reach out to our peers if we are not able to establish rapport.” she answered. Taking small steps forward are her ways of making big impacts. Slowly but surely, changes in her and around her will happen and shall prosper. The only question is when.

Endeavoring As the webinar came to an end, the student-counselors were all challenged in being part of this endeavor. The endeavor of lending a shoulder to bear another individual's burden. The question of will they fulfil that endeavor and take it as their own responsibility is up to them to answer.

Dealing with struggles and striving to be better is an act that one should not be alone in doing. There are a number of ways of dealing with these problems and an abundant number of people to help you in practicing them. You are never alone.

One of the challenged individuals is the current BUCN PCO President. In a short interview, she was asked about how she would integrate her newly found knowledge into her life.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

Our Heroes in

Blue Suits | Edyzza Grace Gestiada

The Persisting Past-Present-Future of the Professors –

Dr. Bernardita and Dr. Celerino Palacio | Kahjji Dane Mark P. Gimoro

I

t takes great people to build great empires, and the Bicol University College of Nursing is a towering Babylon.

BUCN’s great people is comprised of its diligent faculty and staff along with its persistent and fiery aspirant student-nurses.

BUCN has built a blossoming community that enriches the heartbeat of Nightingale’s vision. And it is always promising when great

people precede fellow great people, such as the former Dean, Dr. Maria Bernardita A. Palacio and former Assistant Dean, Dr. Celerino S. Palacio.

The Past Before becoming the Dean of BUCN, Madam Palacio was with the Ministry of Human Settlements Regional Office. Meanwhile, Sir Palacio was an Assistant Dean for the BU Office of Student Services

and the 1st Director of the NSTP and the 1st Sports Director. They are both accreditors of the Accrediting Agency of Charted Colleges and Universities (AACCUP) and members of the CHED Regional Quality Assessment Team. Not to mention that they are alumni of Bicol University.

Ma’am Palacio was an Outstanding BU Graduate batch 1980 and graduated magna cum laude. While Sir

Palacio was the ROTC Commander, the only one from BUCN. Last July 29, 2021, a farewell party was thrown for the power duo for their retirement. For in the span of 35 years, the couple had made a very apparent imprint on the Bicol University’s rich history. Along with this celebration, new members of the faculty were introduced.

Such as the esteemed instructors, Dr. Odette

Rejuso-Gonzales, Ms. Maricel OmagtangOrtonio, Mr. Gaspar Santos, and Ms. Fatima Calingacion.

Retirement for the two poses a brand-new horizon. An opportunity to evolve beyond the people they have become so far.

Years of experience have forged them into glimmering examples of achievement. Madam Palacio made the groundbreaking decision

of

retirement when she reached the age of 60. And Sir Palacio decided when he entered the government service. This decision was prompted by the

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

I

t has been almost two years since the COVID-19 crisis threatened public health.

Because of this, people worldwide have had to adjust to new ways of work and life. For us students, the digital world has been our main platform of education.

Online return demonstrations, online quizzes, lectures, and assignments would have been easier if not for the presence of poor internet connection and power interruptions. The stress, the frustrations, and the burnout. It may sometimes be discouraging, or we may have second thoughts. Nevertheless, as they say, looking back may not be all that bad, especially when we remember the reasons why we chose this profession and why we were determined to save lives.

NURSES’ DIARIES: Building on Their Stengths (The Public Narrative of Nurses on their Battle Against COVID-19) is an online event held in the afternoon of September 25, 2021, proposed

by BUCN professors: Brigida M. Lobete, Charina J. Cipcon, and Roanne T. Morano. This event aims for students, especially student nurses, to listen and learn from the experiences of our modernday heroes who work on the frontlines in battling COVID-19.

It is also a chance for us to recognize and appreciate the efforts of our nurses. Despite their struggles in dealing with the surge of COVID-19 cases, unjust remuneration, and risking their health, their provision of quality care is not compromised; rather, they do well

Future

window of opportunity to spend more time with the family, to care for the self, and to pursue other passions.

The Present-

Of course, we cannot disregard the effects of the COVID-19.

Especially in the case of the two doctors.

They are members of the healthcare industry after all. The pandemic definitely had to have a certain regard to the Palacios’ retirement. The present predicament of the situation of COVID-19 presents the need to have extra-measures on the Palacios’ plans regarding their retirement.

Madam Palacio states that,

in adapting to different situations.

The event started with our Learning Service Providers (LSP), Nurse Moll B. Espinas, and Nurse Jean P. Espinas, both Bicol University College of Nursing graduates of batch 1990. They gave a walkthrough on the COVID response and impact on NICU and OR wards in their hospital facilities in Arizona, USA. Nurses faced many challenges amid this global pandemic-- a shortage of PPEs, anger and conflicts, and even confusion in practice because hospital guidelines change daily. Furthermore, when the number of cases was starting to ease a little, a new surge of cases came.

Sometimes these COVID cases are so severe that they need to double everything: double gloves, double masks,

regarding the onlook of their retirement with the pandemic at hand.

“To avoid unforeseen changes,” Sir Palacio states, “To take control of one’s time.”

The Persisting To be one with the and to be as close to the beating heart of its spearheading body as the Dean as well as the harder to part ways with

prompts for future

it. From the power duo

plans. It serves as a

themselves, they have

catalyst to venture to

given some words of

lengthier and more

reminder and wisdom

unfamiliar paths as

as their parting gift to the

people. The future for

BUCN.

the two looks like a mix of both the familiar and unfamiliar. Productivity among members of the faculty in BUCN unfamiliar feeling, since both Ma’am and Sir Palacio wish to “Engage in something productive,”

as well as “To travel.”

situations.

She also expressed how selfcare and self-motivation are crucial in building our strengths during these trying times. Having a support system is good, but when we help ourselves, it will be easier to face the challenges head-on.

With that, the event ended on a positive note, inspiring and empowering the future nurses, the future heroes, and the future angels of the sick room.

Lastly, let us remember what Nurse Moll said, “Masks Work, Social Distancing Works, Handwashing Works, and Vaccination Works.”

We must do our part in preventing the spread of this disease as our own way of helping our modern-day heroes in blue suits.

mistakes.” – Madam Maria Bernardita A. Palacio.

Institution of BUCN

Assistant Dean makes it Retirement also

is definitely not an “Life is short. Protect and preserve life.

Always be prepared for emergencies”,

and double gowns. That’s why they emphasized the proper donning and doffing of PPEs, as they are the simplest and most effective way of preventing the transmission of the virus.

It is no doubt that nurses and other healthcare providers are exhausted and burnt out.

However, according to Nurse Jean, love and support from family are vital factors in getting through the day and looking forward to tomorrow.

On the other hand, Nurse Geraldine A. Navarro, a nurse supervisor in the COVID ward of BRTTH, has shared her experiences, strategies, and techniques in handling the increasing cases of COVID-19.

She emphasized the importance of teamwork and coordination in creating solutions to our current

“Always have respect for one another, especially for your leaders and elders. Be better versions of yourself. Always aim for excellence, do not settle for anything less.

Pray for self and others.

Be thankful for what you have. Share if you can. Learn from your

“I am always thankful and grateful to Bicol University. I treasure all the memories as a member of the BU/BUCN family. I hope to keep in touch and continue to share/contribute to the mission of BU/BUCN.” – Sir Celerino S. Palacio These postulates are representations of the ever-persistent mark the two have engraved onto the halls of BUCN – and also Bicol University as a whole.

Dr. Maria Bernardita A. Palacio and Dr. Celerino S. Palacio are two of BUCN’s most beloved faculty

members, and their departure towards the next era of their lives have the whole institution of BUCN at their backs – with full support. The towering Babylon that they have taken immense dedication towards strengthening its foundations and extending its towering heights now has paramount support and appreciation to the two professors.

It took great people to sustain BUCN’s burning passion for producing world-class nurses – and we are eternally grateful that Ma’am and Sir Palacio for being great people.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

Fool in the Waiting | Citified Heron (Contributor)

I

am happy in my state of solitude -- but there really are days that the human in me kicks in and craves for affection, attention, and romance, wondering in illusion to how long would I still wait for having something like this. Seems like I've been a fool in the waiting, waiting for someone to sweep me off my feet.

Heaven knows how much I've prayed for someone to come into my life, someone who would make me feel loved and special – someone who comforts, someone who understands. A fool perhaps, but I'd still wait, for I do not know who they are nor who they will be, they don't even exist yet – I've never come close to having something like that, but I know, one day, I will.

Silent Fire | Angel Lou Nuñez

Bold, all these people say; To dream so brightly—the whole world says my name.

Doubt ensues with others' voices in my head, Spinning me poisons of thoughts in a thread But I want it when I'm happy, I want it when I'm in content, I want it when I'm in peace, I want it when I'm sad, When I'm tired— Angry— Anxious— Afraid— And uncertain.

That's when I knew It was on the list of few That I would never give up on— A path I would walk into even when I have to go alone.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

Forsaken | Chyna Arnedo

Slowly Losing | Arabelle Faye Gonzales Stuck within walls of gloom Trying to escape in this overcast room, Voices inside my head creeping over me Pain inside this heart, why do I foresee?

Choking on my throat, Relentlessly running in mind to loathe.

Tears kept streaking down my face, I felt I am nothing but a disgrace.

Can’t you see I am worn to a frazzle?

Within thy own thoughts, can’t escape, can’t unravel In this vast of seas, I drown; No one dares to save me in this colossal mound.

Nights have been tremendously long, Days are too bright even I can’t belong When will this anguish end?

Her lungs burn with every breath As you exhale the smoke right into her.

You sit in the cold to cool you down,

Every bit of the scar, I cannot mend.

Words lingering in my mouth, Prevailing and cannot be even spilled out;

Ignoring the heat and chaos raging inside her.

For I am jittery to be deemed

To see isn’t to believe

But still clenching to thy rim.

As you only see what you want to believe.

Extant in the plight of perish,

Spare us the lip service,

In this shadowy fissure, I want to vanish.

Generations before have already done what you consider novel.

Hold forth, get hold of me,

Spouting nonsense of an advancing society

Before I lose to thee.

As you rob the hopes of a future.

Bodies of guilt and shame are put in a box, A price in exchange for the green devil.

Only when the rotting smell stings your eyes Do you care to open the box Only to see the bones of fear and regret remain.

With year-long fevers burning her from the inside out, Her tears reach the towering mountains, Storms thunder ever louder in her chest, And her body quakes with every violation.

You tampered with her entire being.

Now, you wonder why she acts the way she does.

When inner turmoil turns outward, Ugliness is the only outcome.

“When the last tree has fallen And the rivers are poisoned You cannot eat money, oh, no.”

But your hunger is insatiable.

You, her perpetrator, are unforgivable.

Atone for your sins for the rest of your life For your children do not deserve the vengeful wrath Of the forsaken woman named Earth.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

HIRAM NA KALIGAYAHAN | Louiana (Contributor) Tahimik na naglalakad ang batang si Matilda habang nakatitig sa mga Christmas lights sa parke na kanyang dinadaanan. Bisperas ngayon ng Pasko at siya ay inutusan ng kanyang nanay na bumili ng ilang pirasong prutas para sa kanilang Noche Buena. Napangiti nang malapad si Matilda nang maabutan niya na ang

kanyang nanay, tatay, at mga kapatid ay naghihintay na sa kanya sa harap ng lamesa, lula ang iba’t ibang putahe. Dalidali siyang naupo at mataimtim silang nagdasal ng pagpupuri at pasasalamat sa Panginoon sa lahat ng biyaya na Kanyang binibigay. Sa unang subo ni Matilda ng unang putahe ay tila ba mayroong naiwang kasiya-siyang pakiramdam sa kanyang bibig; ang pinaghalo halong sangkap ay akmang-akma sa lahat, ang bawat sahog ay nakaalintabay kung saan may kulang at kung saan may sobra.

Ang lahat ng putahe ay tila ba isang palaisipan at ang mga sangkap nito ay nakaayos at nakasusunod sa akma nitong kapiraso. Hindi niya na mabilang ang kanyang subo sapagkat siya ay nagpakalunod na sa mga kakaibang lasa; sa tamis, sa asim, sa alat---ang bawat putahe ay mayroong nakatagong kwento ng iba’t ibang klase ng sarap at ang

dila ni Matilda ay isang masuyod na tagapakinig.

Kaalinsabay ng piyesta na ito ay ang tawanan ng kanyang mga kapatid at ang masayang kwentuhan ng kanyang nanay at tatay.

Isang malamig at malagkit na likido ang pumukaw sa maikling imahinasyon ni Matilda.

“Bata, umalis ka diyan!

Ang baho mo,” singhal ng isang matandang babae nangg itinapon nito ang lalagyan ng softdrinks sa tagpitagping damit ni Matilda.

“Kaya ‘di maganda magPasko rito sa parke dahil sa mga katulad mong pulubi. Alis!” Kaalinsabay ng pagpapaulan ng tiratira nitong pagkain sa kanya. Namuo ang luha ni Matilda sa kanyang mga mata habang ang labis na kalungkutan ay bumalot sa kanyang puso sa pangmamaliit

ng babae. Nais man umalis ni Matilda at punasan ang kanyang sarili ay hindi niya magawa sapagkat siya ay ilang araw nang hindi kumakain at kumakalam na ang kanyang sikmura.

Nilunok ni Matilda ang kahihiyan at pinulot sa semento ang pagkain at dali-daling umalis sa harap ng babae. Sa kanyang pagdating sa madilim na sulok ng parke ay siyang kaniyang paghagulhol habang kinakain ang tira-tirang pagkain ng babae.

Walang pamilya, tirahan, o pagkain---ang lahat ay imahinasyon lamang.

At sa isang madilim na sulok ng parke kung saan nakikita ang mga maliwanag na christmas lights ay isang bumbilya ng pag-asa ang napundi, isang ilaw na nawalan ng liwanag sa pangil ng kahirapan, siya ay walang kakampi.

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The Vital Signs Veracity in a heartbeat August-December 2021

MY DREAM, MY NIGHTMARE | Daniella Andes

V

iolets are blue, roses are cherished, but when I’m with you, I know that I’ll perish.

The sky was turning dark when I closed my book for the day.

I read the last line for the last time, the words lingering like some sort of unforgotten promise. I went down from the window seat and mindlessly walked towards bed and sprawled myself on it.

Sleep is what not awaits me, though. I knew that I just would try distracting myself awake, like every night, every tick, every moment till I fall asleep.

I woke up at dawn, not a shock, it has always

been like this ever since.

The rain was still heavy, and it is making my eyes droopy. I did not move a muscle as the lightning struck and filled my room with iridescent light for a second. It is happening again; it’s coming once again. It was a beautiful scenery that existed in my mind. The peaceful blue sky, the lively green grass, the clear lake, and the birds’ lasting lullaby— the scenery which makes me feel that I could fly.

That was before it came, the being that would tear me apart and the one who broke me into little pieces. It wasn’t a dream; it was a nightmare. It lured and trapped me here, and now I wrought

curses to myself because I obliged it. Why? Because it was beautiful and I felt wonderful, everything was so perfect that it has turned me into a fool. I felt rigid as I stared towards the sky, the azure blue turning to pitch black with reddish hue. The once beautiful scenery has turned into a barren land as I felt heat rushing out of me, leaving nothing but dead cold.

The lightning struck and I awoke, buds of sweat dripping off my forehead. I went in front of the mirror, my skin pale as the white dress that hugged my lithe body.

The lightning and rain continued its symphony, filling my room with

unsteady light. And there it was, the thing who broke me.

It was me.

The person with me smiled coldly as she looked at me in the mirror, her brown eyes frozen like chips of ice. She held my gaze for what feels like an eternity as I shied away from her, her gaze telling me that I was the one who damned her. I felt guilty and small from her gaze as she left, disappearing into the darkness of my room.

Tears were hot on my cheeks as I realized that it was myself, the one who tore me apart and broke me. I have deprived

myself of everything and have left myself wounded, with little chance of healing in sight. I have realized that it was I who has chosen to bend and break, the one who turned my dreams into a nightmare. I wiped the tears on my face, the cold of my fingers harsh on my flushed skin. Light started to spark inside me, the warmth of its glow waking the hope in me.

Slowly, I would forgive myself, slowly I would heal. I stared once again on my reflection with determination as I speak the words out loud, “I am wounded. It is time for me to mend and march to where I was headed.”