Voyage Magazine by Tipolo Student Publication

VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

ABOUT THE COVER The featured cover photo of the 2020 edition of Voyage Magazine is a depiction of HOPE as symbolized by the igniting rays of sun in the sky, and Filipino’s HARD WORK (as reflected by Carabaos, a Philippine representation of tenacity) in overcoming their adversities in life in this time of pandemic and the aftermath of the onslaught of natural calamities. (Painting and text by Timothy Lomeda)

the editors-in-chief

FROM THE TIP OF OUR PEN Should we move on?

"I keep telling everybody should move on. Some do. But not us." - Captain America

ounding the first quarter of the year, we have fought many battles, countless national issues, and a deadly pandemic. Should we move on from this? Captain American answered it, for every war we faced as humanity, there's a great source of courage and determination to avenge what we've lost and to start again. This is the main reason why we created this Voyage Magazine. The issue features the condition of our society emphasizing on the need of education. More so, this magz exhibits various story of compassion in facing adversity. This is it to remind each and every one of us to

abilis ang mga pagbabago sa daigdig natin sa kasalukuyan at patuloy parin nating nararanasan ang mga dagok na dulot ng pandemya na nagpayuko na sa iba nating mga kababayan. Ngayong dinadagsa tayo ng masasamang balita, mahirap umiwas sa pag-aalala para sa iyong sarili, maging sa mga mahal sa buhay. Kahit sa mga panahon ng ating kasaganahan, karaniwa’y mayroon pa ring pagaalala at pagkabalisa, at kapag ito ay nangibabaw, maaari itong manaig. Sa kabila nang lahat ng nito, ituring natin ang mga balakid bilang pagsubok na dapat nating samasamang malampasan. Simulan natin sa ating mga sarili at himukin ang Bayanihan ng sambayanan upang

be optimistic despite this challenging time of our lives due to Covid-19. As this strange year course its way, there are countless opportunities and fresh starts that every individuals should grasp. I’m confident that this is the right next step for the Tipolo Student Publication. Through the guidance of our adviser, Mr. Norberto Nataño and the editorial board who support the making of this Magazine, 2020 will be the year that our publication creates our own version of the Roaring ‘20s. Once again, our Publication believes that every individual is a Voyager of their lives. Hence, this issue pave its way to remind you that a new long journey will embark if we do reflect from the past. Mabuhay!

masugpo ang patuloy na paglaganap ng COVID-19 kasama na ang mga kaakibat nitong mga suliranin. Sabayan natin ang daloy ng sitwasyon at sikaping humanap ng paraan upang magawa ang daan patungo sa isang mapanatag na kinabukasan. Ang maagang pag-iisip tungkol sa hinaharap ay nagbibigay sa atin ng kakayahang makita ang diinaasahang mga hadlang at suliranin, at nagbibigay din ng pagkakataong maghanda ng kalutasan Dito sa Tipolo Publication Magazine na Voyage, gumawa kami ng mga sulating maaaring maghatid sa inyo ng kaunting ngiti at ginhawa ngayong panahon ng pag-aalinlangan. Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat ng aking kasamahan sa Editorial Board sa mabisang pagbuo ng magasing ito kahit na nasa gitna ng pandemya, lalung-lalo na aming

RASSEL S. PAULO Editor-in-Chief

tagapayo, Sir Batch M. Natano na nagpamalas ng walang sawang suporta at tiwala sa amin. Sa huli, lagi nating tatandaang natural lamang na dumaan sa paghihirap sa mga panahon ng pagsusubok, kaya’t kailangang makiramay at tandaang alagaan ang iyong sarili at mga kapwang nakapaligid sa iyo. Tayo ay dapat na maging handa upang harapin at mapagtagumpayan ang mga pagsubok hatid ng 'New Normal’ sa atin, lalo’t higit sa edukasyon. Katulad nga nang mariin kong pinaninindigan, “Pandemya ka lang, FILIPINO KAMI!” Muli, Maraming Salamat. Maging maayos sana kayo lagi! ILDEFONSO F. TUTOR, JR Editor-in-Chief

CONTENTS NEWS: Ulysses severely hit Rizal; URS students bravely faced the onslaught / Page 8 | URS recovery response, approves week-long acad break / Page 12 | New URS prexy, VPs installed / Page 13 | URS launched learning modules in response to new learning environment / Page 20 | URS Antipolo Campus faculty, staff raise funds for Covid frontliners / Page 28 DEVCOMM: URS DOST Scholars’ Society refuels ‘hope’ to jeepney drivers through its relief efforts / Page 30 EDITORIAL/OPINION: Palakpakan pa rin nga ba? / Page 32 | Hamon sa distance learning modalities / Page 33 Cover Story: Amidst adversities: RAYS OF HOPE IGNITE / Pages 44-48 LITERARY: Tula sa likod ng maskara / Pages 72-77 | Mga tula kay inang kalikasan / Pages 78-83 REVIEW: Through the Lens: Uncrumple the Crumbled Curbs of Society and Relationships / Page 84

revive the spirit of bayanihan in ourselves. If you have something that you can share to your neighbor, that will be the first step of bayanihan,” said Norman Calnea. The members of URS Community are far from each because of this pandemic, but the distance will never be a hindrance for them to reunite their desires to help and to give sparks of hope for those who are struggling during this time.

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PHOTOS By URS ALUMNI

THE GIFT OF GIVING: URSAC FAMILY JOINS COMMUNITY PANTRY

By LEMUEL JABAGAT and Ildefonso Tutor

s the Spirit of Bayanihan drastically spreads like the contagious COVID-19, the URS family which is composed of its students, professors, personnel, and alumni strengthen their mission to conduct community extension project through the timely and very relevant community pantry.

The Biblical narrative of Jesus miraculously feeding thousands of His people with five loaves and two fishes has been replicated more than a hundred times recently in community pantries that have mushroomed in all parts of the country. The initiative literally spread like wildfire, with so many following the example of the story of a young woman, Ana Patricia Non, who had set up a small stall on Maginhawa Street offering free food to anyone with one appeal, “Give what you can and take only what you need.” The small bamboo cart of fresh produce, rice and a few canned goods which rolled out the first community pantry became a national phenomenon of sharing among Filipinos that warm our heart and fortify our faith in the true spirit of bayanihan and kabayanihan. This huge and contagious act of

random kindness came at a time when people were feeling depressed because the pandemic did not seem to be disappearing and there were millions of Filipinos had lost their jobs and billions of pesos had been lost due to economic lockdowns. With the hundreds of ordinary citizens showing their courage and conviction in such selfless acts of patriotism, where we have to rely on each other to alleviate hunger during the worst of times have defined the Filipino soul imbedded in our history. Truly, the advent of community pantries is a ray of sunshine that gives us all hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. Unstoppable University Extension The culture of community pantry ignites once more as a group of URSAC alumni started their community pantry

on April 23 located within the vicinity of the university. The said act of kindness is spearheaded by two University personnel, Mr. Norman Calnea and Mrs. Mylene GondraMalayo who gather funds from many alumni of their beloved alma mater. Through Facebook, the campus almuni association were able to solicit funds from the graduates of the campus to orgazie their comunity pantry. Their own community pantry can be considered a part of the University Extension which satisfactorily meets the mission of the university. Even before the pandemic, URS is committed to its extension programs for the community like Flexible Learning Assistance Programs. “To my fellow Filipinos, we are one this time. We need to help each other to

LGBTQ member at your service Mark Christopher Rin, BSE-Mathematics 2nd year student of URSAC, volunteer himself to help in the community pantry at Sitio Parugan Brgy. San Jose that started last April 19 and continuously reaching out many families particularly in the said place. In the break of dawn, Mark together with his friends are preparing to set up their community pantry. With the help of their own money and from those generous donors, their team is able to conduct the philanthropic activity at least twice in a week. Since his younger age, he devoted himself in joining organizations that conducted programs for a good cause especially in empowering youth and LGBTQ community.

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Top photo: Mark Christopher Rin. Bottom photos left and right: Margarette Torret Rarela “It is very fulfilling to be part of this because somehow we can help those families to have 3 meals in a day and I take this opportunity to show that LGBTQ community plays significant role in our society,” said Rin. Aside from being a big-hearted youth, he is also known for his outstanding academic performance that makes him as one of the dean’s listers in the College of Education. Indeed, a student like him is a pride of his school and community. Pantry Sisters The spirit of giving doesn’t stop and another pride of University of Rizal System rise to become another beacon of hope in the Antipolo City. It is followed by another community pantry in Lores, Brgy. Dalig organizes by Margarette Torren Rarela, BSE-Filipino Alumni of URSAC who started it on April 21, 2021. With the help of her sisters, aunties, and other women in their place, Margarette earnestly shares the blessings they have to the people whose occupations are seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In every schedule of their community pantry, they ensure that they can lend the basic necessities like rice and some nutritious foods such as vegetables, eggs, and fruits. They believe that a healthy food is highly needed in this

time of pandemic not just one that suppresses hunger. “Masaya ako na naiiyak. Kasi makikita mo sa mga labi ng mga tao na masaya sila, nagpupursige sila pumila kahit na mainit at delikado ang panahon. And nakakaiyak kasi, sobrang dami palang naghihirap sa mundong ibabaw, ang daming nagugutom. I realize na kahit isang butil ng bigas ay ‘wag na ‘wag sasayangin,” she said emotionally while describing the great feelings she had from a great experience. Furthermore, Margarette personally believes that with pandemic or without we, Filipinos should help each other. Through that, we are simply showing them love and that pleases Almighty God.

By Kimberly Hermosura, Jamila Fay S. Remedio, Miles de Leon, and Ildefonso Tutor

n November 11, the Philippines’ 21st tropical cyclone in 2020, Typhoon Ulysses, lashed the main island of Luzon whipping destructive winds and dumping torrential rainfall over a wide area, triggering extensive flooding in several areas, which has led to further displacement and increased the hardship of vulnerable people. These all happened while Filipinos are still finding their way out from the crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CROSSING RIVER. Residents of Brgy. Laiban, Tanay, Rizal crosses the river which is filled with mud after the devastating typhoon Ulysses destroyed their newly built bridge. The residents in the nearby river reached the roof of their houses during the onslaught of the typhoon. They hurriedly evacuated in the high part of their community. (Photo courtesy of Ms. Laila Andal)

Heavy rains and powerful winds of Typhoon Ulysses also severely affected the province of Rizal, specifically the municipalities of Rodriguez and San Mateo, where hundreds of homes in low-lying suburbs of the towns were submerged in roof-level floods, trapping residents in their rooftops while awaiting rescue and unfortunately killed 15 people. The rains also caused high turbidity of the water in major reservoirs, leading to service interruptions as the concessionaire reduced the production in its water treatment plants. Nearly 60% of the households were also without electricity as high winds toppled power lines in the province.

Region IV-A CALABARZON, particularly the provinces of Quezon and Rizal has sustained a combined whopping P842 million worth of damages and losses. The typhoon likewise left billions of damages in the country’s agriculture and infrastructure. Data from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) showed that the damage and losses that the farm sector so far sustained from the typhoon already rose to P3.84 billion, affecting 104,733 farmers and fisherfolk. Meanwhile the Department of Public Works and Highways reported damage of P11.89 billion in infrastructure. The name Ulysses is synonymous to Odysseus, the King of Ithaca and a Greek leader in the Trojan War who after the war wanders 10 years before reaching home. Just like in the story, people who have been affected by this tragic calamity need a lot of time to recover and uplift their spirits again. But as we know, we Filipinos are proven to be resilient and faced adversities with a smile. Here are some inspiring stories of students from the University of Rizal System who bravely faced the onslaught caused by typhoon Ulysses, the deadliest typhoon that hit the country so far this year.

A Story of Hope

Ramon C. Tepace Jr., twenty one year old and a 2nd year Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies at University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus, is a brave Typhoon Ulysses

survivor together with his family. They were in their house at Blk. 17A-59 Bermai Floodway San Andres, Cainta Rizal when they encountered the life threatening typhoon. “Noong gabi ng bagyo, sabihin natin na nasa 10pm ay lumalakas na ang hangin at natatakot ako sa kadahilanang baka magsiliparan ang mga bubong at ako’y hindi nagkamali. Bandang 11:30 pm doon na kami pinasok ng tubig at naging sanhi ng pagkadulas at pagkahulog ko mula sa aming pangalawang palapag at di nagtagal nawala ang koneksyon ng kuryente,” Ramon narrated. According to Ramon, the water kept rising and their belongings were floating away from their house. The rapid of the rising water was breaking their floor and wall which were made of light materials. Ramon thought of moving to evacuation center, but he considered his mother’s health condition. He said, “Hindi kami nag-evacuate kahit gusto ko dahil iniisip ko ang kapakanan ng mama ko dahil mas mabilis siyang makapitan ng sakit sa evacuation center.” Ramon remarked, “My family is my greatest treasure”. While the flood was continuously rising, he remained his faith in Him and hoped that they would surpass the onslaught of the typhoon. That very moment, he was thinking of his family. He was worried about their condition. From where they were staying, they witnessed how the typhoon wreaked havoc in their house. “Wala po kaming makain ngunit gumawa ako ng paraan. Lumangoy ako sa baha papuntang palengke para makabili ng pagkain. Umiiyak ako ng sobra dahil sa sitwasyon ng aking pamilya. Sa taas ng

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bahay kami nagsiksikan kasama ang mga gamit na aming naisalba. Nagkasugat pa ako. Iniyak ko na lang at alam ko napakasakit pa rin sa akin ito dahil wala kaming pera. Pandemya nagsarado ang pinagtatrabahuhan ko. Wala rin akong naipon na malaki. Paano na pamilya ko?” Ramon cryingly shared. Ramon is still grateful because his family survived the strong hit of the typhoon. He acknowledged the Almighty God who listened to their prayers. “Alam ko ang bawat isa ay nakararanas ng

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pagsubok ngunit nagiging instrumento ito upang tayo ay mas lalong tumatag. Pinanghahawakan ko ang salitang hindi ka nag-iisa sa kadahilanang may Diyos tayong buhay na siyang nagbibigay sa atin ng lakas para sa lahat ng hamon na ating kinakaharap.” “Hindi ako nag-iisa. Bagyo at pandemya lamang ito. Binigyan ako ng Diyos ng utak at diskarte at pagiging positibo upang makabangon at makatanaw ng bagong pag-asa,” Ramon shared.

Photos above: Ramon Tepace Jr. shared the photos of the aftermath of the typhoon Ulysses when the water in their house submerged. Their house was submerged in the flood. They only stayed in their rooftop to be safe during the typhoon (Photos courtesy of Ramon) Left photo: Vina N. Cantillo showed the street in their village which is still submerged into flood. Their apartment was entirely flooded. (Photos courtesy of Vina)

On December 12, 2020, the College of Education Student Council of University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus, organized a donation drive called “Maagang Pamaskong Handog”. Ramon Tepace Jr. is one of the recipients of the said donation drive for students who were severely affected by typhoon Ulysses. “Ito ang patunay that I am not alone. Napakabuti ng Diyos dahil gumagamit siya ng mga tao na maging instrumento upang matulungan ang kanyang mga anak. Walang dahilan para malugmok tayo dahil hindi tayo nag-iisa sa laban” he said.

para bantayan ang bahay," she recalled. "[Parang] na-trauma po ako. Tagaprobinsya ako (Agno, Pangasinan). Hindi kami binabaha ro'n. Pagdating ko dito sa syudad, first time ko naranasan 'yong gano'n. Kaya may trauma ako,” she added. Shortly after the storm stopped and the flood subsided, Vina and other members of her family came back to their home. Everything was a mess. Flood washed away some of their valuable belongings such as Vina's projects, assignments, notes and other school requirements. She was frustrated and worried. Electricity was out. Darkness filled their village and most of Luzon. "Nakaka-trauma 'yong nangyari pero at the same time, naaawa ako sa mas naapektuhan o mas malala yung naexperience nila," she admitted. So, even with the initiative of the URS Antipolo Campus to extend help for those who was badly struck by typhoon Ulysses, Vina refused to take the aid. "Mas marami pang estudyanteng nangaingailangan kaysa sa akin," she explained. At this time of adversitiescoronavirus, quarantine, online classes and poverty, one of many striving students remained empathic and hopeful. She remarked, "Laban lang. Matatapos din ito. Gagraduate din tayo."

Life Goes on After the Storm

Time of Charity and Blessing

Vina N. Cantillo, sophomore in URS Antipolo, College of Education, taking up Bachelor in Elementary Education, slept in the night of November 11 despite of the fear Typhoon Ulysses inflicted to the people of Luzon — strong wind and heavy rain lashed. Early in the morning of the next day (November 12), panic hit her and her family. They live at Vermont Park Executive Village in Brgy. Mayamot, lower Antipolo. Rainwater and mud flooded their apartment. Immediately, they evacuated to her aunt's 2-storey house. Her aunt's house was also flooded but the water level was much lower than in their area. "Lumikas kami kasama ng iba kong auntie at mga pinsan na babae. Nagpaiwan mga pinsan kong lalaki

If there is something that everyone should focus on, these are the people whose heart can be likened to Jesus Christ for their generosity and unconditional love they gave. This can be manifested to some students of the University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus who made initiatives to help the victims of Typhoon Ulysses. Glydel Bondoc, Arnel Magante, Gerald Cariaga, Christina Alonsabe and Vimuelle, students from the University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus did not rejected the call of service. “We know the feeling of having nothing at all, that is why we wanted to help,” Glydel shared. When the typhoon Ulysses passed through its path, Arnel, did not think twice of joining his friends in the donation drive. Many were touched by their initiatives, and so, more donations came in. Gerald collected foods, clothes,

clean water among others. The donations they gathered were delivered to different affected areas in Antipolo City such as Pagrai and Francia, and some severely hit parts of Marikina City. Glydel still remembers the moment when they shared the relief goods. Although they are physically hindered to see the reaction of the faces of the recipients, they felt the warmth and gratefulness of the people when they

received their simple donation. For these students, the affection of the gestures shown by the people is priceless. But if there is one thing surprising, those are the people who made the donation drive possible. “Hindi ko sila kilala ng personal, pero marami ako naririning na masasama silang tao, but turns out to be kindest, sila ang nagbigay ng mga bagay at tulong na maaari namin ibigay para makatulong pa,” Glydel said. Left photos: Glydel collected relief goods which were distributed in various residents in Antipolo City and Marikina City. (Photos by Arnel Magante) Photo below: The broken twigs which were brought ashore by the strong rapids of water from the mountain range in Tanay, Rizal. (Photo by Nhoreen Ellis y CochicoAlcones)

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URS recovery response, approves week-long acad break By ildefonso f. tutor

fter a widespread call and several discussions of the University of Rizal System administrators and campus directors, the request of the Student Regent, Hon. Jan Derek L. Chua for academic break from November 16-22, 2020, was granted.

The said academic break suspended all synchronous and asynchronous classes and activities, including quizzes and examinations in the university. This allows students and professors to

Taal ash affected URS Antipolo Campus; classes suspended

By Daniel Luis Valentino

n January this year, unexpected natural calamity hit the City of Batangas when Taal Volcano suddenly erupted which widely affected most parts of the regions in Luzon. According to Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) Taal Volcano is now active again after being dormant for a long period of time. Immediate responses were made both by the local and national government units. Various groups and individuals extended their help to the victims by initiating relief efforts through donation and fundraising. However, the aftermath of the sudden volcanic eruption of Taal reached the other areas in Luzon.

As the ashes also spurred in the City of Antipolo, Mayor Andrea B. Ynares announced the suspension of classes in all levels both in public and private schools because of the health risk of the dust which may result in respiratory disease. In response, University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus released an official statement indicating the urgent suspension of all classes and posted preventive measures to avoid inhalation of ashes. After two days of suspension, University of Rizal System lifted the suspension, yet they required the students to wear face masks.Students helped in cleaning the campus.

breathe and have the chance to recharge from heavy workloads and stress brought by the aftermath of consecutive severe weather conditions. All deadlines and submission of online requirements that were scheduled on the above-mentioned dates were also extended to the following week. The approval of the academic break trends on social media with thankful messages for the university administrators and to the Student Reagent. “You don’t need to thank me. It’s my job to serve my sector. In the service of the students, I will always remain,” Chua expressed in a Facebook post. Rizal was severely hit by Ulysses, leaving many parts of the province with damages of properties and interruption to no supply of both water and electricity, indeed the academic break was greatly needed. “We are very much thankful for this academic break because it gives us time to take a rest even just for a week. Although there are still activities that we need to accomplish, at least it lessens our tasks. I understand that our professors also need to take this opportunity to rest. They deserve it too,” Jorlyn M. Egos, 2nd year BSBAHuman Resource Management, said. With the break, URS administrators hoped that the students and professors are fully-ready to have a fresh start next week in the resume of all synchronous and asynchronous classes and activities.

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New URS prexy, VPs installed By Miles De Leon

he University of Rizal System had its new leaders following the regulated policy on the election of new president and approval of the appointed vice presidents by the board of regents.

Top photo: Dr. Nancy T. Pascual. Bottom photos from left to right: Dr. Allan E. Conde, Dr. Renato de Lemon, and Dr. Marites M. Rio

Dr. Nancy T. Pascual, then VP for Administration and Finance, is pronounced as the new president of the University of Rizal System after being elected by the majority of the board of regents, February 17, Commission on Higher Education, Diliman, Quezon City. In her years in the University, Dr. Pascual has remained productive for giving value to education and for continuously envisioning quality service to the students, fellow faculty and staff in specific, and in the University of Rizal System in general. She is an accomplished management professional with 36 years and 8 months of career progression in the field of education. She served as Director of OSDS, Campus Director of URS morong and recently holds the position as Vice President for Admin and Finance. Dr. Pascual is a graduate of Doctor of Education major in Guidance Counselling, Master of Arts in Guidance Counselling, and Bachelor of Science in Education major in General Science minor in English. On the other hand, Dr. Pascual, signed the Implementation Order No. 1, s. 06 - 2020 or the “Approval of the Designations of URS Vice Presidents by the Board of Regents”, June 19. Dr. Allan E. Conde is designated as the new vice president for Academic Affairs. He succeeded Dr. Flordeliza Peñarada. Dr. Conde was a former dean and campus director of URS Morong before his appointment as the vice president. Dr. Renato de Lemon served the university as University Budget Officer before his new post as vice president for Administration and Finance. He succeeded the then VPAF and now the newly elected university president, Dr. Nancy T. Pascual. Dr. Marites M. Rio had spent years as faculty of URS Morong Campus before her designation as dean of College of Education. Currently, she is designated as the new vice president for Research Development, Extension, and Production. She succeeded Dr. Namerod F. Mateo.

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CHED Commissioner De Las Llagas arrives at URS A

By MeLISSA D. AQUINO

midst the Covid-19 pandemic, Commissioner Lilian A. De Las Llagas of Commissioner of Commission on Higher Education (CHED), arrived at URS for a three-day visit to check the status of quality education, services, accomplishments and strategic plans, formulated by the University with the new modality of learning, March 24-27, 2021.

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Commissioner Lilian A. De Las Llagas of Commissioner of Commission on Higher Education (CHED), arrived at URS for a three-day visit to check the status of quality education, services, accomplishments and strategic plans, formulated by the University with the new modality of learning, March 24-27, 2021. CHED Commissioner De Las Llagas proved her dedication and commitment after showing her untiring support in maintaining quality service and education among the universities and colleges in the Philippines. In accordance to the said

event, Comm. De Las Llagas started her first-day visit in URS Antipolo Campus on March 24, 2021, Wednesday, where she was heartily welcomed by the full force of faculty and staff. Meanwhile, reports of the URS college deans centralized on their accomplishments, campus’ challenges, problems, plans and steps in making this Academic Year successful, attaining and providing quality education and in nurturing tomorrow’s noblest without compromising the health of the students, stakeholders and the teaching force amidst pandemic. In line with the situation,

CHED Comm. and the Board of Regents with the deans of URS campuses, laid out their processes to solve the existing challenges in the new mode of learning such as the accessibility of students in attending online class, teaching perDr. Nancy T. Pascual accompanied Dr. Lilian de la Llagas during her visit in the campus. sonnel to technology, (Photo courtesy of Mr. Kenvin Aquino) enrollment and other concerns. tion for the excellent perforConsidering all of these, mance and competence that the three-day visit of CHED are continually shown by URS, Comm. De Las Llagas, left a re- most significantly in providing markable praises and inspiraquality and best education.

Research extension intensified, 480K budget approved

By JEREMY LOBRICO

o intensify existing COVID-19 responses, CHED funds 480k budget for research and extension services after careful deliberation with other project proponents headed by Dr. Nancy Pascual, president of URS, January 15, 2021. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 1, s. of 2020 oauthorizes state universities and colleges to conduct research and extension services, including projects that will improve and intensify the government’s existing COVID-19 responses. On March 30, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte had identified the efforts undertaken by CHED such as mobilizing higher education institutions (HEIs) to assist in the production and distribution of items for use by frontline service providers.

In this regard, the University of Rizal System (URS) had initiated the production of facemasks in the form of an extension project proposal which it had submitted to the CHED. A total of P480, 605 has been approved. January 15, a public presentation of this CHED-funded extension project was done online. Dr. Nancy Pascual, president of URS, together with its project proponents, Dr. Reneecilia Paz De Leon, Prof. Bernadette Castalone, and Prof. Jameson Martinez were there for the presentation.

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Red Cross Youth Council launched Substance Abuse Prevention Webinar

By MeLISSA D. AQUINO

ed Cross Youth Council in collaboration with Medical Health Unit spearheaded a webinar entitled "Substance Abuse Prevention" with a theme "A Healthy Me is Substance Free" held via Google Meet and Facebook live on Red Cross Page URSAC, February 12, 2021.

Since it is the goal of Red Cross team to make everyone maintain a healthy and productive well-being, the webinar of the said school organization emphasizes the ways to prevent the usage and addiction to any substance including drugs, liquor and cigarettes. In the opening remarks, Prof. Imee E. Flores, Campus

Coordinator of the Office of Student Development Services, reminds everyone especially youth about "Prevention is better than cure. “ Meanwhile, Dr. Angelito Fernando, Campus Doctor of University of Rizal System,

calls the vital role of every youth to take part of their duties and help those people who are having the dillema of substance addiction. At the latter part of webinar, the guest speaker encourages every youth to participate

on the free Red Cross training conducted in their department. Red Cross Youth organuze the event with Ms. Joyce Negapatan, campus nurse and adviser of Red Cross Youth - URSAC Chapter, led the conduct of the activity.

COBA marks virtual college day, highlights maximizing resources in the institution By RASSEL S. PAULO

Radicals conducted its first virtual culminating activity

his year marks another milestone achievement for the College of Business Administration (COBA) as it celebrated its annual college day virtually with a theme: Thinking inside the box: Maximizing what we have, February 19, 2021.

This year's celebration of the College of Business Administration emphasizes the importance of maximizing resources since it has been the goal of the college for its students to be adaptable and closed off to new ideas. The COBA day embraced the new normal as they commemorated the celebration virtually through there activities which includes virtual stenobee, slogan making contest, promotional video contest, quiz bee and

COBA day program. Prof. Ma. Merle Facultad, dean of the college, began the program with a meaningful message of the essence of commemorating the COBA day is for the students to showcase their talents and creativity. COBA Student Council, Association of Junior Associates (AJA) Officers, and ASAP Officers joined forces in organizing the program through the guidance of the COBA-SC adviser, Dr. Norberto M. Nataño.

By JONEL E. QUILAR

he Radicals Organization, the Official Organization of BSEMathematics major celebrated its first virtual culminating activity with a theme, "Mathematics in the New Normal: Resilient, Responsive and Rectilinear" last February 05, 2020 via Google meet and FB live.

The Radicals hosted a virtual celebration of their month offering various online activities such as Poster making, Slogan, Quiz Bee, Math kalook-alike 2021 v. 2.0, and a webinar which were participated by the students from different majors. The celebration ended with an awarding ceremony through google meet and FB Live led by Reyna Oxina, president of the organization.

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CCP recognizes Hiyas ng Rizal Dance Troupe as cultural dance group

By Kimberly hermosura

iyas ng Rizal Dance Troupe, the official dance troupe of the University of Rizal SystemAntipolo Campus, is now recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) that premieres and showcases the arts and culture in the country.

Professor Edward Andrecio, adviser of HRDT, expressed his excitement from the said acknowledgedment. “It’s an honor to be part of a well-known cluster of dance troupe that preserve, develop and promote arts and culture in the Philippines,” he said. CCP has an Online Performing Arts Directory list which includes the profile of the Philippine performing arts groups and provides a survey of the vibrant performing arts scene in the Philippines. More so, the online directory comprises of information gathered from various companies, universities, and groups around the country. Being part of the CCP performing arts directory is a process to deal with. “When the CCP send a link on the listing of cultural groups in the Philippines to come up with a directory, I immediately answered the form and submitted the requested documents including pictures

that are needed to be qualified,” said Prof. Andrecio. “The CCP recognized the HRDT because of the submitted proof were all reliable and valid which he had given to them and this arrived to be part of the said group to be in touch with The Cultural Center of the Philippines,” Prof. Andrecio stated.

CCP has been producing and presenting music, dance, theater, visual arts, literary, cinematic and design from the Philippines and all over the world for more than forty year, thus, HRDT takes pride to grab this opportunity to be recognized due to their commitment to performing arts.

HRDT UNITES THROUGH FACEBOOK PROFILE FRAME, SUPPORTS NAT’L ARTS MONTH By Maribelle Broncante

iyas ng Rizal Dance Troupe, the official dance troupe of the University of Rizal System- Antipolo, took part in the celebration of National Arts Month with the theme “Alab sining, Alay sigla, “ this February 2021.

To support the National Arts Month, the HRDT members used the frame created by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in their profile pictures to show their love and support for celebration. Irene Dominguez, dancer in HRDT, shared that the dance troupe is

connected through this celebration by showcasing different dances of the different region of the Philippines and to encourage to take part of the celebratio Hiyas ng Rizal Dance Troupe is under the supervision of Sir Edward Andrecio and Ma’am Mylene GondraMalayo, heads of HRDT.

PROYEKTONG INFRA DEVELOPMENT SA URS ANTIPOLO CAMPUS NG LGU-ANTIPOLO CITY, SUNOD-SUNOD!

agong bihis na URS Antipolo Campus ang bubungad sa mga mag-aaral ng paaralan oras na bumalik ang face-to-face classes dahil sa sunod-sunod na isinasagawang proyekto ng Lungsod ng Antipolo sa pangunguna ng punong-alkalde Andrea B. Ynares at ang dating alkalde Casimiro “Jun” A. Ynares II.

Kasabay ng pagpapatayo ng threestorey building katabi ng DOST Building sa kampus noong 2019 ay isinagawa naman ang repainting at repair kasama ang floor tiling sa Drilon at Duavit building sa College of Education. Bago matapos ang taon ay natapos na ang proyekto sa College of Education. Samantalang, buo na at “ready for operation” na ang bagong three-storey building na mayroong 21 classrooms na kakatapos lamang ngayong buwan ng Pebrero. Bukod sa mga proyektong ito ay ang pag-aayos ng mga comfort rooms, ceiling, at electrical wirings sa buong kampus. Samantala, kasalukuyang tinatapos ang rehabilitation at repair sa OSDS Bldg., College of Hospitality Bldg. at ang main water pipeline ng paaralan. Nagpasalamat naman si Dr. Danilo M. Pascual, campus director, sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang Facebook post sa mag-asawang Ynares, “Mula po sa pamunuan ng URS-Antipolo Campus kasama ang mga guro, kawani at magaaral taos pusong pasasalamat po ang aming ipinababatid sa inyo.” Hindi lamang ang mga ito ang mga naitulong ng LGU-Antipolo City. Nauna nang naipatayo ang ACES Bldg noong 2014, parking area, at flag pole, at nagsagawa na rin ng repair at repaintings sa campus nitong mga nagdaang taon. Sa ilang proyekto ay katulong din ang LGURizal Province sa pangunguna ni Gov. Rebecca "Nini" A. Ynares.

By RASSEL S. PAULO

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Students partake in mental health Red Cross youth organized HIV / AIDS webinar By OWELYN Q. ALDAYA awareness ed Cross Youth in collaboration with Campus in the new Medical Unit held HIV/AIDS webinar with a theme, normal learning “Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility”, November By OWELYN Q. ALDAYA

27, 2020.

Mr. Jeron L. Osiana, a certified DOH HIV/AIDS Educator and counselor and the founder of the Red Tent Philippines, served as the resource person. In his lecture, Mr. Osiana provided information among the students on how to prevent from being infected by the virus. Mr. Osiana also tackled some myths from being infected and its prevention. He reminded the students of the importance of testing for early detection and prevention since HIV/AIDS

niversity Supreme Student Government (USSG) conducted a webinar for the students of URSAC (University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus) with the theme: “The new normal survival guide in coping with stress: Addressing, Enabling and Learning”, November 6, 2020.

remains incurable yet categorized as a manageable disease. Further, Mr. Osiana clarified before the students the difference between the HIV and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS, common transmission of the virus and the ways to acquire AIDS and HIV. The said webinar was headed by our Campus Nurse and RCYC Adviser, Jhoyce Negapatan R.N. with Owelyn Aldaya and Jonaver Villanueva as the masters of ceremony.

URSAC students won in environmental week tilt

By Daniel Luis Valentino

hree of the students from the University of Rizal System Antipolo recognized in their respective categories for winning in the 7th Annual University Environment Week 2020 competition facilitated by Environmental Education and Biodiversity Research Center. The winners from the campus are as follows: 2nd Place - Rassel S. Paulo (Digital Poster); 2nd Place - John Mark Zeller

(Poster Making); and 4th Place - May Irish M. Paladan (Singing Competition). The campus has also participants in Hugot Kalikasan. This year’s theme, “URS… celebrating time for nature” is anchored on the 2020 World Environment Day Celebration on “Time with Nature”. This theme highlights the values and relationships of humanity to the environment. Winners were announced via online.

Ms. Carla See De Castro served as the resource person. She is a dedicated professional with five years experience in ministry as a Pastor. She is nine years married and a mother of a 7-year-old daughter named Liana. She is committed to a cost-effective operation, engaging in Jesus’ Mission, shepherding individuals to Christ. She is also a motivational and collaborative leader with strong communication and interpersonal skills along with a hard-working nature bent on accomplishing church goals and serving the community. In the webinar, Ms. De Castro shared that stress can destruct everyone especially on the students’ study habits. She helped the students to understand how to cope up with stress under the online learning set-up. She made the student realize that they must know how to address the problems they are facing in order to lessen their stress. More so, the speaker gave emphasis to look on the positive side of the situation and use the things that they learn from the problems or situation that they encounter in motivating themselves. The activity was made possible through the leadership of Mr. Jonel Garcia, headed by Jonel Garcia, USSG President.

First virtual debate competition organized; aimed to promote critical thinking skill

By Daniel Luis Valentino

he University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus Fierce Group Facilitators organized an online debate on November 27, 2020 via Google Meet.

The online debate aims to help the students to develop their self - esteem and establish critical thinking as well as to voice out their opinions regarding the timely and relevant concerns across and beyond the country. Students from the different colleges of the campus joined and participated in the highly anticipated activity. After a tough and crucial exchange of thoughts, Leandro Landicho and Ashley Jane Avila, BS Tourism Management -3B of the College of Hospitality Industry won the competition and hailed as this year’s online debaters champion. On the other hand, other winners include Aljon Montanez and Eloisa Hopia, BSBA-MM2C of the College of Business Administration; and Glenn Richard Eregia and Sandy Almocera, BSCPE-3A of the College of Engineering, won second and third placers, respectively. According to Mr. Jeshper Casimsiman president of the organization, “This event is a great arena to reiterate their views about the current issues and may be a way to impart suggestions or even possible solutions to the situations that is happening right now”. More over the online debate was also watched by other students and faculty members through facebook live stream wherein they can give comments and react on the stand of the competitors. Lastly, the URSAC Fierce organization looked forward to conduct other significant activities that will showcase students’ critical thinking skills.

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UNESCO Month culminate to promote Sustainable Development Goals By Jessica Yape

he Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social StudiesURSAC chapter celebrated their UNESCO Month with its theme “Youth Activation: Promoting Sustainable Development Goals amidst Covid-19” last October 30, 2020 through Google Meet and Facebook live. Prof. Edward Andrecio, adviser of UNESCO, delivered the welcome remarks specifying the resourcefulness of the students in organizing the activity despite the pandemic. Also present in virtual celebration is the dean of College of Education, Dr. Lourdes T. Tejada, who delivered inspirational messages to everyone. She challenged everyone to promote the sustainable development goals of UNESCO as the pandemic hit. The one day celebration also conducted a webinar with a theme “The Teaching of High School Social Studies: Legitimizing stories and experiences beyond the New Normal.” Four speakers were invited in the said undertaking. The first resource speaker was Mr. Rogerick Fernandez, instructor at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and a teacher III at Malinta Senior High School, Valenzuela, who discussed about “Teaching Historical Thinking in Basic Education.” Meanwhile, Ms. Cherry Ann Claveria, teacher at Assumption SchoolMakati City and a Social Studies Subject Team Leader, shared her expertise on

the topic, “Integrating Primary Sources Teaching History in Basic Education.” The speaker was Mr. Kenneth Baluyo, a Master II at Krus na Ligas High School in Quezon City, who delivered the topic, “Teaching economics and Contemporary Issues in Basic Education.” Lastly, Ms. Katrine Mendoza, a Social Studies Subject Team Leader and a teacher in Keys School of Manila, discussed the topic, “Teaching Geography in Basic Education.” Mr. Jeffrey Bulan, the UNESCO URSAC Chapter President, moderated the open forum. In the open forum, one of the College of Education student said “gagaling po ng mga speakers, feeling SocStud na din po ako”. Another students from CoE students quoted “Super substantial po ng discussions ng lahat ng speakers”. Along with the culminating activity is the awarding of all the winners to the various activities done through posting in the Facebook page of UNESCO URSAC Chapter. Among these activities include Digital poster making contest, Manual poster making contest, and Short video advertisement. The celebration ended with a closing remark from Prof. Eloisa Bayangos, the program head of College of Education.

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URS launched learning modules in response to new learning environment

By kimberly hemosura

he University of Rizal System launched its learning modules during the virtual celebration of the 19th founding anniversary of URS.

The development of the learning modules is the response of the university under the new learning environment which prohibits the face-to-face interaction in the classroom due to Covid-19. All faculty members in the university participated in the two-week WEBright Shop. The resource pool was composed of experts from Commission on Higher Education and University of the Philippines-Open University which includes Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Dr. Lisa S. Bersales, Dr. Arminda V. Santiago, Dr. Lourdes M. Portus, and Ched Commissioner, Dr. Lilian A. de las Llagas. About hundreds of learning modules

equivalent to subject offerings for the first semester were developed by the faculty members. The module writers were grouped according to their area of expertise. The area is composed of 14 groups headed by their respective committee chair. Dr. Reneecilla B. Paz de Leon headed the whole technical working group (TWG) from the conceptualization of the module writing workshop to the development of the module. The learning module was recently presented by the committee to Commission on Higher Education as one of the requirements for the approval of the opening classes this coming first semester.

2 Ursac students finalists in the university poetry competition

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Ursac extension project, 3 faculty awarded in praise 2020 By miles de leon

niversity of Rizal System marked its 15th Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), October 23, 2020.

This year, URS Antipolo Campus is the recipient of Best Extension Project while three of its faculty were the recipients of Loyalty Award for their years of service in the university. The Flexible Learning Assistance Project (FLAP) Phase 2, this year’s Best Extension Project, provides service to the community of Antipolo City. The project provides literacy enhancement in the selected schools in the city and conducts livelihood and environment projects. This project is the brainchild the late Dr. Florence Amarille which was continued through the efforts of Prof. Irene O. Feliciano, the current campus extension head

and Dr. Juan O. Abarro, the then campus extension head. With them on this project are Dr. Danilo M. Pascual, Dr. Wilfredo Marino, Dr. Lourdes T. Tejada, Dr. Armando D. Vale, Dr. Eva B. Maranan, Prof. Eloisa M. Bayangos, Prof. Merle A. Facultad, Prof. Jonnah O. Bautista, Prof. Russel May San Diego, Prof. Estrellita Siclat, Prof. Helen B. Libao, Prof. Melvin O.

Marcelo, and Engr. Juan Pablo D. Jurada. On the other hand, the recipients of Loyalty Award include Prof. Bayangos for her 15 years in the service, and Prof. Racquel Angeles and Dr. Maranan for their 20 years in the service. PRAISE is an annual activity recognizing the contributions of the faculty and staff in the university.

By jessica yape

Tsp scribe recognized in dost-calabarzon Media Award

ut of multiple entries from the ten campuses of the University of Rizal System, two of the entries from URS Antipolo made it to the Top 5 finalists (English and Filipino Categories) in the URS Poetry Writing and Virtual Recitation Competition.

ldefonso Felicilda Tutor, editor-in-chief of TSP (Filipino) won 3rd Place in Tambuli Media Awards (Individual Category). The awarding was held via Zoom, November 25, 2020.

Jaymuel Alonzo’s “Henesis” of BSE-Filipino III qualified in the Filipino category and clinched third place in the competition. On the other hand, Miles de Leon, BSE English II student, was one of the finalists in the English category for his poem entitled “Nature’s Lamentation”. In this competition, the contestants composed a poem in English and Filipino based on the theme: “Celebrating Nature’s Biodiversity Amidst Global Pandemic.” Their videos were posted in the official Facebook Page of the Office of

By miles de leon

the Public Affairs of the University. They were adjudged based on their creativity and content for 70% and the remaining 30% from the votes of the FB viewers through Heart reactions. Before the competition, the representatives from each campus attended a seminar on biodiversity and poetry writing. The other entrants from the campus are Mark Anthony (BSE English II) Trigo and Vhem Barraca (BSE English II) for the English Category, and Dyan Derla (BSOA I) and Carlo Buban (BSE Fil II) for the Filipino Category.

Tambuli Media Awards is an award given by DOST -CALABARZON to deserving local media practitioners in CALABARZON Region to recognize their invaluable contribution in the development of Science and Technology news leading to increased general public awareness of DOST's programs and projects, and regional advances in science and technology at either the local or regional level. Mr. Ildefonso is recognized for his two articles entitled "URS Antipolo: The newest center of S&T in Rizal" and "URS DOST Scholars’ Society refuels ‘hope’ to jeepney drivers through its relief efforts" which were published in the 2019 edition of the Voyage Magazine of the Tipolo Student Publication. With this victory, Mr. Ildefonso received a cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

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TSP EMERGE VICTORS IN ICPA 2020 By Rassel S. Paulo

ipolo Student Publication, the official student publication of the University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus, bagged various awards at Icon Magazine’s First Icon Campus Press Awards (ICPA) on October 2, 2020, with the theme, “Campus Press beyond the Borderlines.”

Armed with grace and determination, HRDFrom its numerous nominations, TSP editors and writers secured seven awards from different categories such as Breakthrough Campus Paper of the Year; Best Community News Story; Best Science and Technology Story (Ildefonso F. Tutor Jr.); Best Personality Profile (Clarissa Apitan Clarisa); Best Agricultural / Environmental Feature (Rassel S. Paulo); Best Digital Poster Cover; and Best Indepth Story (Paulo and Tutor). Accordingly, the campus press award was a part of Icon Magazine’s debut and advocacy in upholding responsible campus journalism. The ICPA accepted entries in elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels from publications in the country. Several awards were given among the participating student publications. In the tertiary, 15 universities and colleges in the Philippines sent their entries. Part of the ICPA was the 34 outstanding judges ranging from veteran journalists to professors and freelance writers, including those from reputable news agencies in the country such as ABSCBN and Philippines Daily Inquirer.

Tipolo hails new writers, graphic artist, cartoonist By Jessica Yape

he Tipolo Student Publication welcomed its new members after it screened applicants for new writers, graphic artist, and cartoonist, December 8, 2020.

After a month-long quest, the Tipolo Student Publication announced the new members of the Tipolo Student Publication through a virtual awarding ceremony via Google Meet. Accordingly, the new TSP junior writers were present at the said ceremony, namely, John Kenneth D.P Bea, Krizia O. Espaňola, Lemuel L. Jabagat, Melissa D. Aquino, and Maribelle O. Broncate. More so, for graphic design and cartooning, Aaron Angelo Brusas and Mhaey Anjeola Yanto qualified in their respective categories.

The program started with an opening prayer led by Mr. Daniel Luis Valentino and followed by the opening remarks given by Mr. Norberto M. Nataño, the Tipolo Student Publication Adviser. In his opening remarks, Mr. Nataño emphasized the importance of campus journalism especially in the time of pandemic, and its roles towards serving its own institution. Afterwhich, Mr, Nataño introduced the external evaluators who also gave their comments and suggestions to all the new members of TSP. Accordingly, these

respected judges are all former members of the TSP editorial board. Adhering such, the first external evaluator is Mr. Eusebio L. Aldea, former Managing Editor, evaluator in feature writing. Next is Mr. Christian Paul T. Gianan, former TSP Editor-in-chief, who critiqued the news article of the aspiring news writers. More so, the third external evaluator is Mr. Rogel C. Aco, also a former TSP Editor-in-chief, who evaluated the editorial articles. In the editorial cartooning, Ms. Carmina A. Sua assessed all the entries. The TSP awarding ceremony ended with an awarding of certificates to the respective judges and new qualified members.

BEEd Society facilitated teenage pregnancy, mental health seminars

By JAMILA FAY REMEDIO

achelor of Elementary Education students facilitated a seminar as part of their organization’s initiative to increase the awareness of the students on teenage pregnancy and mental health, February 3, 2020.

Ms. Joyce Negapatan, URS Antipolo Campus nurse, talked about teenage pregnancy. In her discussion, she mentioned the study conducted by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which revealed that one of the 10 young Filipino women gave birth at the age of 1519. Eight (8) percent are already mothers and another 2 percent are pregnant with their first child, as per the results of the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey or NDHS. Jean Leslie B. De Castro, school nurse of San Roque National High School, discussed mental health awareness. Nurse Jean emphasized that mental health awareness helps everyone on how to handle stress by relating themselves to others to make choices. World Health Organization (WHO) stated that nearly 800,000 die of suicide in the world each year, which is 1 person every 40 seconds. Nurse Jean provided contact numbers of psychiatrists and psychologists in Antipolo City in case URSAC students will need professional help. Prof. Norlyn San Jose, the chief of counselling in URSAC, tackled antibullying. She stipulated RA No. 10627 or “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013” which is an act requiring all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address the acts of bullying in their institutions. According to her as future educators, COE students need to be aware of this act in order for them to handle their students well. BEEd Society President John Paul Pablo and his officers, with their adviser, Prof. Raquel Angeles, made the seminar possible.

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Kapulungan Filipino nagdiwang ng Buwan ng Wika By Daniel luis valentino

inangunahan ng Kapulungang Filipino ang taunang selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wika upang ipagdiwang ang Wikang Filipino bilang wikang pambansa, na may temang “Wika ng kasaysayan, kasaysayan ng Wika.”

Hindi tulad ng mga nagdaang taon, naging labis na hamon ang selebrasyon at partisipasyon sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika dahil sa Covid-19. Ang Kapulungang Filipino (KF), ang pangunahing organisasyon sa University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus, na nagtataguyod ng wikang Filipino ay nagsagawa ng mga birtwal na mga aktibidad na magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga mag – aaral na maibahagi ang kanilang angking kakayahan sa iba’t ibang larangan. Ang mga mag-aaral ay lumahok sa Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Pagsulat ng tula, Poster Making, Slogan Making at Educational Tiktok. Ayon kay Bb. Geneva P. Buhia na mula sa Batsilyer ng Sekondaryang Edukasyon Ikatlong Taon Filipino Medyor at pangulo ng Kapulungang Filipino (KF), “hindi hadlang ang pandemyang kinakaharap upang hindi maipagpatuloy ang selebrasyon bagkus ito ang tunay na kabuluhan ng pagiging Filipino natin na marami mang pagsubok na dumating ito tayo susuko dahil likas na sa ating mga Filipino na matatag at masayahan anuman ang unos at dagok na suungin”.

Sa kabilang banda, naitala ng Kapulungang Filipino (KF) ang maraming bilang ng lumahok sa mga nasabing aktibidad. Kinilala ng KF ang lahat ng mga nagbigay ng oras, nagbahagi ng talento, at naglaan ng dedikasyon upang magsumite ng kanilang gawa na naging dahilan upang maging matagumpay ang pagdiriwang ito.

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Civil engineering seminar provides overview of field practice

By Owelyn Q. Aldaya & Margie Marinay

ssociation of Civil Engineering Students (ACES) held a seminar for Civil Engineering students in URSAC (University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus) with the theme:” Civil Engineers: Building the Nation, Shaping the Future”, March 10, 2020.

Engr. Erickneil D. Realuyo, MSCE, ME-1, SO, MP served as the resource speaker. He is a registered Master Plumber (July 2018), accredited Safety Officer (December 2016), accredited Materials Engineer (Class 1) (September 2016), VicePresident of Esplana Engineering Review Center (January 2015-Present), Structural Engineer of Realuyo Builders and Consultancy (December 2015-Present), MSCE-Structural Engineering (June 2017June 2019) and BSCE, Most Outstanding CE Graduate (June 2009-March 2014). In the seminar, Engr. Realuyo emphasized the importance of every aspect like wind effects, size of the building, etc. in constructing a certain structure. He also gave some tips on how to pass the board examination. The seminar provided the students a better understanding of their chosen field especially for the first year students. In addition, the seminar provided new ideas and concepts of the latest trends and technology that can be applied in the field of Civil Engineering. The conduct of this activity was headed by ACES President, Kim Emmanuel T. Gozum. According to Gozum in his opening message, “Tinanggap namin ang challenge ng aming Program head na si Engr. Eva Maranan na

Litera holds virtual culminating activity

Rommel F. Bonus: Ang Dula ay isang Kuwento, Papanoorin ito dahil he Litera Organization, the Official Organization of BSE- mayroon kang gustong ikwento

BY RASSEL S. PAULO

English Major, celebrated the English Month with the theme “QuaranThink: Fostering Language Competency and Reading Literacy to Virtual Learners” on November 27, 2020.

PHOTO BY OWELYN ALDAYA magkaroon kami ng sariling organisayon sa loob ng ating pamantasan at hiwalay sa Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), dahil sa tagal namin dito ay palagi nalang kaming saling pusa sa mga okasyon na ginaganap sa URS Morong. Kaya ninais namin na bago kami umalis sa pamantasan ay magkaroon na ng sariling samahan ang mga CE students.” Aside from the seminar, the organization also facilitated team building activities where the students projected their sportsmanship. “Masaya ako na nagkaroon kami ng ganitong fun time kahit isang araw lang ay napahinga ang utak namin sa mga formula at stress sa aming mga subject, sana sa susunod na taon ay maulit pa” Paul Edward Lantion, CE student, said.

Antipolo City ganap nang kapital ng Rizal By Rassel S. Paulo

inagdaan na ni Pang. Rodrigo R. Duterte noong June 15, 2020 ang Republic Act 11475 na opisyal na naglilipat ng capital ng Lalawigan ng Rizal sa Antipolo City mula Pasig City. Mahigit ilang dekada na ring kinikilala ng batas na kapital ng Probinsya ng Rizal ang Pasig City. Ito ay magmula noong ang kalakhang bahagi ng Metro Manila ngayon ay sakop ng lalawigan. Ngunit mula ng maisabatas ang pagbuo ng Metro Manila, naiwan sa bahagi ng Rizal ang kasalalukuyang 11 bayan at ang nag-iisang component city nito, ang Antipolo City. Sa Pasig City din nakatirik ang dating kapitolyo kahit matagal na itong nakahiwalay sa lalawigan. Kaya naging mahirap para sa karamihang Rizaleño na bumyahe papuntang kapitolyo kapag may aasikasuhing mga dokyumento o may ilalapit na tulong sa pamahalaang lalawigan.

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As part of the virtual culminating activity, URSAC students joined to various literary and English related competitions such as Digital Poster Making Contest , Creative Story Telling Contest, Essay Writing Competition, Poetry Writing Contest , Short Story Writing Contest, Photo Essay Writing Contest,Tiktok Educational content video making, Extemporaneous Speech ,Music Video Making Contest and the highly anticipated, Characters Parade. In addition, faculty members and students attended the Litera Webinar entitled “Teaching in the Time of Pandemic” via Google Meet. In line with this matter, the Litera Organization organized the webinar to continuously furnish the concept of fostering language competency and reading literacy even in the time of pandemic. On the first topic, Mrs. Ma. Victoria Lorna S. Buenaventura, Senior High School Teacher in Dela Paz National High School, discussed techniques and strategies of english teachers in strengthening reading literacy and language competency. Afterwhich, the second speaker, Mr. Juan B. Villano Jr, URSAC-College of Education Instructor, emphasized the ways to become an effective English Teacher in the new normal. The webinar ended with the awarding of the certificates for the judges and the winners of various contest led by Mr. Jonel Quilar, Litera President. Accordingly, all winners will receive certificates of recognition and token in the form of Gcash. More so, Prof. Eloisa M. Bayanogs, Litera Adviser, acknowledged the efforts of the organization as well as the participation of the students from the said College.

ni Stephanie Bonifacio

agsagawa ang Teatro Tipolo ng isang Virtual Writeshop: Pagsulat ng Dula na may temang “Keeping the Spirit of Theatre through Playwriting Workshop”, Nobyembre 27, 2020.

Nagsilbing panauhing tagapagsalita si G. Rommel Fabros Bonus na isang masigasig na kalahok sa mga pambansang palihan sa pagsusulat ng tula, nobela, at maikling kwento. Si G. Bonus ay nagsilbi ring dating punong patnugot ng Tipolo Student Publication. Sinimulan ng tagapagsalita ang Virtual Writeshop sa pamamagitan ng pagkukwento ng limang istorya na may iba’t ibang paksa. Paliwanag ni G. Bonus, “Ang pagiging tao ay lumalabas doon sa isang bagay o isang pangyayari na hindi mo inaasahan at tingin ko naroroon ang kwento. Kung magkakaroon ng matinding dilemma o isang napaka desperadong problema o sitwasyon. Magbabago kaya ang katauhan ng isang tauhan? Ito ay isa sa mga pangunahing tanong tuwing gumagawa ang isang manunulat ng isang kwento.” Ayon pa rito, ang pagkakaroon ng dilemma sa kwento ang isa sa paraan upang hindi maging nakakapagod ang ginagawa mong kwento na kalaunan ay isasadula mo sapgkat ang gagawin mong kwento ay mayroon mismong kwento ayon sa tagapagsalita. Sa paggawa ng isang kuwento ay may tinatawag na Characterization kung saan kinikilala ng manunulat ang kaniyang tauhan tulad na lamang kung paano

magsalita ang iyong tauhan. Napakalaki ng trabaho ng isang manunulat dahil kinakailangan mo ng basic knowledge sa linguistics sapagkat ito ay matutulong sa pagbuo mo sa iyong mga tauhan at bilang manunulat marapat lamang na dapat mong alamin kung kailan ang pangyayari ng iyong kuwento kaya naman hindi bastabasta lamang ang pagsusulat ayon sa tagapagsalita. Bago tapusin ng tagapagsalita ang kanyang talumpati ay kaniyang sinabi na “Hindi natatapos ang dula sa papel, ang dula ay tinatanghal. Minsan huwag tayong maging dedaktiko doon sa sinusulat natin na parang nangangaral yung sinusulat natin hayaan mo ang manonood ang mag-isip o hulaan ang mga sinasabi o insights ng dula mo hayaan mong makita nila ayon sa detlaye na naroon sa iyong dula.” Sa pagtalakay sa paksang dula ng tagapagsalita ay maraming mga bagong karunungan ang maririnig lalo na sa paraan ng kaniyang pagtalakay. Hindi tulad ng iba ang panauhing tagapagsalita, si G. Bonus ay gumamit ng paraan na pagkukwento sa kaniyang makabuluhang pag-iisa -isa sa mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin ng isang manunulat sa pagbuo ng isang dula.

DEVCOMM

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College of Hospitality Industry Week showcased culture, arts of the Philippines By Daniel Luis Valentino

he College of Hospitality Industry held their week-long celebration of their college with the theme, Mahalin Sariling Atin: "Isang Pagdiriwang ng Kultura at Sining ng Pilipinas,” March 2-6, 2020. The college celebration showcased the culture and the arts of the Philippines on its opening ceremony through the presentation of the different festivities from the country. Honorable Marino B. Bacani, Officer in Charge of Tourism Office City, Government of Antipolo served as guest speaker. The Tourism Society and Hotel

Management students held this year’s symposium which aims to provide new input among the students in preparing them in their future career. The next day, skill competition was held on the third day. Basketball game and other larong lahi were also conducted the same day. The last day of the celebration is the crowning of Mr. Ambassador and Ms. Ambassadress and CHI Night.

College of Education celebrated its 16th year founding anniversary By JAMILA FAY REMEDIO

he College of Education celebrated its 16th year founding anniversary with a theme "COE@16: Elevating Supremacy and Mounting Visionaries”, February 10-14, 2020.

The celebration started with a mass led by Father Randy Marquez of the Oblation of St. Joseph. Father Marquez emphasized in the mass about the nobility of teaching as a profession. Dr. Lourdes T. Tejada, COE dean, expressed in her opening remarks the

importance of excellence. She reminded the first year students of the college to study harder for the upcoming qualifying examination. Despite the challenge she left to the students, Dr. Tejada also noted, "Hindi lang dapat puro aral, minsan kailangan din rumampa," referring to the Mr. and Ms. COE 2020. She extended her congratulations to the student council headed by its president, Jayson DP. Dela Cruz, and its adviser Prof. Raquel Angeles for their undeniable hardwork and commitment in organizing the said celebration. Among the activities facilitated were the annual COE Convention, COElympics, Academic Decathlon, Mr. and Ms. COE 2020, and the COE Night. Jesle Mosatalla, BEEd freshman, recalled "Masasabi kong maayos at nasunod naman yung theme. Nakita kong nag-enjoy ang lahat. Base sa experience ko madami akong nakilala at naging kaibigan." She added that "Syempre ang COE night ay naging successful. Ginabayan tayo ng ating mga propesor sa isang buong linggong puno ng saya at mapupulot na aral."

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Rapid testing isinagawa, URS Antipolo nakiisa!

ni owelyn aldaya

agsagawa ng rapid testing para sa mga armed personnel at ilang residente ng Antipolo City ang lokal na pamahalaan ng siyudad sa URS Antipolo, May 28, 2020.

Umabot sa 692 katao ang na- test. May ilang nagpositibo sa rapid test na isasailalim pa sa swab test upang masiguro ang katiyakan ng resulta. Sa mga na-test na mahigit 600 katao gamit ang rapid test kits, tatlo sa kanila ang nag-positibo at kinailangan kumpirmahin at sumailalim sa PCR test kasama ang lima na may sintomas bago tumuloy sa pag-quarantine. Samantalang, 182 sa kanila ay hindi na bumaba ng kanilang mga sasakyan dahil dumaan sila sa drive-thru booths. Habang nag-aantay ng resulta ng walong PCR tests, sinimulan na agad ng pamahalaan ang contact tracing. Pinangunahan ni Mayor Andeng Ynares ang testing bilang tugon sa target na ma-test ang 1 percent ng kabuuang bilang ng populasyon ng siyudad. Nauna nang nagsagawa ang lokal na pamahalaan ng testing sa ilang paaralan sa Antipolo City.

photos from the FB Page of Mayor Jun-Andeng Ynares

URS health services units namahagi ng PPEs sa ilang ospital sa Rizal ni owelyn aldaya

akalikom ng pondo ang URS Health Services Units upang makabili ng PPE upang maipamahagi sa ilang ospital sa lalawigan ng Rizal.

photo from urs health services fb page

Mula sa nalikom na pondo, nakatanggap ang Angono General Hospital, Rizal Provincial Hospital System Binangonan, Tanay General Hospital, at St. Therese de lima Hospital ng mga sumusunod: 10 pieces PPE set, 50 pieces surgical mask, at 15 face shield. Sa panahong kinakaharap ngayon ang paglaganap ng sakit na Covid-19, maituturing na "at high risks" ang mga medical practitioners at mga siyentipikong humahanap ng lunas sa sakit na ito. Itinuturing

ng World Health Organization na isang "outlier" ang medical system sa bansa dahil sa maraming kaso ng Covid-19 na kinabibilangan ng mga doctors at nurses. Ang kakulangan ng PPE o proteksyon sa mga health aides na gumagabay sa mga Covid patients ang nakikitang dahilan sa dumaraming "infected" na mga medical practitioners. Bilang tugon rito, nagtulongtulong ang mga doctors at nurses sa university upang makapaghatid ng tulong sa kapwa nila mga health workers. Patuloy pa rin silang tumatanggap ng tulong pinansiyal upang higit na makatulong sa iba pang nanganga-ilangan.

DEVCOMM

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URS Antipolo Campus faculty, staff raise funds for Covid frontliners by margie marinay

aculty and staff of URS Antipolo Campus contribute to raise funds to buy foods for the frontliners in Antipolo City through the campus extension unit.

The spread of Corona Virus (Covid-19) has become a global concern as it affects thousands of people across the globe. It has been months since the virus has resulted to numerous misfortunes on the lives of the people. In times of this crisis, there are still many people who have shown their courage to fight against the spread of the virus—our frontliners—the unheard heroes of this battle. The campus is well aware of the current situation of the country. It is for this reason that they initiated collecting funds from their own resources in order to buy food packs and groceries for the frontliners. The campus has distributed foods at the Rizal Provincial Hospital-Antipolo Annex and checkpoints in the city. Other initiatives of support were also conducted by some faculty members. Around 100 frontliners received food packs from the campus and still in the process of packing goods to be distributed on its adapted community. “Sa panahon ngayon, wala pong malaki o maliit na tulong. Basta ang mahalaga nakakatulong ka sa kapwa,” said one of the officers who received food packs from the URS-Antipolo Campus donors. Most of the recepients appreciated the efforts of not only the campus but also other individuals and groups who have been giving them foods since the lockdown. For them, aside from it is an act of kindness, it also making them feel how important they are during the pandemic. “Maraming salamat po sa URS dahil sa kanilang handog. Ramdam po namin ang pagpapahalaga ng mga katulad nila sa mga gaya namang naglilingkod sa panahon nitong krisis,” he added. Prof. Irene O. Feliciano, campus extension head of URS Antipolo initiated the raising of funds. “Thankful ako sa mga kasamahan ko sa campus. Maraming nag-abot ng pera para makabili tayo ng food packs sa mga frontliners. Patuloy pa rin kaming naglilikom ng pera para naman makapamigay ng konting ayuda sa mga hikahos naming kababayan dito sa Antipolo,” she said. Antipolo City has one of the highest number of cases in the Province of Rizal. It strictly implements the safety protocols on its response to slow down the increase of cases in the city.

New building to rise; more infra projects still on-going in URS Antipolo Campus by Kimberly Hermosura

he University of Rizal System will soon have its new building and more infrastructure development to be finished before the school year ends.

photos courtesy of prof. irene o. feliciano

The construction of the building started last year. It was the joint efforts of the local government units in the Province of Rizal and Antipolo City through the leadership of Governor Rebecca “Nini” A. Ynares and Mayor Andrea “Andeng” B. Ynares. The building is the third structure built in the campus since 2014. The other two buildings housed the College of Engineering and the College of Hospitality Industry. More so, there are stilll on-going insfrastructure development in the campus. Among this is the renovation of the Drilon and Duavit buildings of the College of Education. The development project specifically includes the repainting, floor tiling, door replacement, and

ceiling repair. The comfort rooms in the whole campus also underwent repair and some of will have showers to be installed. Before the implementation of the infrastructure development, the campus received orbit fans from the City of Antipolo. All the classrooms and offices in the campus have 3-4 fans installed. This provides more conducive learning environment for the campus. Timely enough, the university is maintaining its ISO Certification in which infrastructure development is one of its important aspects in order to retain its status. The campus is grateful for the support of the local government units on its pursuit for quality education.

DEVCOMM

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URS DOST Scholars’ Society refuels ‘hope’ to jeepney drivers through its relief efforts by Ildefonso F. Tutor JR.

epartment of Science and Technology (DOST) scholars from the University of Rizal System organized a relief activity among the jeepney drivers in Rizal, June 27, DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Center Rizal, URS Antipolo Campus.

The beneficiaries of the relief activity were the 70 jeepney drivers from Luzon Eco Transport Services and MultiPurpose Cooperative or LETSMPC. The drivers were among those affected by the community quarantine since March due to Covid 19 pandemic. Jeepney is prohibited as means of public transportation when the total lockdown was implemented in most areas of the country. “Hirap nang walang biyahe. Karamihan, kung hindi lahat ng drivers namin, ay doon lang umaasa para (may) pantawid sa pang-araw-araw,” said by Mark Anthony Requita, president of JRC-Antipolo Operators and Drivers Association (JAODA) --- subgroup of LETSMPC in an interview made by Tipolo Student Publication. He also mentioned that they were not given a consistent supplementary aid nor subsidy from the local and national

government during ECQ. Essential goods such as rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, and biscuits were included in the relief packs. Snacks were also provided to ‘tsuper’ beneficiaries during the distribution. “Para po sa inyo maliit na bagay lang ‘yan, pero para po sa amin ay napalaking tulong na po nitong ibinigay ninyo. Kahit papaano po ay naramdaman naming may pakialam sa amin ang ibang tao,” Requita emphasized during the turn-over of relief goods. Many jeepney drivers who are desperately begging for help are over the news because they loss their source of income. It can be recalled that at the height of this issue, six jeepney drivers who were protesting against the government were brought to jail by

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police officers. Allegedly, the protesters violated the One Bayanihan Act because they were not observing social distancing as mandated by the protocol. This scenario inspired the DOST scholars to plan for a relief operation. Cash and In-kind donations coming from both on-going and graduate DOST scholars were collected and utilized by the officers of URS DOST Scholars’ Society (URS DOST SS). “The positive response from the scholars boosts our confidence to continue this activity. At first, many people doubted that we can do it, but step by step we manage to accomplish our vision which is to help our ‘Kababayans’ in any possible way we can, especially in these very trying times of health and economic crisis,” expressed by Ildefonso F. Tutor Jr., president of URS DOST Scholars’ Society. Regie Dayrit, DOST-PSTC Rizal Science Specialist I, acknowledged the efforts of the scholars. “Maganda itong ginawa ng mga bata, dahil sa simple nilang paraan nakatulong sila. Kahit alam nilang may pangangailangan sila, nakita parin nila na may mga taong mas may kailangan pa ng mga simpleng bagay na katulad nitong ipinamahagi nila,” Dayrit said. The relief activity was an initiative of all the DOST scholars enrolled across the 10 URS Campuses led by URS DOST Scholars’ Society in collaboration with the alumni URS DOST scholars and in

cooperation with the head and staff of DOST-PSTC Rizal. The scholars were also grateful that they were able to help the jeepney drivers on the least way they can. “Nakakahawa yung ngiti at ligaya ng mga drivers nung matanggap nila yung munti naming tulong. Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakakatulong kahit pa simpe tao palang din kami. As scholars, we are expected to repay the favors given to us by the government and the whole Filipino nation. This is one simple way for us to contribute by extending our hands to Filipinos who greatly need our help and support. Asahan po nilang hindi dito matatapos ang pagsasabuhay namin bilang mga Iskolar ng Bayan at Iskolar para sa Bayan,” said by one of the scholars. Meanwhile, the URS DOST SS relief operation strictly followed the minimum health standards required by the government in conducting activities like this. All attendees, including the DOST office personnel, scholars and Jeepney drivers wore their facemask, underwent a Temperature Check and disinfection at the Campus gate, and answered a Health Declaration Form mainly for contact tracing purposes before entering the university premises. Also, all attendees observed and practiced Social/Physical Distancing, with a minimum of 1.5 meters distance for each individual to another during the giving process. URS DOST Scholars’ Society assures that this will not be the last time that the organization will offer assistance. They also encourage incoming Grade 12 students to take the DOST Scholarship Examination and soon be a Patriot Scholar for the Nation.

32 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

EDITORYAL

Palakpakan pa rin nga ba? Pagsusuri sa mga aksyon laban sa pandemya!

akalipas ang mahigit apat na buwan, pilit pa ring hinaharap ng bansa ang mga pagsubok na hatid ng COVID 19 pandemic na nagpadapa na sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas kundi maging sa buong mundo.

Simula pa lamang noong Enero kung kailan naitala ang kauna-unahang kaso ng COVID 19 sa bansa, walang humpay ang panawagan ng mga eksperto sa medisina na magkaroon ng isang malawakang pagsusuri o ‘Mass Testing para maihiwalay ang mga taong may COVID 19 at maiwasan ang pagkahawa at pagdami ng bilang ng mga taong magkakaroon ng naturang sakit.

Hindi rin naisakatuparan ang pagkakaroon nang 66 na testing centers sa bansa noong Mayo na makapag-susuri sana nang mas maraming tao lalo na ang mga PUI o Persons Under Investigation. Samantala, araw-araw, may balita hinggil sa pulitiko o mataas na opisyal ng administrasyong Duterte na nagpasailalim sa testing para sa COVID 19. Araw-araw din, may balita ng doktor, nars, health worker, o ordinaryong mamamayan, na namamatay malamang dahil sa COVID 19, pero hindi man lang napasailalim sa test. Sinabi ng DOH na limitado lang ang test kits nila. Daan-daang PUIs, bulnerable at frontliners ang di-makapag-test, selfquarantine na lang. Naging kontrobersiyal rin ang hindi agarang pagbili sa mga Filipino-made COVID 19 test kits ng DOH na higit na

mura kaysa sa mga test kits mula sa ibang bansa. Ikinainit rin ng ulo nang ilang mambabatas at maraming Pilipino online ang balita tungkol sa mga local medical facilities na eksklusibong nagsasagawa ng COVID 19 testing at paggagamot para sa mga Chinese workers sa bansa. Agad namang pinatigil ang operasyon ng mga nasabing pasilidad ng mga awtoridad. Kinumpiska rin ang mga gamit at ibinigay sa mga ospital sa iba’t bang bahagi ng bansa.Patuloy parin ang paghahanap sa iba pang mga kagayang health facilities upang maipatigil ang mga illegal na operasyon ng mga ito. Umani rin ng puna ang paiba-ibang anunsyo ni Health secretary Duque patungkol sa ‘flattening’ ng pandemic curve at kung nasa anong ‘wave’ na ba ang nararanasan ng bansa. At sa kasalukuyan, libu-libo pa rin ang sa mga kababayanan natin na LSI o Locally Stranded Individulas ang nagti-tiis sa ibat’-ibang port terminals. Naging problema rin ang koordinasyon ng mga lokal at pambansang pamahalaan sa pagpapauwi ng mga taong ‘stranded’ patungo sa kanilang mga probinsya na nagdulot ng pagsisisihan ng mga opisyal nang biglang sumipa ang bilang ng may mga sakit sa mga lugar kung saan dati’y walang naitalang mga kaso ng COVID 19. Gaano man kadalas ipagmalaki ni Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque na nagtatagumpay na raw ang bansa laban sa Covid-19, araw-araw itong napapabulaanan ng papataas na bilang ng nagkakasakit. Ngunit alam naman natin ang katotohanan. Hindi naghahanap si Juan Dela Cruz ng masisisi, bagkus nais lamang malaman ni Juan kung sino ang mga nagpabaya, na nararapat din lamang na humarap at aminin ang kanilang pagkukulang dahil lubos silang pinagkatiwalaan ng sambayanang Pilipino sa gitna ng dagok dulot ng pandemya. Hindi natin kailangan ngayon ang pagka-watak-watak, dapat tayong magkaisa at tanggapin ang mga kritisismo at mabuting suhestiyon mula sa iba’t ibang sektor para sa kabutihan ng lahat.

Hamon sa distance learning modalities S

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imula noong Agosto, naging distance learningna ang sistema ng pagkatuto sa mga pampublikong at pribadong paaralan sa buong bansa. Malaki ang pagkakaiba kaysa sa nakagawiang “face-to-face” classes. Malaking hamon sa bansa ang online learning dahil sa mga sumusunod na dahilan. Una, mabagal ang internet sa Pilipinas. Pangalawa, maiiwanan ang mga mahihirap sa bagong normal sa edukasyon. Nakakahiya ang kupad ng mobile internet download speed ng Pilipinas sa 15.06 megabits per second (Mbps) para sa taong 2019. Ang global average speed ay 26.12 Mbps. Daig pa tayo ng Zimbabwe (15.2 Mbps) at Syria (19.48 mbps). Pang 103rd sa 139 bansa ang ating rango. Ang DepEd, CHED, Tesda at DICT ay kailangan mag sanib puwersa para pigain ang mga Telecom carriers na palakasin ang internet connectivity infrastructure ng Pilipinas. Free WiFi at libo-libo pang mga cloud servers ang kailangan upang ang mahihirap na estudyante ay hindi na kailangan pang mag load ng kanilang mobile device para makapag online at magkasya ang napakalaking bulto ng data na kailangan idownload at upload. Kailangan maglaan ng pondo ang pamahalaan, nasyonal at lokal, sa pagbili ng mga desktop, laptop, at mobile devices para sa estudyante at mga guro. Dagdag pa rito ang paglalaan ng pondo para sa training ng mga guro sa pagsasalin ng kanilang ituturo sa digital format at kung paano gumamit ng mga devices para mag upload ng kanilang mga aralin. Ayon kay Antonio Contreras (Manila Times, Mayo 7,2020), noong 2017, 80% ng mga Pilipino na ang edad ay 18-24 ay nakakapag-online. Sinabi ni Contreras na malaking hamon paano mabubuksan ang isipan ng age group

na ito na ang internet ay tagapaghatid din ng edukasyon at hindi lamang ito kasangkapan ng libangan, aliwan ,at pakikipag ugnayan sa mga FB friends at mga followers nila. Iminungkahi niya na pagsamahin ang edukasyon at libangan sa pagdisenyo ng mga programa sa online at offline learning sapagkat “learning should be fun”. May kakambal din itong hirap para sa iba dahil hindi naman lahat ay may kakayahang magbayad ng buwanang internet subscription kaya marami ang gumagamit ng internet data mula sa kanilang cellphone. Nakakalungkot na maraming mga bata ang hindi kayang makipag-sabayan sa ganitong uri ng pagaaral. Dagdag pa na marami ang nawalan ng trabaho sa panahon ng pandemya. Kaya ang ilan, imbes na ipang-load para sa internet data, ibibili na lamang nila ito ng pagkain. Wala silang pagpipilian kung hindi ang paggamit ng offline learning

modalities na kung saan ay inihahatid ng mga guro ang mga learning materials sa bawat bahay ng kanilang mga estudyante. Ngunit isa pa ring hadlang sa kanilang pagkatuto ay ang magtuturo sa kanila ng mga lessons. Sabi ng mga nasa sektor ng edukasyon, dapat katuwang ang mga magulang sa pag-aaral ng mga bata. Pero dapat pa ring ikonsidera na hindi naman lahat ng mga magulang ay tapos ng pagaaral at marami pa rin sa kanila ang hindi talaga nakakaunawa sa mga lessons sa modyul. Isipin din natin ang kalagayan ng mga mag-aaral kung saan ang kanilang mga magulang ay full-time na naghahanapbuhay kaya walang silang sapat na panahon upang matulungan at matutukan ang kanilang mga anak sa online classes. Kaya nga bago pa man ang implementasyon ng online at offline learning modalities sa panahon ng pandemya, nauna na itong binatikos dahil sa problema sa internet at magtuturo. Kaugnay nito, may ilang nagsulong ng academic freeze ngunit hati ang opinyon ng publiko tungkol rito. Nakakalungkot isipin na matatapos ang taong panuruan na maraming makakapasa pero ang kalidad na edukasyon naman ang nagsasakripisyo.

OPINION

34 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

Kaliwa Dam Project: Considerably Inconsiderate!

he construction of Kaliwa Dam is inconsiderate of the Filipino people’s right to a sound environment and disregard the rights of affected indigenous people and local communities.

The recent water crisis was then used to expedite and justify the Kaliwa Dam Project as the most viable solution despite other existing alternatives. The target construction site would fall within an ancestral domain, where at least five thousand Dumagats are situated. The project has until now failed to secure National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Due to this activity, barangays of Tanay, Infanta, and General Nakar will be the domain of affected in terms of livelihood and must be relocated. The project causes long-term, environmental damage to the Sierra Madre and its biodiversity. The project falls within Kaliwa Watershed, which is a declared forest reserve and national and wildlife sanctuary, and will, therefore, violate the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. Nearly 126 species will lose their natural habitat, while 300 hectares of forested area in the Sierra Madre will be permanently flooded. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reflect how the project proponents have been encountering problems with complying to the requirement of minimizing the environmental impact of the dam. Moreover, around 100,000 individual lives will be put at risk with increased chances of heavy flooding

THEY’RE NOT HELPING US: FORCE-POSIVE “

Harmful fake news, bogus donation drives they are everywhere in time of pandemic

Adversity is exhausting. It uses up much of emotional strength, leaving ordinary people overwhelmed by fear and unable to move forward, but for the Norwegian Gods, facing adversity with courage was their definition of honor,” this is a line of an essay about the norse myth “Ragnarok” that could very well describe the almost surreal reality we are living as the Corona Virus continues its unrelenting march across the globe.

in downstream areas and will cause of the rise of poverty on the area because of livelihood destruction. While the government recognize that Metro Manila has legitimate concerns on water security, these should not be addressed at the expense

of human rights, environment, Philippine laws and sovereignty. The government has the responsibility to protect its people from environmental harm and provide long-term solutions to respond to the needs of all its people, not only in Metro Manila.

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On this point, it can only be described as the possible annihilation of our young century. A deadly pandemic inside the national recession enveloped by the combination of fear and panic. Catastrophic moments like these very often bring out the very worst in people, as many of us have witnessed first-hand situations such as hoarding, price gouging, panic buying, and finger pointing. Dis-information, mis-information, mal-information, “fake news”, hoaxes and inaccurate, distorted content – whichever term you prefer, it is not a new phenomenon. The historical record traces at least as far back as Roman times. Accordingly, the difference now is that digital technology and social

rassel s. paulo

“

The rise of misand disinformation can be seen as both challenge and opportunities for journalism to improve as a practice and institution.”

media spreads disinformation at an unprecedented speed and reaches wider audiences far beyond the traditional limitations of distance. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, netizens have seen parallel outbreaks of disinformation and misinformation about the virus, ranging from fake coronavirus cures, false claims and harmful health advice to wild conspiracy theories. Disinformation can in turn speed up the spread of disease, hinder effective public health responses, as well as create confusion, fear and distrust. According to UNESCO, Facebook reports nearly 50 million pieces of content related to COVID-19 had to be flagged from March to June with warning label for disinformation, while Twitter challenged more than 1.5 million users for spreading false information and displaying “manipulative behaviours” during the

same months. Close to 18 million scam emails about the coronavirus are being blocked by Google on Gmail. The rise of mis- and disinformation can be seen as both challenge and opportunities for journalism to improve as a practice and institution. While it contributes to public distrust, it also provides opportunity for quality, ethical and responsible journalism to flourish and regain credibility. Aside from fake news, there’s been a flood of information and updates about the government’s economic impact payments, or so-called bills and other good samaritan offers donations on COVID patients. But quickly and safely moving massive amounts of money into the hands of those who need it, is a big job with a lot of moving processes to secure that your money will be transmitted to the right hands. Thus, the more you know about the process, the less likely you’re going to be tripped up by calls, text messages, or emails from scammers trying to steal your money or personal information. It is also in the middle of these desperate times that the very best in us emerges. Various individuals have been touched by the many, many acts of generosity this crisis has unleashed. Correspondingly, medical frontliners and hospital staff putting their lives at risk to take care of the sick. Moreover, government workers, the police and military, working around the clock to ensure the order and safety. Additionally, workers who continue to report to work so that the rest of us have access to essential services such as groceries, banks, pharmacies, garbage collection, utilities and media. Civil Society and ordinary citizens coming together to raise money for masks, PPEs, food and other essentials. Despite the problems concerning the pandemic, the bright side of insurmountable opportunity awaits, especially for those people who uplift their spirits in the times of abstraction; hence, the good things that happen despite the hullabaloos of the unethical netizens.

OPINYON

OPINION

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Tip on the Bill

he emergence of numerous controversial issues involving discrimination against a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression on news, specifically the case of Gretchen Diez who was blocked from using a public toilet for women in a mall in Quezon City recently, made people more interested in taking a closer look on the proposed bill in congress, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, and the senate’s version, the AntiDiscrimination Bill. As a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, I don’t personally encounter such kind of harsh and negative outlook by other people, but I can only imagine the horror that she have experienced through the physical and verbal abuse, as well as the outright denial of her gender identity that were a clear violation of her human rights. If we believe that there are already laws that would ensure every citizens human rights regardless of their sexual orientation and references, as well as their gender identity and expressions, then why there have been cases that remains unsolved in the present which involves discrimination towards the LGBT’s?

RAINBOW PRIDE ILDEFONSO F. TUTOR JR

“

In the work place we can’t deny that gender-based discrimination is rampant, this may come from their co-workers and employers or they are rejected from working due to their sexual and gender preferences.”

Hindi Lang Covid 19 ang Aming Nakalaban

There should be a misleading gap in enforcing these measures because of those justice ranging situations or it is a vivid suggestion that considers SOGIE Bill as the real answer for these specific instances. If we also believe that Filipinos are inherently accepting members of the LGBTQ+ Community, then we are just fooling ourselves because we have been colonized by the Spaniards and we’ve imbibed the Hispanic culture where homosexuality, as part of being an LGBT is immoral, even if there are not doing wrong actions and majority, if not all the time will be rejected by the society. Likewise, the fact that we entitled as a gay-friendly country is not a validation that discrimination would not take place, especially in not so urbanized community and places where strict cultural practices are dominant being an LGBT is considered as a mortal sin and some rights and privileges are not given because they are being judged based on their sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. Also, in the work place we can’t deny that genderbased discrimination is rampant, this may come from their co-workers and employers or they are rejected from working due to their sexual and gender preferences. With this context, the need for a separate measure that will secure those marginalized (LGBT) people’s human rights is undoubtedly high. After a thought-out mental effort, thorough considerations, deliberate argument with myself, and weighing of possible consequences based on the information I have gathered and analyzed, I now pronounced that I am strongly agree [emphasis is mine] with the SOGIE bill and demand for it to be enacted into a law as soon as possible. We should not only be concern on our own good, but rather we must keep in mind that the very essence of our being a human is to empathized to other’s feelings.

insang binigyang diin ni Winston Churchill ang kahalagahan ng pagkatao o ng disiplina sa buhay ng tao. “Ang pagkatao ay isang maliit na bagay na kayang gumawa ng malaking pagkakaiba”, wika niya. Hindi natin maipagkakaila na talagang mahalaga ang gampanin ng disiplina ng isang tao hindi lang sa isang aspeto, bagkus sa pang-araw-araw na gawin. Ito ay iyong makikita lalo pa sa gitna ng pandemyang ating kinakaharap. Tara simulan na natin. Narito ang ilan sa mga karasanang hindi ko malilimutan sa aking pagiging volunteer sa aming lugar. Una, ang mga taong labas nang labas nang walang facemask. Sila yung mga tao na alam na ngang ginawang mandatory ang pagsusuot nito, ngunit parang mga bingi o sadyang nagbibingibingihan sa mga umiiral na ordinansa. Ang masaklap pa dito, sa tuwing sila ay maayos at magalang na pinaaalahanan at sinisita, ay sila pa itong galit at kami ang sinisigawan. Kaya hindi tuloy kami nagpapakampante na maaaring mga tao at hindi ang sakit ang aming makalaban. Ikalawa, ang mga hindi nagsusuot ng quarantine pass. Hindi naman kami kagaya ng mga sundalo noong panahon ng martial law na talagang mahigpit at akala mo mga robot na kung ano lang ang sinabi sa amin ay siya naming susundin. Mga tao rin kami, nararamdaman namin ang kanilang mga pasanin, kung kaya’t kung alam naman namin na valid na ang rason ng paglabas, lalo kung malapit lang naman ang pupuntahan, ay hinahayaan na namin. Pero ang hindi lang namin matanggap ay yung mga tao na inaabuso ang kanilang mga quarantine pass at ginagawang premium pass sa kahit saan. Pinapayagan lang ang paggamit ng ‘q pass’ para sa pagbili ng mga mahahalagang bagay o

IN THE MIND miles de leon commodity sa araw na itinakda at hindi para sa personal na pagnanais lamang na hindi naman essential. Naalala ko tuloy ang isang pamilya rito sa amin, ipinahiram nila ang kanilang ‘q pass’ sa kanilang barkada upang tumambay lang at wala namang ginagawang mahalaga. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pumasok sa kanilang isip para kunsintihin ang kalokohan na kanilang ginagawa. Kung magpasya ay parang walang umiiral na kautusang nagbabawal sa pagtambay sa kung saansaan lalo kung hindi naman essential. Ito pa ang mga iba. Mga palaging nakahubad na parang hindi sinasabihan, mga umiinom ng alak ng wala sa lugar kahit pa may umiiral na liquor ban, at marami pang iba Ngunit kung iniisip ninyo na yan lamang ang aming nakaharap, nagkakamali kayo. Isa sa pinakamatinding nakaharap namin ay ang mga abusadong awtoridad. Hindi ko makalimutan ang isang motorista na aking pinara sa checkpoint dahil ito naman ang nakalagay sa guidelines. I-check ang lahat ng mga dadaan sa checkpoint regardless ng kanilang mga pagkakakilanlan, unless may emergency situation. Pinara ko siya upang tanunging kung saan sila paroroon, nagulat na lamang ako dahil bigla na lamang siyang nanigaw at umakmang akala mo hari sa lugar kaya exempted siya sa mga quarantine measure, mapalad na lamang at hindi na lumala pa ang sitwasyon at hinayaan na lamang. Ngunit sa isip-isip ko, ito ba ang klase ng pulis na pinapasahod ng taong bayan, kumikilos na kahit batas ay nasa kamay niya, walang paggalang sa kapwa.

Panghuli, ang hindi nagkakasundong administrasyon ng mga opisyales sa aming lugar. May mga senior officials kasi sa aming lugar na ayaw magsakripisyo. Hindi ako personal na nakadadalo sa kanilang mga pagpupulong sapagkat ito ay ibinababa lang sa amin. Ngunit base sa aking mga narinig, kitang-kita kung paanong walang unity na nagyayari sa pamamahala. May opsiyal na inaangkin halos lahat ng mga gawain kahit pa ito ay hindi na sakop pa ng kanyang mandato. Nariyan din ang mga opisyal na AYAW magsakripisyo para sa kaligtasan ng LAHAT at ang gusto ay masunod lang ang kanilang LAYAW. Pero ang masakit, may mga opisyal na lumalabag sa mga umiiral na batas at kung kumilos ay parang walang katungkulan. Lintik talaga. Pati mga nasa kapangyarihan, umaabuso na rin, imbis na Covid 19 lang ang kalaban, nadagdagan pa. Hindi ako perpekto na tao, pero alam ko kung paano lumugar lalo na sa gitna ng ganitong krisis. Nakakalungkot lamang isipin ag mga tao na nasa baba ang siyang kawawa dahil halos walang sawa sila sa pagpapaalala sa mga taong araw- araw may amnesia sa mga umiiral na batas at ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Lahat naman ng tao ay apektado, walang hindi kabilang. Subalit ang mas malala ay kapag ang kapabayaan at katigasan ng ulo ng isang tao ay siyang nagbunsod sa pagkakahawa ng nakararami at paglala ng kondisyong ekonomikal at kalusugan sa bansa. Gayunpaman, dumating man muli ang sitwasyon na tawagin kami ng aming konsensya para tumulong ng walang kapalit at buhay namin ang aming nakataya, walang pagkikibit balikat ko itong tatanggapin. Sabi nga ng isang kasabihan, “ang pagkawala ng iyong sarili sa pagsisilbi para sa ibang tao at komunidad, ay isang karanasang hindi ko kailanman tatanggihan. Huwag sana nating isipin na SANA ay mag pag-asa pa. Dahil ang totoo, MAY pag-asa pa naman talaga. Covid 19 lang ito, Pilipino tayo.

OPINION

OPINYON

38 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

Battle for WPS:

midst the CoVid-19 pandemic, China successfully made its way to uphold the construction, threatening the Filipino fishermen, improvements of artificial islands and hundreds of ship vessels spotted over the West Philippine Sea, which receives a debating point for many Filipinos into what the Philippine government should do. War as a response for China's claim to WPS or diplomatic way for a peaceful relationship towards them. West Philippine Sea, as designated by the Philippine government of eastern parts of the South China Sea, is known to be part of the Exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. Four years after the Philippines won the arbitration case through UNCLOS over the disputed West Philippine Sea, China seems to be overconfident and deaf to the legal basis of Philippine supremacy under Administrative Order No. 29. Despite this, President Duterte continuously push through his friendship with China’s republic, limiting his feedback about the issue, reluctantly never suggests the war against China to stop this unending rivalry, while other Filipinos wanted to get the flag go on to a rally and war, then proclaim, “West Philippine Sea is ours!” But are we ready for its possible effects? “The issue of the West Philippine Sea remains to be question forever until such time that you know, we can take it back. Walang iba, giyera lang (There’s no other way but war),” the President said last April. This statement made me picture out

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Thorn between War Vs. Diplomatic Strategy

EXTENSION QUEEN MELISSA AQUINO

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Filipinos should take our new strategies to continually strengthen our defense mechanisms and tools, and to continually have a peaceful talk and diplomatic approach towards China, while war is never an option.Fighting for West Philippine Sea is never a question or doubt for us Filipinos, for the answer is automatically “yes”.

the scenario if we will push through the war as a defense. Bloods, shouting, grief, and melancholic shutdown of economic progress over the Philippines. Sadly, the Philippines lacks defense equipment and mechanism. They are defenseless when it comes to China’s missiles, PCL-181, a vehiclemounted 155 mm gun-howitzer, the Type-15 light tank and etc., the advanced and powerful weapon in military equipment. Also, we are in the middle of pandemic, is it not too much for the perished lives and fear brought by the pandemic that we still want another enemy aside from CoVid-19? It is true that China’s action towards our own territory is totally annoying, devastating and will makes the Filipinos’ temper at risk. A lot of Filipinos are shouting for justice and are eager to show up their bravery as Filipinos. Yet, as a Filipina, I would never suggest war that requires blood offering for the sake of getting what was really ours. Is this a call for signing off and voluntarily give WPS to China? Of course not. We could still fight for it, in a clean, diplomatic and legal-based rather than giving up our lives. We will never surrender until they are the ones who will give up and go back to their country. As part of the Philippine Constitution Article 12, stating that water resources under ECZ, should be protected, the government should never be complacent to China’s friendship towards the Philippines. Filipinos should take our new strategies to continually strengthen our defense mechanisms and tools, and to continually have a peaceful talk and diplomatic approach towards China, while war is never an option. Fighting for the West Philippine Sea is never a question or doubt for us Filipinos, for the answer is automatic “yes”. Upon our future actions and decisions, we may always think that lives matter and diplomatic ways are on the top list to consider over the blood of war.

THE POWER OF VOTING

he 2022 Presidential Election is fast approaching and we are going to exercise once again our most powerful democratic right that will elect the next president who will lead the country for next six years.

This poor governance had shaken the public consciousness to vote wisely in the fast-approaching 2022 election. The terms “#vote wisely”, “#palpak”, and“#resign” are some of the trending expressions that sprouted on social media. The right to suffrage is widely recognized as a fundamental human right. Voting is a formal expression of choosing someone or something in an election. It generally takes place in the context of large-scale national or local and small-scale community elections. It is our duty and responsibility as citizens of this country to vote for not just qualified but deserving Presidential candidates who will carry out the duties bestowed upon him, defend the constitution, and prioritize the interest of the people for the sake of the common good. According to Section 4 of Batas Pambansa no. 881 or also known as Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, it shall be the obligation of every citizen qualified to vote to register and cast his vote. Hence, we must do it not just as our political right, but we must do it wholeheartedly for the sake of those people who are looking for immense changes in our society. Electing our next president is one of the most crucial things we should consider. It is the most coveted position in

FEARLESS

More so, voting gives us an opportunity to be part of decision-making. Through voting, we are able to actively exercise our role in decisionLEMUEL making. Voting is an opportunity for JABAGAT change. We should elect and support someone whose principles and platforms are to help the community or nation for the greater good. We should choose candidates who can make a positive impact. The governance during the COVID-19 pandemic response has proven that every vote is important. Therefore, we have to vote wisely and make the best decision for the welfare of the state. How should we vote for the president in the election 2022? First, vote for a candidate not just because he is famous. Consider if he/she has a systematic plan on how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, vote for someone who can bravely stand for our sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea. Third, stop voting for a presidential candidate because of his/her affiliated political party. Always look after the the government and also the key position platforms on how to provide rightful and that will decide regarding the timely issues realistic solutions to the serious problem like COVID-19, increasing unemployment of poverty in the country. Fourth, vote for someone not because rate, growing debt of the country, your religious sect told you to do so. widespread corruption, and the territorial Lastly, consider the educational dispute in the West Philippine Sea. background of that candidate. We are We should not take it for granted. If talking here about the highest position in we wrongfully voted for the presidency in the previous elections, then that should the republic. Choosing for our next president this serve as a lesson. upcoming election is indeed a dilemma. We should not commit the same Our country is already at stake. mistake again. Every vote is pivotal. Thus, our vote We should free ourselves from the is very powerful. election misconduct that we used to do A single vote can change the course of just like voting for someone because we our country for the next six years. are bribed. All Filipino electorates are highly Why citizens must vote? There are encouraged to cast their vote wisely and various reasons why citizens must do so. responsibly in the upcoming election. Aside from the fact that it is our civic Although there are almost 11 months duty, voting has consequences. before the election, it is always better to The quality of life that we want prepare. After all, it is for the sake of our for ourselves and for future generations nation. largely depends on the people we elect.

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The governance during COVID-19 pandemic response has proven that every vote is important. Therefore, Filipinos have to vote wisely anda make the best decision for the welfare of the state.”

OPINYON

OPINION

40 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

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The National ID Debate: Is the Philippines Ready?

ll things have their own advantages and disadvantages, thus, people should choose things that will lead into more positive wholesomeness. In March 2016, the Philippines made headlines when the personal data of around 55 million registered voters were leaked online. In the wake of the controversy, discussions on security and privacy resurfaced among legislators and the public. Among those taken up were relevant policy proposals, like the establishment of a national identification (ID) system. A national ID system is a State apparatus often used to verify the identities of individuals who avail of public services or engage in certain public transactions. Under a typical system, a person is assigned an ID number at birth or upon reaching the legal age. It usually covers a country’s citizens, although resident foreigners have also been included from time to time. The experience of countries that have adopted such a system shows varying outcomes—not all, suffice to say, turned out okay. The first ID systems were instituted for the purpose of identifying and eventually discriminating against people of minority ethnicities, politics, or religions. Consider the ancient civilization of Babylon, which, around five millennia ago solved its problem of having to identify the slaves in its capital by tattooing or branding the face or back of their hands. Since then, ID cards have been used for purposes ranging from the enforcement of a quota system to the implementation of stricter border control, including social engineering efforts on population’s subject to various levels of state surveillance. Today, they are used for a number

IN THE HEART KIMBERLY HERMOSURA of reasons, the most visible of which are the provision of government services and the management of public and private transactions. The idea is that a national ID, as an effective authentication mechanism, can help improve service delivery by addressing social exclusion issues brought about by the lack of or shortage of official identification documents. Such notion, however, does not address the reality that’d systems are also used by those in power to exercise control, particularly over vulnerable or underserved populations. Many people think that national ID is a misplaced and quite superficial quick fix. It only leads to a sense of false security and will unfold serious threats especially civil liberties and rights. These mentalities are growing into the heads of some Filipinos and also heighten their hesitancy with the government. On May 07, 2021, the National Economic Development Authority Secretary of the Philippines Karl Kendrick T. Chua, elaborated the three main uses of the national ID program. This will be served as a subsidy distribution, financial inclusion, and efficient vaccine distribution. According to the Philippines News Agency, the national ID shall be a valid proof of identity and it shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in school, and the opening of bank accounts. Moreover, it will boost the efficiency in dealing with government services where Filipinos will only need to present one ID during transactions. As a law-abiding citizen, this program

should be highly implemented for the country’s wholesomeness. Many Filipinos witnessed that the pandemic has divulged many institutional weaknesses, having a hard time in identifying social program beneficiaries and lack of bank accounts for the systematic allocation of subsidies. I am quite looking forward for the majority of the population to be registered and eventually to benefit our people. We should not conform to the stigma that failure to carry a national ID Card would likely come to be seen as a reason for search and arrest because it will raise fear among people. You, I, us, deserved a country that is windowless to a crisis and has a door for the goodness of everyone is the true national treasure. This trend is poised to continue given the growing interest by governments in their potential uses. For the different stakeholders, the challenge has always been finding the proper balance between upholding legitimate State interests and those of the individual—the right to privacy being only one of them. To those keeping a close watch on the impact of ID systems on privacy rights, one positive development these past few years here in the Philippines has been the passage of the country’s first comprehensive data protection law: Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA). The law provides numerous legal safeguards that ensure the security and protection of personal data. That being said, one cannot simply rely on the DPA to keep any national ID system in check. Any privacy advocate worth his or her salt knows that a significant degree of caution is called for especially during these troubling times. One should be constantly wary of any effort or measure that aims to give more power to an administration that already has a stranglehold over all three branches of government.

Mental Health of Students Amidst the Pandemic

OVID-19 spread during the last part of December 2019. It quickly became a pandemic. Just about four months after the discovery of a new deadly virus outbreak, the Philippines was put on lockdown in March 2020. Jobs of non-frontline workers were canceled. Classes in schools were suspended. Almost everybody was advised not to leave their homes unless they have to run important errands (persons aging below 18 and above 65 years old were not allowed to go out). It is as if the world stopped. It was silent, literally. There was a sense of panic, fear, and isolation. There was hunger. There was desperation. It was all of these emotions in one. It’s like people’s hearts and minds were on a roller coaster. And you don’t know what to do. It is something you cannot control. My fellow students, at first, we felt that we were glad because the classes were suspended. We felt safe from the virus. We felt rested after the heavy load of school assignments and projects. The fact that our parents lost sources of income, we were relieved that we, somehow, took some of the burden of tuition fees and school expenses out of our parent’s pockets. However, DepEd and CHED announced the resumption of classes in October 2020. Some of the schools and universities even started as early as August last year. Many protested for an academic break. There were several arguments such as online classes may not assure quality education, not all students have the means for online classes (there was a lack of gadgets and other materials for the online setup and unlimited and uninterrupted internet connection), education was not a

GLIMPS OF HOPE JAMILLA RENEDIO priority now that we are experiencing a pandemic, among others. Yet, the education sector pushed through with the modular and online types of learning. I am a sophomore at the University of Rizal System taking up a Bachelor in Elementary Education. My second year began in August 2020. Honestly, I had a hard time adjusting to the “new normal” setup and I am not the only one. My mental health was at risk. My siblings lost their jobs. We don’t have enough food on our tables. Our mother was diagnosed with psychotic depression last year. Our father had severe asthma attacks. And there is the pandemic that you cannot literally see but the effects of it were strongly felt. Then, we have the online classes. DepEd estimated that around 3 million students did not enroll for the school year 2020-2021 both in public and private schools. (I knew some students who did not continue studying instead opt to find jobs to help support their families. Some of them applied for positions in BPO companies where a college diploma is not usually a requirement.). Last May 2020, World Health Organization (WHO), reported that there is a global mental health crisis because of COVID-19. Mental health professionals recognized that this [mental health] crisis can be the next pandemic. Pandemic-related stress is inevitable, especially when you are at home. I learned about a student (who did not wish his name to be mentioned in this article), who is frequently late or absent

in his online classes because his parents have marital issues. He left their house and went to his friend’s home instead of attending his class whenever his parents fight. He asked me about how to contact National Center for Mental Health, the institution where I brought my mother for mental health evaluation. He said that he felt unproductive. He did not want to drop out of school but he did not feel like completing his requirements to pass this school year. He did not feel suicidal. However, he felt he did not have the energy [to live] he once had before the pandemic. There are a variety of factors brought about by the COVID-19 crisis that affect students’ mental health. Anxiety and stress because of schooling already existed before the pandemic. It worsened for students when COVID-19 happened. It was observed that college students can cope more with pandemicrelated stress than elementary and high school students. However, this is not true for all higher education students. As a student myself, I feel the pressure more because studying is not only my focus. I am also an adult and supporting myself to college. Mental health awareness has intensified these past few years. Yet, mental health issues are not fully addressed by the government. Filipinos who suffer from mental health problems are not getting the sufficient and proper support that they need. Students require not just gadgets, Wi-Fi, or other learning materials. Their families need food to eat, money to pay for house rent, water and electricity bills, etcetera. DepEd and CHED must look into these issues holistically. More than anything else, empathy is what we must give to others during this time. Learning is essential in one’s life, but we should also think that it is as important as mental health.

OPINION

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HEALTHCARE WORKERS’ PLIGHT IN FRONT OF the PANDEMIC

alacañang promised to assist medical frontliners battling the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), following calls for help from both public and private hospitals and medical institutions.

There are countless heroes putting their lives at risk to support the sick and keep Filipinos safe and free from the deadly virus. Further, there are thousands of volunteers behind the scenes building technology to help to get through this very unique challenge – like data aggregation sites, infection tracing tools, gig finders for people out of work, sites helping source protective equipment and many more. However, in any battle, even the best can be cut down. In this war, the country wage against the COVID 19, the public and private health workers are holding the line. Unfortunately, a tragic event happened when many frontline doctors and medical workers have fallen. Sacrificing their own lives to keep on treating people even though they knew that there is a very high possibility for them to be infected. Filipinos truly salute them in their heroic acts, thinking of others before themselves. In fact, encouraging posts and videos for the frontliners flooded various social media platforms. But is it enough to ensure and support the welfare of those who continue to risk their lives for their compatriots? Many other healthcare workers were ill and went under quarantine. But still, many of the hospitals, government or private are now at their maximum capacity and can’t accommodate more patients. This is the main reason why there are some provisions added to the ‘Bayanihan to Heal as One Act’ or RA 11469 which will ensure that healthcare workers will

OPEN VIEWS CEDRIC A. GULMATICO

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In any battle, even the best can be cut down. In this war, the country wage against the COVID 19, the public and private health workers are holding the line.”

be taken care of and given appropriate compensation for their invaluable efforts in fighting against COVID 19. First of the provisions is “all public health workers will receive a COVID 19 special risk allowance”. This will be in addition to the hazard pay granted under the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers, also known as Republic Act 7305. Second, since it is recognized that public and private healthcare workers will be in the disease’s line of fire, there is also a directive to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth to shoulder all medical expenses in case of exposure to COVID 19 or any workrelated injury or disease, especially for those in the frontline. These will be available in packages that will depend on the severity of the COVID 19 infection case. Third, under the aforementioned measure, among the special authorities

granted to the president is to fast track the procurement of such items as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves, medical gowns, facemasks, goggles, and face shields as well as medical supplies, laboratory apparatus, and others that are critical to the frontliners’ work. Fourth, public and private healthcare workers who contract the severe form of the COVID 19 infection in the line of duty will be compensated with 100,000 pesos. Also, a compensation of One million pesos will be given to the family of healthcare workers who have succumbed due to the virus. Finally, temporary Human Resources for Health volunteers will be engaged. This will include medical and allied medical personnel who will be added to the current healthcare work force, performing duties such as maintaining and operating temporary medical facilities for COVID 19 treatment. The fact that our health-care workers will be granted special risk allowances aside from their hazard pay is commendable. However, it will be more admirable if the Department of Health give also the same consideration and benefits to the volunteers such as; barangay health staff, community volunteers, and many more that are also exposed to the same health danger should be looked attentively by the government and should also enjoy hazard pay and special risk allowances in return for their brave and selfless acts. Overall, heroes can come from anyone. It is not based on how great you are, but rather on how you make things great for other people. As a Marvel comic Hero once said, “Great Power comes with Great Responsibility.” The doctors, nurses, and other health-related professionals have the power and already made their responsibility. It is now the time that the community takes the rest of the heavy load that the country is struggling to lift. Together, we will beat COVID 19.

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(cover story)

AMIDST ADVERSITIES

RAYS OF HOPE IGNITE

VOYAGE | VOLUME by Timothy Lomeda 4, ISSUE 1 46Artwork

BAYANIHAN 2.0: AwAKENING THE SPIRIT OF

BROTHERHOOD AMIDST TYPHOON ULYSSES BY MARGIE MARINAY

esiliency, a single word that conveys the Filipino spirit throughout the years. Filipinos are known to be the people who take challenges with a big smile on their faces and high value of faith. They learn to embrace all the uncontrollable phenomena happening in the country with the hope that every catastrophe leads to a brighter tomorrow. Sound of laughter during evacuation, people making fun of how they survive the flood, the exchange of the lines “kumusta na bubong nyo, ayos pa ba?” and the creative ways of how they handle the situation all the time are some of the evidence of this resiliency. Aside from this value of resiliency, one thing that also arouses in times of crisis is the spirit of brotherhood among Filipinos. The catastrophic impact of Typhoon “Vamco” locally known as “Ulysses” hit the country last November 11, and made landfall in the vicinity of Patnanungan, Quezon while lashing the Bicol Region, in which that time was reeling from the ruins of Typhoon

Quinta and Rolly in the previous month. Because of the huge damage it caused, small group of private individuals headed by Ms. Berna Eslava have seen the essence of reaching out to the native groups in the alps of Brgy. Malibay Nakar, Quezon by distributing goods, December 5. Answering the cry of the typhoon victims, Ms. Eslava together with her family and friends started to gather donations from their own pockets. And with the aspiration to give more, they posted online information regarding their relief operation for the affected families from their first target community in Marikina City. It began with their own circle of

groups and disperse widely to the generous hearts of other individuals that also have the desire to extend their helping hands to those who are in need. Following the successful step in Marikina, other sponsorship began pouring out. Students from Enderun College, in which Ms. Eslava works also help them in their project by forming a group that assists them in raising funds and get donations for their next target community in the mountainous part of Nakar. Seeing the result of how their small efforts are combined all together to make a giant step in serving the locals gives them more courage to face the challenging journey awaiting them. “Our way to General Nakar, Quezon was very challenging. We had to travel from our place to the mainland for almost five hours back and forth, walk for another hour by foot and trek for around an hour. The hike was very tough, but seeing the Locals gladly accepting us and the goods we have for them gave us some relief,” Ms. Eslava shares their tough experience in trekking. Arriving at the community, the whole team of Ms. Eslava saw the saddening view of the locals, washed out houses and the collapse of their bridge that connects them to neighboring barangays. They can also feel the agony of the Dumagat having their only way to get their

needs from another community being destroyed, making them suffer more in developing their way of living. Full of doubts on how they can rebuild their homes and their dreams as well, Ms. Eslava and all the volunteers together with the love of the other donors that trusted them to send their support to the whole Dumagat community serves as their flicker of hope as they distribute 200 packs of relief goods wishing that it can lighten the burden that Typhoon Ulysses cause them. All the goods contain rice, milk, sardines,noodles, sugar, clothes, toiletries and other construction materials such as wires and pliers that they can use in repairing their houses. “We traveled far, we hiked hard, we got tired, We had body pains but it was all worth it.Knowing that there are people trusting us to send their love to those who are in need. Truly, the spirit of brotherhood is alive. We all continue to hope that everything will get better soon,” Ms. Eslava added while sharing her encounter on the relief operation. Undeniable catastrophe brings disaster but in the end it leads people to do what they tend to do in times of crisis. It is like an automatic switch that turns on whenever it is needed without any force applied. Typhoons are unruly and strong, but surely the essence of brotherhood among Filipinos will remain indestructible.

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for Diamonds in the Rough BY Shiella Mae Mondido, Ma. Jessa Rolda, and Alvin Molina

50 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

iamonds are considered a luxury. Many have seen the exquisiteness and luxurious value of the diamond, but many have not seen the process of how this precious stone was mined. The Dumagat, an indigenous group in the mountainous area of Luzon, can be likened to a diamond. Just like how diamonds shimmer, even if placed in a stain full corner, the Dumagats will still shine amidst the challenges brought by this rapidly changing era. THE EXCAVATION OF THE “PRECIOUS STONE” Similar to how precious stones are excavated into jewels, the Dumagats in Antipolo City, have come their long way in becoming the figure of culture that others have not seen. Their strength not to leave their community amidst the numerous needs is admirable. Long before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dumagats have been experiencing real challenges in their everyday lives. Changes suddenly appear which continuously give a big impact on

their community. As for the Dumagats in Antipolo City, it is their livelihood and cultural practices. Their livelihood mainly depends on “kaingin” and agriculture although some used to fish. They still do their rituals at every wedding and still wear “bahag” and speak their dialect. Everything falls into place that is when before the pandemic started. In this challenging world where everyone must adapt to what their senses in their surroundings give them, they’ve learned to deal with the ever-changing society. Like diamonds, as time passes by, they’ve become flexible enough to be the adaptive natives of Rizal embodying their cultures and beliefs. In 15 years of serving, their chieftain eagerly shared that they are now considered as ‘modern natives’. With their natural endurance and industry, they are now given a salary by the government for

their service in the fields and farms. Natural resources are still their primary source of living, but throughout the years it has evolved into a more profitable product. Their goods in exchange for money contributes to their livelihood. Just how like a diamond shimmers, their ecotourism is now booming. In the recent month, three falls have been opened to the public. Two mountains were also made as hiking sites and scenic spots for tourists, which now constitute their income. Indeed, with their spirits being connected with nature, their socalled “home” has now become a paradise for non-native people. Education has also become central to their lives. Just like how diamonds are excavated first as stones, they know the value of becoming a more equipped person if they would go to school. The good thing is that the LGU Antipolo reaches out to their far-flung community to give school supplies necessary for their education. According to them, they’re happy that the government is exerting efforts to reach out to them and recognize them. Their inclusion in the modules, for example, is great recognition for them. With the nearest elementary school which is 200 meters away, they’re hopeful that their visions and ambitions would come true. As being treasured like Diamonds, they are happy that the government recognizes their presence. THE ROUGHNESS IN THE DIAMONDS Today, the everyday life of the Dumagat is a survival game. What we do not see is their struggle in transporting their goods. This results in low income which leaves them no choice but to do any possible livelihood they could do amidst their fear of the virus. Government includes them in financial assistance programs, but their support isn’t enough to sustain food against hunger. Considering these challenging times, where healthcare is a major aspect of every community, the Dumagats knew that they lack a lot in their healthcare facilities and services. Although a medical center was built for them, there’s not a single medical professional that regularly visits the

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community. Yes, an elementary school was built near their community, but those who are studying in high school need to walk 4.5 km. in order to reach the school. In this time of pandemic, online and modular classes are provided but not given enough educational attention, given that most of them are new to the world of technologies. Teachers rarely visit their community. According to Aya Virtudes Doroteo, son of their chieftain and the one who is in charge of managing the business tourism in their place, the government has tried to reach them for their needs; however, it is not sufficient. The Dumagat youths also want to experience leisure activities in their community by at least having their own basketball court. Unfortunately, their request seemed like not the priority of their LGU. The plan for the construction of Kaliwa Dam is also their concern for it threatened to destroy their ancestral domain. Worst, it may result in destroying

their cultural identity. Amidst these challenging situations and unseen needs, the Dumagats remain strong. Their strength not to leave their community is indeed admirable. Precious Enough Precious enough, they are not diamonds in the making. They are diamonds already. And just like how a diamond draws attention from anyone, they also need help. They also need attention and support from the national government especially in this time that their livelihood was greatly affected by the virus. Their presence glimmers even in the darkest times, and let us further help them feel that they are of great value to the Filipino culture and identity. Let us show our support to them by understanding and providing for their needs. Just like what an adage says, “diamonds are forever…” Let the Dumagat people preserve their livelihood and culture forever…

FEATURES

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VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 53 nahalikan. Tanging kaway at pag-asang kami'y magkakasama muli ang siyang baon nila sa amin sa aming paghihiwalay. Pagkarating sa pansamantala naming titirhan agad kaming pinaligo at pinagpalit ng damit ng aming kamag-anak. Nakabukod din ang aming mga gamit, higaan, at pagkain. Naiintindihan namin na nag-iingat lamang sila dahil ayaw nila na sila ay mahawa kahit bitbit naman namin ang patunay na kami ay ligtas mula sa virus.

Pamilya Pacia Ang

ANG PAMILYANG DI-NAGIBA NG COVID-19; PANINIWALA SA PANGINOON ANG PUNDASYON

(Ang malayang pagsasalaysay ni Thea Mitzi Pacia)

ang mag-positibo sa Covid-19 ang ina at ama ng tahanan, nanatiling matatag ang buong Pamilya Pacia. Naging sentro ng kanilang katatagan ang pananampalataya at pagpapaubaya sa Maykapal. Hindi sila nagpadaig sa takot . Hindi nagpadala sa diskriminasyon ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kanila. Bagkus buong pamilya nilang kinaharap ang pagsubok na ito sa kanilang pamilya. Sa artikulong ito, malayang sinalaysay ni Thea Mitzi Pacia, dating mag-aaral sa URS Antipolo Campus at isa sa mga naging senior writer ng Tipolo Student Publication ang naranasan ng kanilang pamilya mula ng makumpirmang ang kaniyang ina at ama ay positibo sa Covid 19.

ANG PAMILYA PACIA, ANG PANSAMANTALANG PAGHIHIWALAY Kami nga pala ang Pamilya Pacia, ang pamilyang binansagang Pamilya Dimagiba. mula ng makumpirmang positibo sa Covid-19 sina Mama at Papa samantalang kami naman ng kapatid ko ay nag-negatibo. Medical frontliner si Papa at nasa Treasury Office naman si Mama sa munisipyo kaya exposed sila sa virus. Abril noon nang subukin ang aming pananampalataya, katatagan, at pagtitiwala sa Maykapal. Sariwa pa sa aking alaala, kami ng kapatid ko ay nanunuod ng pelikulang "Para sa Broken Hearted" nang biglang tumawag si Papa, "Ate, may nararamdaman ba kayo? Di ba kayo hirap sa paghinga?” Nang sabihin iyon ni Papa, nagka-ideya na ako na lumabas na ang resulta ng rapid testing. Parang biglang nagslow motion ang lahat sa paligid ko. Ang unang ginawa naming magkaptid ay ang mag-dasal habang nag-uunahan ang mga luhang lumabas sa aming mga mata. Bandang alas-kwatro ng hapon nang kami ng aking kapatid at si Mama ay pina-test din. Nakakatakot, Nakakapraning. Nakakabalisa.

Iyon na yata ang pinakamatagal na kinseminuto ng buhay ko. Lumabas na ang resulta. Hindi ito isang magandang balita. Nagpositive din si Mama. Sa awa ng Diyos kaming magkapatid ay nag-negative. Gayunpaman, para kaming nawalan ng lakas. Maraming pumasok sa aming isipan. Ang daming tanong... tanong na tanging ang Diyos lamang ang nakakaalam ng sagot. Isang mabigat na desisyon ang napagpasyahan ng aking mga magulang. Minabuti nilang kami ay ilalayo muna sa kanila. Isa ito sa pinakamasakit na nangyari sa amin, lalo na sa akin dahil hindi naman ako sanay na mawalay sa kanila. Ngunit pinaliwanag ito ni Papa sa akin, “Ate, kung hindi kayo aalis sa bahay, magkakahiwalay kami ni Mama sa quarantine area. Di ko siya pwedeng hayaan doon mag-isa." Dito ko napatunayan kung gaano talaga kamahal ni Papa si Mama. Naunawaan namin si Papa kaya kami ay umalis muna ng bahay. Nakitira kami sa isang kamag-anak. Sa loob ng sasakyan ay ramdam namin ang bigat ng aming damdamin. Hindi man lang namin sila nayakap o

DISKRIMINASYON, ANG TUNAY NA KALABAN ! Gaya ng karamihang nag-positibo sa Covid, hindi rin namin naiwasan ang diskriminasyon. Para sa akin, diskriminasyon, hindi ang ubo at sipon, ang unang kalaban sa sakit na Covid-19. Nakadadag sa aming alalahanin at sakit sa kalooban ang naranasan naming diskriminsyon mula sa mga taong umiiwas sa amin. Ilang buwan din naming tiniis iyon. Hindi kami nawalan ng pag-asa. Naniniwala kami na pinaranas amin ito dahil mayroong gustong ituro at ipa-realize sa amin ang Panginoon. Kaya kami ay patuloy lamang na nagdarasal at tumatawag sa Kanya. Makalipas ang apat na araw, kami ay inilipat muli sa isa pang kamag-anak. Parang bumalik na naman kami sa nakaraan. Noon ding araw na iyon ay isinagawa ang pagswab kina Mama at Papa. Chat, text at tawag ang naging komunikasyon naming pamilya. Kumustahan at kulitan ang naging daan namin upang kahit papaano ay makalimutan namin ang problema. Sa isa’t isa na lamang kami kumukuha ng lakas para maibsan ang sakit na dulot ng diskriminasyon na aming naranasan. NEGATIBO NA SI PAPA! "Ate, sa birthday ko magkakasama sama na tayo!" Pangako ni Papa sa akin dahil ang alam namin ay 14 days lang lalabas na ang resulta ng swab test. Kaming magkapatid ay nabuhayan ng loob. Patuloy lamang kaming nagdasal at nag-antay sa mga dumadaang araw na sana ay tuluyan na ngang mag-negatibo sina Mama at Papa. May 5, lumabas na ang resulta ng rapid test nina Mama at Papa. Negatibo si Papa. Ngunit, positibo pa rin si Mama. Sa simula ay masaya kami dahil tuluyan nang nag-negatibo si Papa. Pinapasalamat pa rin namin ito sa Panginoon. Sa kabila nito, nandoon pa rin ang aming panlulumo dahil sa kalagayan ng aming Mama. Nakakalungkot dahil hindi kami magsasama sama sa birthday ni Papa. MULING POSITIBO PA RIN SI MAMA! Umaga ng May 8, muling sumubok si Mama sa rapid test. Kinabukasan ng araw na iyon ay Mother's Day. Pinagdasal namin na bilang regalo sa aming Mama na sana

ay mag-negatibo na ito sa test. Kami ay patuloy na nagdadasal sa Panginoon. Patuloy na humihingi ng kagalingan at lakas upang malampasan namin ito lahat. Nakakalungkot ang resulta. Muling nagpositibo si Mama. Nawawalan na ng pag-asa noon si Mama. Tumawag si Papa at ang sabi niya ay "Ate, patuloy lang mag-pray ha? Pagpray niyo si Mama. Positive pa din kase sa rapid e. Bigyan nawa siya ng lakas at tibay ng puso't isip." Hindi ko na mapigilang umiyak. Muli akong tumawag kay Lord at naalala ko yung kantang "Evidence". Sabi sa kanta: "The atmosphere is changing now, for the spirit of the Lord is here. The evidence is all around, that the spirit of the Lord is here. A miracle can happen now." Paulit-ulit kong kinanta ang awiting ito. Isinapuso ang bawat salita habang humingi ng milagro sa Diyos.Ilang saglit lamang, nakailang tawag sa akin si Papa para sabihing lumabas na ang resulta ng swab test ni Mama. Masaya nitong binalita na negative na ang resulta ng test ni Mama. TULUYAN NANG NAG-NEGATIBO SINA MAMA AT PAPA! Makalipas ang tatlong araw, lumabas na ang result ni Papa sa Swab test.

Kumpirmadong pareho na silang negatibo ni Mama sa Covid 19. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman kong kasiyahan ng mga panahong iyon. Sobrang saya ko, Sobrang nakakamangha. Sa kabila ng lahat, kami pa rin ay pinagpapala. Matapos naming malaman ang magandang balita, gustong-gusto na agad namin umuwi ng kapatid ko. Gusto na naming makasama at mayakap ang aming mga magulang. Nagsabi si Papa na tatlong araw na na lamang ay susunduin na niya kami. Lilinisin at aayusin muna raw nila ang aming bahay. HOME SWEET HOME NA ANG PAMILYA PACIA! May 16, tumawag si Papa, "Ate mag-ayos na kayo, susunduin ko na kayo." Sobra kaming excited. Niligpit lahat ng gamit. Nag-ayos ng sarili. Kumain ng mabilisan. Maya't maya pa may bumusina sa labas ng bahay ng aming kamag-anak. "Ate, si Papa yan!" excited na sabi ng kapatid ko. Sabi ko sa kapatid ko, tatawag si Papa kapag andiyan na. Pero mali pala ako. Pagkabukas pa lang ng gate ay tumakbo na kami papalapit kay Papa. Nayakap na din namin siya sa wakas. Iba yung pakiramdam. Sobrang saya. Nag-iyakan kami. Labis naming na-miss ang isa't isa. Excited na rin kaming makita si Mama. Matapos ang 26 days na nawalay kami kina Mama at Papa, 26 days na hindi namin sila nakita at nakasama, sa wakas masasabi na namin na "We're home!" SA PANGINOON KAMI NANINDIGAN Ang dumating na pagsubok sa aming pamilya ang isa sa mga karanasan na hanggang ngayon ay pinagpapasalamat ko sa Panginoon. Simula ng nangyari ito sa amin, mas lalong tumibay ang aming samahan. Mas nagtiwala kami sa isa't isa. At mas nalaman namin kung gaano ka-importante ang pamilya kesa sa anumang bagay. Dito natuto kaming makisama sa iba at natutong tumayo mag-isa. Ibinigay sa amin itong pagsubok na ito hindi para kami ay bumigay, kundi para kami ay mas magmahalan at maging mas matibay. Kaya sa mga taong dumadanas ng ganitong problema o kahit ano pa yan, LABAN LANG! Kayang kaya niyo yan! At wag magpapadala sa kung ano man ang sasabihin ng iba. Oo, maraming tututol, maraming manlalait, maraming diskriminasyon kang papagdaanan, pero sa bandang huli masasabi at mapapatunayan mo din yan sa sarili mo na, "Ay kaya ko naman pala, nalampasan ko na siya!" At ang pinakaimportante ay patuloy lang na manalig at magtiwala sa Panginoon! Pamilya Dimagiba, totoong di magigiba kapag ang Panginoon ang pundasyon.

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he COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting lockdowns to contain the disease, including the Philippines, has inflicted a “brutal blow” on the growing “sharing economy”.

Lockdowns and quarantines have reduced people mobility and traffic has started plunging. More so, when strict implementation of enhanced community quarantine began in the “second season” of the lockdown in April, Filipinos frequent visits to markets and groceries had become less often. In effect, the newfound habit of ordering food online or through mobile apps has started to become the best alternative for many. While most Filipinos stayed at home during the ongoing lockdown, other business minded individuals saw an opportunity to sell products online. One of them is a student from URS Antipolo Campus who ventured on online selling when she realized that she wants to earn an extra income during her long vacation due to Covid pandemic. She is Xyla P. De Guzman, an incoming 3rd Year student of Bachelor of

Secondary Education major in Filipino. Xyla started her online business two months ago. Initially, she sells cell phone cases as her main product which she posted in her Facebook Page. Later on she ventured on selling dresses, t-shirts, shorts and other products which she ordered from Divisoria. "Na-realize ko na since pandemic, kaysa puro kalokohan ang mga i-post at i-share ko bakit hindi ko gawing makabuluhan at pagkakitaan yung arawaraw na pag-online ko," Xyla shared. Xyla said that she became motivated to enter in online business after her Grade 12 friend encourage her to invest in online selling while she is still young. "Habang bata pa, gumawa na ng paraan para kumita," Xyla pointed out. For Xyla, the 10 to 20 pesos of profit from her online selling is already a huge opportunity to raise money for her family in the surge of COVID-19. As of now, she is saving her income to buy a laptop and a printer in preparation to upcoming classes. Xyla is also aware of the risk of infection among online sellers when they have to meet their customers. "Para sa akin, nakikita ko ang

pandemyang ito bilang isang problema and at the same time opportunity. Problema kase as a online seller prone kami na mahawa ng sakit lalo na at hindi namin masyadong kilala kung sino yung mga nag-oorder sa amin,” she said. Despite this, Xyla is well aware on how she can protect herself from being infected. Besides this, she is taking advantage of the opportunity for her earn extra income when many have lost their jobs during the pandemic. She explained, “Hindi namin alam kung safe ba kami everytime na magdedeliver kami kaya dapat doble ingat kapag magdedeliver na. Opportunity din kase sa gantong panahon ay medyo malaki talaga yung kikitain ng mga seller at mas safe and convenient para sa mga customer namin kase hindi na nila kailangang mamasahe ng mahal para lang mabili yung kailangan at gusto nila." Like Xyla, being a young entrepreneur, responds positively in time of crisis. Instead of proliferating hate and doing nonsense posts in the social media, she utilized this platform for her to earn and help her family and be prepared in the upcoming classes under the “new normal.

BY Krizia O. Española

56 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

utting makeup is already a skill. May it just be an everyday makeup, the “no-makeup-makeuplook”, more so, in glam makeup? But this 21-yearold 3rd year student in University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus, puts on his creative makeup transformations as if he is eating a piece of cake.

Jayson Dela Cruz, a student from the College of Education, set another record after he was featured and televised GMA 7’s magazine program, AHA!, last April 11, 2021. “Everytime na gumagawa o nakakatapos ako ng isang creative look sobrang saya ko dahil feeling ko nababawasan yung stress and anxiety,” he shared in the said program. Before this, last March 2, The Philippine Star Community first noticed him when the said news media featured him for his artworks made during the implementation of the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jayson Dela Cruz, also known as Jay to his family and friends, has been

the talk of the town recently as he was featured in one of the most prestigious Online Newspaper, Philippine Star. His innate talent in drawing drew the attention of many netizens as he shares his photos on Facebook and in different Facebook groups such as Guhit Pinas. One time, when he shared one of his looks “Waterfall Paradise” in the said Facebook group, one journalist from Philippine Star, Janelle Pusta Lorzano noticed Dela Cruz’s work and left him a comment. And the rest, as they say, is history. The post has 5.4k likes, 120 comments, and 100 shares as of this writing. During his younger days, he remembers drawing some gowns and dresses. He mentions that his childhood dream is to become a fashion designer. “Back in my Elementary days, ‘yun po talaga ang lagi kong dino-drawing. Mga damit-damit, ganyan. Mga gown!” he shared. Aside from his innate skills in arts and drawing, his exposure to the arts also influenced him to be artistic. “My family’s livelihood is in line with arts. My parents used to create artistic figurines and they sell them for a living,” Dela Cruz shared. He soon discovered makeup in 2005. He first did not see it as a way of art, but to improve a person’s beauty. He learned putting makeup by himself, buying less expensive makeup and tools, and trying it on to his face. He eventually tried putting makeup on someone else and this improved his skill along with watching

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makeup tutorials on YouTube. Art is his way to release his stress as well as anxiety. And because of YouTube, Jayson discovered makeup gurus locally and internationally. Michelle Dy and Rai Contawi are his local influences while James Charles, Patrick Starr, and Danny Mara Creatives are his international influences and inspirations. Dela Cruz is still exploring techniques and always searching for the latest trends in makeup, specifically in creative makeup. “Art is not limited. This is the art form that is inevitable. I love it because this art form is freestyle. I want to explore more of it,” Jayson said as I interviewed him after the Philippine Star news came out. Jayson is currently taking up a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English. And when he was asked if he will ever have time to make more of this creative makeup despite the busy schedule “I will always find the time. This is my stress reliever, eh. This is also one of my passions. It gives me my personal space to practice and explore. And as a teacher in the future, I will share my knowledge and skills with my future students,” Jayson said. Finally, he gave a piece of advice to aspiring artists: “Continue your passion. Kung saan ka kumportable, doon ka. Hayaan mo ang sinasabi ng iba na ‘Kakaiba ba yan?’ It is your passion that will push you to move forward. Plus, of course, circle yourself with supportive, positive people.”

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Masaya na ako kapag nakikita ko silang mayroong natutunan. Kahit matanda na ako ay inaakyat ko ang bundok na ito upang marating ko lamang ang paaralan ng Canumay. Mahirap lamang ang pamumuhay na mayroon ang mga magulang ng mga bata kung kaya naman ay nais ng mga guro na nade-destino rito na sana ay matulungan silang maabot ang kanilang mgapangarap.” Mula sa malayong lugar sa Antipolo ay matatagpuan ang Canumay National Highchool kung saan nagtuturo si Sir Ruben Dela Cruz. Siya ay tubong Sta. Cruz, Laguna ngunit kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Sitio Hinapao. Siya ay nagtapos sa kursong Bachelor of Secondary Education-Major in Filipino. Kasalukuyang tinatapos niya ang kaniyang thesis sa FEU Roosevelet CAINTA Campus. Sa edad na 63 anyos, patuloy na pinagsisilbihan ni Sir Ruben ang mga magaaral ng Canumay. Katnayan pa niyan ay siyam na taon na siyang nagtuturo rito mula pa noong 2012. Sa edad ni Sir Ruben, dapat nagpapahinga na siya o kaya naman ay hindi na natatrabaho. Ngunit simula ng ma-destino siya sa Canumay, nakita niya kung gaano kahrap ang buhay ng mga mag-aaral doon. Karamihan sa mga

mag-aaral ni Sir Ruben ay mga Dumagat. Bagaman mababakas sa mga mukha ng mga mag-aaral ang hirap maglakad ng halos isang kilometro ay makikita naman ang mga interes nila na matuto. Ang Canumay National Highschool ay matatagpuan sa San Ysiro. Ilan sa mga mag-aaral dito ay hindi mismo naninirahan sa Sitio Canumay. Dahil nag-iisang high school ito sa buong San Ysiro, may mga mag-aaral pa na galing sa Tayabasan, Casunugan, at Libis. Wala pang konkretong kalsada ang lugar na ito noon. Ang mga mag-aaral na galing sa Libis ay kinakailangan pa na maglakadng napakalayo marating lamang ang Canumay National Highschool. Kalbaryo sa mga mag-aaral ang pagpasok kapag tag-ulan. Maputik ang daan kung kaya’t kinakailangan ng mga mag-aaral na gumising ng madaling-araw upang makapasok ng maaga sa eskwela.

Wala ring mga konkretong tulay ang lugar na ito kung kaya naman kapag tag-ulan ay bumabaha ang mga ilog na tinatawid ng mga mag-aaral. Pagsasaka ang pangunahing ikinabubuhay ng mga naninirahan dito. Dahil sa hirap ng lugar na ito ay bihira ang mga gurong tumatagal sa lugar na tulad ng Canumay. Hindi katulad ni Sir Ruben na umabot na siya sa siyam na taon na nagtuturo sa mga mag-aaral ng Canumay National Highschool. Ang katulad ni Sir Ruben ay bihira na lamang sa larangan ng pagtuturo na bumabagtas ng ilog at bundok makapaghatid lamang ng kaalaman sa mga magaaral. Upang marating ang paaralang ito, kinakailangan na sa madaling araw ng Lunes ay paahon na sa Canumay ang mga guro at kapag Biyernes ng tanghali ay kinakailangan nang bumaba ng bundok upang umuwi sa kani-kanilang mga tahanan. Si Sir Ruben ay tumatawid sa mga bahang ilog at umaakyat sa mga matatarik na bundok lalo na kapag tagulan dahil sira ang mga kalsada dulot ng landslide. Sa edad na 63 anyos, malakas pa rin ang pangangatawan at matatas pa rin mag-isip si Sir Ruben. Isa siya sa mahuhusay na guro sa Filipino. Dahil sa sipag at tiyaga ni sir Ruben na umahon sa Canumay upang magturo ay nakilala ang kaniyang dedikasyon. Bilang isang guro, si Sir Ruben ay naniniwalang wala sa edad ang pagtuturo. Aniya, “Kung ang pagkatuto ay wala sa edad, gayun rin naman sa pagtuturo,” Hindi matatawaran ang mga sakripisyo ng isang guro kapag ang iniisip ay ang kapakanan ng isang mag-aaral. Ang paniniwalang “ang mga guro ay siyangpangalawang magulang sa loob ngpaaralan” ay pinatunayan ng mga guro ng Canumay na malaki ang ambag nila sa pag-unlad ng mga mag-aaral dito. Sa tagal ng taon na pagtuturo ni Sir Ruben sa Canumay ay mayroon na siyang mga mag-aaral na nakapagtapos. Bunga sila ng pagsisikap ng mga guro. Walang madulas na putik ang magpipinid sa kaniyang pag-akyat sa bundok at ipagpalit ang kaginhawaan sa siyudad. Dahil para kay Sir Ruben, sa bawat matatarik na bundok at malayong lakarin ay may mga mag-aaral na naghihintay sa paaralan upang matuto lamang. Hindi niya matitiis na sila ay talikdan.

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Walang isinilang na talunan, walang isinilang na walang saysay ang buhay. Bawat isa ay binigyan ng kalayaang pumili sa buhay, binibigyan ngoportunidad. Ang oras ng bawat isa ay pare-parehas, walang nauuna, walang nakalalamang.” Iyan ang pinaniniwalaan ng isang motivational speaker at life coach na si Honorato Masaquel Jocson. Sa kaniyang karanasan bilang speaker sa iba’t ibang larangan ay napatunayan niya sa kaniyang sarili ang kaniyang saysay sa buhay. Si Honorato Jocson o mas kilalang Honnie Jocson ay 56 taong gulang. Sa kaniyang 40 taong karanasan bilang motiavational speaker at life coach mas lalo pa niyang naunawan ang ang kahalagahan ng buhay ng bawat isa. “Noong ako’y bata pa mulat na ko sa bawat senaryo, pahina, at detalye ng aking buhay. 16 taong gulang pa lang ako noon ay naranasan ko nang maging lider ng iba’t ibangorganisasyon,” wika nito. Murang edad pa lamang ay talagang kakikitaan na ng katangian ng isang lider si Honorato ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya, kung kaya’t hindi na kataka-taka na ngayon ay naranasan na rin nitong maging founder ng mga

organisasyon, naging minister , at napili bilang Consultant of Antipolo City Governement taong 2010 hangang taon 2013. Ibang-iba ang buhay niya noong kabataan pa lamang niya. Naranasan nitong mambato ng bubong ng kapitbahay para lamang bigyan siya ng kaniyang magulang ng perang pambaon upang makapasok sa eskwelahan at resulta ng kagustuhan niyang makatapos sa pagaaral ay humanap siya ng diskarte upang makamit ito. Sa kaniyang pagsisikap, nagtapos siya sa isang Christian school kung saan di kalaunan ay naging Pastor. Manunulat at negosyante rin si Honorato Jocson. Nakapaglimbag na ito ng kaniyang sariling mga awitin. Nagbunga naman ang lahat ng ito nang may mag-prodyus ng kaniyang sariling album. Kinikilala rin siya ng kaniyang mga kaibigan bilang “King of Acronym” dahil karamihan sa kaniyang mga ideya ay nakasulat sa acronym na may iba’tibang malalalim na kahulugan. Sa loob ng 40 taon na kaniyang karanasan sa buhay ay nalaman niya ang kaniyang saysay sa buhay. Noong ika17 ng Setyembre taong 2020, ginawaran si Honorato Jocson ng Honoris Causa sa Doctor in Philosophy major in Humanities. Paliwanag niya, “Ito ay isa sa resulta ng aking

“Sa buhay ng bawat isa ay talaga namang darating tayo sa panahon ng pagkalugmok at pagsuko, ngunit lagi natin tatandaan ang ating dahilan upang bumangon at magpatuloy.” karanasan sa buhay. Sa paniniwala kong ang bawat buhay ay may saysay, kung mayoportunidad na binigay ay ‘wag matakot na sumubok. Matalo man paniguradong may matututunan.” Sa buhay ng bawat isa ay talaga namang darating tayo sa panahon ng pagkalugmok at pagsuko, ngunit lagi natin tatandaan ang ating dahilan upang bumangon at magpatuloy. Si Honorato Jocson ay isang patunay na kung paniniwalaan mo na may saysay ang buhay mo at malaman mo ang kahalagahan nito ay hindi imposibleng maabot ang mga pangarap upang maging maunladsa buhay.

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ng kapansanan ay hindi kawalan ng kakayahan. Maaaring may kapansanan ang isang tao ngunit hindi ito hadlang sa pag-aaral, pakikipag-kaibigan, at magawa rin ang mga bagay na nagagawa ng isang normal na tao. Isa lamang ito sa mga pinatunayan ni Keith Jafet Valenzuela o mas kilala na “Abeng”. Siya ay labinganim na taong gulang, bunso sa apat na magkakapatid, at kasalukuyang nakatira sa Villa Leyva 2 Barangay Sta. Cruz. Alas-singko pa lamang ng umaga inaayos niya na ang kaniyang sarili upang mag-jogging. Kilala na siya sa kaniyang lugar sapagkat mahilig siya makipagkaibigan. Isinasama rin siya ng kaniyang ama na tricycle driver paminsanminsan sa pagba-biyahe kaya kilala na rin siya ng mga driver at ibang todas’. Si “Abeng” ay kilala sa pagiging masiyahin at palakaibigan. Kasalukuyan siyang nag-aaral sa Bagong Nayon 1 Elementary School na may SPEd na nabibilang sa transition 1 kung saan tinuturuan silang gumawa ng mga bagay na para sa kanilang ikabubuhay, tulad ng pagluluto, paglalaba at paglilinis.

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Siya ay sobrang responsableng anak,“tuwing hapon, dali-dali niya akong papainumin ng gamot para sa aking maintenace sa highblood, maalalahanin at mapagmahal siyang anak,” pagmamalaking wika ng kaniyang ina. Taon-taon nakakukuha siya ng mga award sa kaniyang paaralan. Ilan na nga rito ay ang Most Neat at Most

“Ang mga may down syndrome ay kakikitaan ng pagkaantala sa pagunlad ng pisikal at mental. Si Jafet ay patunay na ang mga taong may kapansanan ay di kawalan ng kakayahan.”

Friendly. Minsan na rin siyang sumali sa pageant para sa mga espesyal na tulad niya. Sa patimpalak na ito ay nanalo siya bilang Mr. Photogenic sa dalawang magkasunod na taon. Nang magkaroon ng pandemya at ipinatupad ang lock down nahirapan din siya ngunit hindi siya lumabas sapagkat batid niya ang panganib na mayroon sa labas. Oktubre nang magsimula ang online class para sa mga magaaral na tulad niya. Gaya ng mga normal na mag-aaral nahirapan din sila ng kaniyang ina na tumutulong sa kaniya sa pag-aaral sa bagong sistema ng edukasyon. Ngunit kakikitaan pa rin ng dedikasyon at kagustuhang matuto si Abeng. Ang mga may down syndrome ay kakikitaan ng pagkaantala sa pag-unlad ng pisikal at mental. Si Jafet ay patunay na ang mga taong may kapansanan ay di kawalan ng kakayahan. May kapansantan man si Jafet, labis naman ang pagmamahal na binibigay sakaniya ng mga taong nasa paligid niya. Ang mga taong tulad ni Jafet ay patunay na kaya rin nilang magmahal at matuto. Sila ay dapat alalayan din ng pagmamahal, pagtanggap, at pagtitiwala. Na sila ay mahalaga at kaya rin nilang mamuhay tulad ng mga normal na tao.

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Hindi naman siya kape, pero parang daig pa niya ang 3 in 1 na kape”. “Strikto pero magaan katrabaho”. “Matulungin, may sense of humor, humble at tatay ng lahat.” These are the praises that describe the man of today’s spotlight, who embodies the spirit of true servant leadership, Mr. Fermin Bactadan Estoesta or commonly called “Cher Fermin”. He is a 50-year old man and currently working as a Principal at Rechab Academy Incorporated. He was born in La Union and currently living with his wife, Mrs. Irma Estoesta, and their only son, Fermus Estoesta. He spent his college days at Saint Paul College of Vigan, Ilocos Sur., where he attained BS in Secondary Education Major in Math and Minor in English. At his young age, he already experienced having different jobs just to support his own study. Basically, because of financial problems, he became a working student from his first year in college until he graduated. Behind his success and achievements that he has today, he faced different obstacles and challenges in life. He once worked as a photocopier,

“He once worked as a photocopier, machine operator, construction worker, baker, bartender, pig butcher, driver, mailer, and office staff. With all of these experiences, Sr. Fermin used to serve other people rather than to be served.” machine operator, construction worker, baker, bartender, pig butcher, driver, mailer, and office staff. With all of these experiences, Sr. Fermin used to serve other people rather than to be served. These persona he manifests are still on his blood when he decided to practice his profession as a teacher. He teaches for 12 years in public schools, 2 years in China, and 10 years in private school. It is no wonder why there are many people who know him well.

In his own little way, he has been influential to young minds in a positive way. He is often described not just a principal but as well as a father, friend, adviser, and good husband. According to his colleagues, he is not perfect but he is one of a kind principal. There are times he gives pressure and challenges toward his people under his leadership, yet it pushes them to be at their best. More so, he appears as a leader who serves his people. There are times he used to help and guide their school maintenance and staff without any hesitation. As he often says, “Live to teach for God’s glory”, and this covers being a good role model to other people. Adhering such, offering his life to God and in educating children to become global Christian leader are some of his goals, that reflects his character as a leader. Sr. Fermin is one of the living proofs that anyone has the capability to become a good leader in their own way. Now that the world is surrounded by negativities, why not bring positive vibes and be part of the solution? Just like what Sr. Fermin is doing. As for him, being a leader is more than the uniform and the position one has. “True leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders,” he remarked.

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ng kasabihan ng karamihan, “ Hindi mo kasalanan kung ikaw ay ipinanganak na mahirap ngunit kasalanan mo na kung mamamatay kang mahirap.”

Lahat naman siguro tayo ay naghahangad na makaangat sa buhay. Subalit kung minsan sadyang mapag-biro ang tadhana. Susubukin ka nito kung hanggang saan aabot angpagtitiyaga at kakayahan mo na abutin ang pangarap mo na makatungtong sa maginhawang buhay. Si G. Rannie Fontanilla ay isang guro, entrepreneur, at nagmamay-ari ng mga bahay sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Rizal. Siya ay isinilang sa Dagupan, Pangasinan at kasalukuyang naninirahan dito sa Antipolo, Rizal. Sa murang edad, kinamulatan na niya ang kahirapan. Gaya ng karamihan, humantong din na umabot ang pamilya nila sa kakapusan sa puntong hindi na sila kayang pag-aralin ng kanilang mga magulang. Ngunit taliwas sa kaniyang paniniwala, ang akalang magandang oportunidad sa Maynila ay siyang kabalintunaan naman ng kaniyang naranasan. Kwento ni G. Rannie, “dumating sa puntong naranasan ko ang magtulak

ng kariton, mangolekta ng diyarto, bote, magbenta ng balot hanggang sa makapagtapos ako ng elementarya. Naging ‘taktak boy’ din ako para matustusan ang pag-aaral ko sa sekondarya at nang ako ay tumungtong ng kolehiyo, nagtrabaho ako bilang service crew sa Jollibee at Pizza Hut na talagang napakalaking tulong saking pag-aaral at patuloy na magsisilbinginspirasyon sa aking propesyon bilang guro na huhubog sa pag-asa ng bayan.” Dahil sa kaniyang pagsisikap ay nakamit niya ang pangarap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Nakapagsimula siyang magturo sa Pleasant Mount School sa Antipolo. Subalit ika nga, ang buhay ay hindi nakahinto sa taas lamang. Ito at patuloy na umiikot upang tayo ay subukin at patatagin. Isa sa kaibigan niya ang nagpakilala sa kaniya sa isang networking business na kung saan ay mas nagbigay sa kaniya ng mas malaking oportunidad upang siya ay umasenso sa buhay. “Ito na ang simula ng pag-asenso ko sa buhay” salitang kanyang tinuran at pinanghawakan. Hindi naglaon, ang kaniyang buhay ay unti-unting nagbago at nagbunga. Sa kabila ng kaginhawaang kaniyang tinatamasa, alam niyang dapat niya ring dapat ibalik ito sa iba pang

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nangangailangan. “Kuya Rannie” ang nakasanayang bansag sa kaniya ng lahat dito sa amin. Tumutulong siya sa nakararami atnakapag-bibigay ng trabaho. Isa sa mga kaniyang natulungan ay ang aking ama na isang foreman. Napakabuti niya dahil ang mga biyayang dumadating sa kaniya ay biyaya rin para sa amin at sa lahat ng kaniyang mga natutulungan. Kaya naman noong 2010 nakapagpatayo siya ng 3-storey na bahay sa Antipolo, at mayroon ding rest house sa Pangasinan. Sumunod rito ay ang isa pang 3-storey na bagong bahay sa Taytay at 2-storey sa Sun Valley Edgewood. Nakapagpundar din siya ng bagong sasakyan.Sa kabila ng mga pag-subok na kaniyang pinagdaanan, tibay at determinasyon ang kaniyang naging puhunan para maabot ang inaasam na buhay at dahil sa hirap, siya ay nagsikap at umangat because?

“Siya ay nagtiyaga matamo lamang ang ina-asam niyang buhay.”

ng pagiging isang ina ay walang pinipiling kasarian, estado sa buhay, at maging sa edad ng isang indibidwal dahil ang pagiging isang ina ay isang tungkulin na hindi mapapantayan ng sinuman. Walang materyal na bagay ang maglalarawan sa dakilang tungkulin na ginampanan niya sa buhay ng isang tao dahil sa bawat yugto ng buhay, ang ina ang laging nandiyan upang gumabay.

Ngunit paano kung sa murang edad pa lamang ay naranasan mo na ang maging isang ina dahil bilang isang panganay ikaw na rin ang nagsilbing nanay sa iyong mga kapatid? Panganay na Nanay... Ito ay kwento ni Angelica Deborde, 18 taong gulang, panganay sa limang magkakapatid. Kung halos ang karamihan sa kaniyang mga kaedaran ay abala sa pagsasagot ng module, si Angelica naman ay abala kung paano bubuhayin ang kaniyang mga kapatid. Nasa kolehiyo na sana ngayon si Angelica, ngunit dala ng hirap ng kaniyang responsibilidad mas pinili muna niya ang maging ina ng kanilang munting tahanan. Bata pa lamang siya ay naranasan na niya ang kahirapan dahil tanging ang kanyang ina lang ang sumusuporta sa kanilang magkakapatid. Sa kabila nito, hindi iyon naging hadlang upang silang magkakapatid ay hindi magpatuloy sa pag-aaral kahit na wala ang presensya at

tulong ng kanyang ama. Bata pa lamang silang magkakapatid ay hindi na nila nakapiling ang kanilang ama dahil ito ay nasa kulungan. Taong 2019, dumating ang isang dagok sa kanilang pamilya. Sa edad na 36, namayapa ang kanilang ina dahil sa sakit na goiter na matagal na rin nitong iniinda. Matapos ang masalimuot na pangyayari sa buhay nila, ang ilan sa kanilang mga kaanak ay nagnais na kupkupin silang magkakapatid ngunit kapalit nito ay kailangan nilang maghiwa-hiwalay na magkakapatid. Hindi niya nais na maghiwa-hiwalay silang magkakapatid dahil ang huling bilin sa kaniya ng kanyang ina bago ito pumanaw aysama-sama lang silang magkakapatid. Ang pangakong ito ang kaniyang pinanghahawakan kaya siya ay nagsusumikap. Maaga siyang namroblema sa pera na sa halip ay dapat pag-aaral lang ang iniisip niya. Bilang panganay, namasukan siya bilang isang tindera sa isang ukayukay

upang may ipandagdag sa pang-araw araw nilang pangangailan sa bahay. Hindi ito naging sapat sa kanilang limang magkakapatid kahit pa nakakatanggap sila ng konting tulong mula sa kanilang mga tiyo at tiya. Kaya, patuloy pa rin siyang naghahanap ng kitang sasapat sa kanila. Noong tinanong ko siya kung ano ang kanyang nararamdaman na sa murang edad niya ay may obligasyon na agad siya, pangiting sagot niya sa akin na “lahat naman tayo ay magkakaroon ng obligasyon siguro sa amin ay napaaga lang pero ayos lang kasi mas nagpupursigi kami para sa obligasyon namin ngayon.” Nakita ko sa kaniya ang katangian ng isang ina na pinipiling maging positibo samaraming pagkakataon. Muli ko siyang tinanong kung ano ang kaniyang iniisip upag mas magpursigi na magtrabaho. Pabirong tugon niya sa akin, “para hindi sila (ang kaniyang mga kapatid) magutom.” Kahit na pabiro niya itong sinabi, alam kong may malalim itong ibig sabihin. Sa kanyang huling sambit na “lahat naman kayang gawin, kung gugustuhin mo” simpleng salita ngunit napakaramingibig ipakahulugan. Napatunayan niya na sa kabila ng murang edad ay kinakaya niyang maging isang ate, kapatid, at lalo’t higitang pagiging isang nanay sa kaniyang mga kapatid.

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ng paglilingkod at pamumuno para sa bayan ang isa sa pinakamahalagang gampanin ng isang may katungkulan. Ang isang tao na namumuno sa isang lugar ay kinakailangang may sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan na gawin ng tama ang kanyang responsibilidad para sa kanyang nasasakupan. Ang isang tao na namumuno sa isang lugar ay kailangang tapat rin sa kanyang kapwa, sa tungkulin at sa kanyang nasasakupan, at higit sa lahat ay dapat maaasahan sa oras ng pangangailangan. Isa sa nagpatunay ng mga ito ay si Chairman Jose Amilla o mas kilala sa tawag na chairman “Otte”, na isang pinuno sa Sitio Puting Bato II Brgy San Luis Antipolo City. Sa edad na 61 ay patuloy niyang ginagampanan ang kanyang responsibilidad para sa kanyang mga nasasakupan. Si G. Jose Amilla ay ipinanganak noong 1959, may asawa, at may anim naanak. Bago mamuno sa kanilang lugar, abala si G. Amilla sa pagtitinda ng gulayna kanilang pinagkukunan ng pang-arawaraw na pangangailangan. Hindi naglaon ay pinasok rin niya ang pagtatrabaho sa isang quarrying site. Hanggang sa lumipas ang panahon

at naglakihan na ang mga anak niya at dumating na rin sa punto na nagkakaedad na ay dito na rin siya naging OIC sa kanilang barangay. Ayon sa kanya ay hindi niya iprinisinta ang kanyang sarili na maging lider sa kanilang lugar. Siya ay kusang pinili.“Mahirap magprisenta na gusto mong maging chairman. Natatakot akong magkaroon ng maraming pagkakamali at maging kahihiyan lamang sa aking mga nasasakupan,” paliwanang niya. Bagaman di niya ninais na tumakbo bilang isang lider ngunit ang mga tao ay patuloy na pinalakas ang kaniyang loob at nagtiwala sa kakayahan niya sa kung ano ang maaari niyang maitulong para sa kanilang lugar. Mahigit isang taon pa lamang siya sa pagiging lider mula noong 2020 nang siya ay mamuno.

“Bagaman baguhan pa lamang siya sa larangan ito, hindi maitatanggi na mayroon na siyang naitulong sa kanyang lugar.”

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Bagaman baguhan pa lamang siya sa larangan ito, hindi maitatanggi na mayroon na siyang naitulong sa kanyang lugar. Ang ilan nga sa mga nagawa niya ay ang pagpapaayos ng tulay sa kanilang lugar upang hindi ito tuluyang masira ng baha. Gayundin sa pagreresolba ng mga reklamong inihaharap sa kanya tulad ng tunggalian sa mga lupa at hindi pagkakasundo sa ilang mga bagay. Aminado siya na mahirap ang kaniyang trabaho noong una sapagkat marami agad ang nagpupunta sa kanya para magreklamo. Kapag ito ay hindi naidadaan sa maayos na pag-uusap, ang mga nagrereklamo ay iniaakyat na sa nakatataas sa barangay. Sa ngayon ay iilan na lamang ang mga nagpupunta sa kanya para magreklamo at hindi na katulad ng dati. Sa kasalukuyan ay patuloy pa rin niyang sinisikap na magawa ang kaniyang makakaya upang matugunan at masolusyunan ang problema ng kaniyang mga nasasakupan. Siya ang isa mga nagpatunay na hindi mo kailangan ipilit ang sarili mo na makilala ng tao upang malaman kung anong magagawa mo, bagkus ang mga tao na mismo ang pipili sayo dahil nakilala ka nila sa totoong kakayahan mo na makapagbigay ng pag-asa para sa kapwa.

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WORKING MOM AT HOME by MARJORIE M. EMBALSADO

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indi lang lalaki ang kayang magtrabaho at bumuhay ng pamilya,” tugon ni Michelle nang siya’y aking makapanayam at tanungin ang kanyang opinyon tungkol sa mga working mom na tulad niya.

Si Michelle Villaluz ay simpleng maybahay ngunit madiskarte sa buhay. Kahit nasa bahay lamang siya ay nagagawa niyang makatulong sa kanyang asawa na kumita ng pera. Isa lamang si Michelle sa maraming ina at asawa na madiskarte sa buhay. Dahil pagdating sa pagiging asawa, kapatid, anak at higit sa lahat ang maging isang magulang ay hindi isang birong posisyon o gampanin na di gaya ng sa isang kumpanya na kapag hindi mo na gusto o hindi mo na kayang gawin ay pwede kang mag-resign o umalis. Sa madaling salita, hindi ito tulad ng trabaho lang na kung ayaw mo na ang iyong kasama ay pwede mong iwan. “Hindi madali ang maging isang multitask mother pero kung sa ganitong paraan mo lang magagawang tulungan ang pamilya mo, bakit hindi,” turan ni Michelle. Bukod sa isang pagiging butihing maybahay ay kailangan niya rin asikasuhin ang sari—sari store at ang mga alagang hayop na kanilang pinagkakakitaan. “Sabihin na nating mahirap gawin na kung minsan maiisip mong, ay nagawa ko palang ipagsabay ang mga gawaing ito. Hindi mo namamalayan at nakasanayan mo na lalo’t ito ang paraan para makatulong ka sa partner mo,” dagdag pa ni Michelle. Dahil para sa kanya, malaking bagay ang pagtutulungan ng mag-asawa lalo na sa pandemyang nararanasan natin ngayon. “Hindi kailangang lumabas ka ng bahay para lang makatulong sa kanya, maraming paraan katulad na lang ng pagnenegosyo na maliit man sa

“Hindi madali ang maging isang multitask mother pero kung sa ganitong paraan mo lang magagawang tulungan ang pamilya mo, bakit hindi.” umpisa at least sinubukan mo kung paano makagawa ng paraan na makatulong. Masaya at nakakatuwang gawin ang mga bagay na alam mong kasayahan ng iba ang magiging kapalit nito, life is too short ika nga nila,” banggit nito. Sa pagmamahal hindi lang dapat ikaw ang nagbibigay dapat “give and take” ika nga nila, kasi partner kayo at dapat pantay maging sa respeto, sa responsibildad, sa pang-unawa at syempre maging sa gastos. Paano pa matatawag na pantay kung ikaw lang ang nagbibigay? Kaya naman ang pagiging isang ina ay hindi biro. Ina ka na, asawa ka pa at nariyan ka palagi para sumuporta sa mga gastusin sa bahay. Katulad ni Michelle, hindi naging hadlang ang pandemya upang tugunan ang pangangailangan ng pamilya. Tunay ngang si Michelle ay isang “working mom at home.”

HERSTORY OF A MOTHERRED WIFE

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by JEREMY LOBRICO is palms pressing against my throat: I could feel my esophagus closing. I clawed my fingers at his hands uselessly and recycled my last breath to scream for help. His mind grew hazy over jealousy. I tried to pull him back firmly by grabbing the scruff at the back of his neck. I did not think of dying. All I know is I need to live for my son,” Ibeng stressed while holding back her tears sharing that horror in her life. Elvie, 35, most commonly known as “Ibeng” in their community, is a victim of battered wife syndrome. Battered wife syndrome has been defined in different ways historically, but according to the 8th edition of Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, it is defined as, “repeated episodes of physical assault on a woman by the person with whom she lives or with whom she has a relationship, often resulting in serious physical and psychological damage to the woman. . .” At the blossoming age of 19, she already experienced abuse at the hands of her intimate partner while pregnant with their child, EJ. She was beaten to a pulp whenever her husband was drunk and high on drugs. Night after night, after her man goes home from gambling, she used to show up immediately to his face before he gets heated. At that very moment, when they were about to go to bed, she tried to comfort him with a hug. He threw off her arm and said with venom in his voice, “There are two loaded

guns in the house and I am going to blow your ugly head off!” narrated Ibeng. She already knew that this was a red flag, yet she stayed because she convinced herself that help would not work or no one would believe them, otherwise. These repeated assaults (battering) begin to change how she thinks about herself and life leading to a state of learned helplessness – wherein she believes that no matter what she does, the battering will not stop. Women suffering from battered woman syndrome often believe that the abuse is their fault and that they deserve to be assaulted. In many cases, it is why women do not report their abuse to police or avoid telling friends and family what is really going on. In her case, abuse occurs in cycles all over the years. However, she is torn between wanting to have a complete family for their child’s sake and getting away with the castigating hands of her husband. She tried to run numerous times, but she was being chased. Until one day, she found the perfect chance to escape using the ticket given by her acquaintance, who is at that time looking for a “katulong”. She packed all her things at top speed and called her sibling to fetch his son, but she was caught off guard. Her husband almost rift the ticket off she was holding, but she promptly snatched it. To cover-up her true plan: to break away chains and begin life without him, she offered apocryphal promises full of lies. It wasn’t over yet, but, scared for her life and the life of her son, she finally found the courage to make the first step towards freedom. Fortunately, this was just a story of her past that she feels would never

happen again now that she has a loving husband and two sons. She may not be a popular person, but she wants her voice to leave a significant mark on every woman who experiences the same. Wiping off her tears, she highlighted that all her horrors of being a motherred wife will now remain just a herstory.

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GNG. CORA, ANG GURONG TINITINGALA

“B

by JANICE ORIENTE

ilang isang guro, dapat ay laging isapuso ang pagiging makatao,” payo ni Gng. Corazon Obar o kung tawagin ay Ma’am Cora, 78 taong gulang na isinilang noong panahon ng World War II. Nagtapos siya ng elementarya sa San Francisco Elementary School, sekondarya sa La Union National High School, San Fernando, La Union at sa kolehiyo noong 1964 sa Baguio Technical and Commercial College (ngayon ay tinatawag ng University of Baguio). Pagkalaon ay pinagpatuloy niya ang pag-aaral at nagtapos sa kursong Bachelor of Science Elementary Education. Sa loob ng 37 taon ay nagsilbi siyang guro sa San Francisco Elementary School bilang Teacher III. Kwento ni Gng. Cora, naging mahirap ang kanilang buhay noong siya ay bata pa sapagkat ipinanganak siya sa panahon na kung saan nakikipaglaban ang ating mga ninuno para sa kalayaan ng ating bansa. “Lagi akong itinatago ng aking mga

magulang sa mga liblib na lugar upang makaligtas lamang sa mga kalaban,” kwento niya. Dagdag pa nito, ang kaniyang ama ay isang sundalo. “Lagi kaming nasa bundok nagtatago, hinihintay kung uuwi pa bang buhay ang aming ama galing sa digmaan,” aniya. Noong siya ay dalaga pa lamang at nag-aaral sa kolehiyo, isang malungkot na pangyayari ang naganap sa kaniyang buhay. Ito ay noong namuhay na lamang siyang mag-isa matapos na yumao ang kaniyang mga magulang. Nag-iisang anak lamang siya. Wala siyang makapitan. Sa kabila nito, hindi siya pinanghinaan ng loob kahit siya ay ulila na. Ang kalungkutang kaniyang naranasan ay hindi naging hadlang upang ipagpatuloy niya ang pag-aaral bilang iskolar. Dahil nga ang kanyang ama ay isang sundalo, ang scholarship na nakuha niya ang kaniyang ginamit upang siya ay makapagtapos sa kursong elementary education. Lumipas ang panahon, si Gng. Cora ay nakapagasawa ngunit hindi pinalad na magkaroon ng anak. Itunuon na lamang niya ang sarili sa pagtuturo at magsilbi sa mga kabataang nangangailangan ng sapat na

edukasyon. Nagturo siya sa malalayong lugar. Binagtas ang mga ilog at umakyat sa mga bundok upang makapag-hatid ng karunungan sa kaniyang mga mag-aaral. Mayroon siyang naging anak-anakan na lalaki. “Noong bata pa lamang siya ay ipinamigay na siya ng kanyang mga magulang sa amin. Binihisan, pinakain at pinag-aral ko siya hanggang sa nagtapos sa kursong economics,” kwento ni Gng. Cora. Itinuring na rin siyang parang tunay na ina nito kahit hindi legal ang pagkakaampon niya rito. Hindi lamang ang kaniyang palaki ang kaniyang natulungan. Nang siya ay lumipat na sa San Francisco Elementary School ay kinupkop niya ang mga batang nagmumula pa sa malayong lugar. Pinag-aral niya ang mga ito, binigyan ng libreng pagkain at pinatira sa kanilang bahay hanggang sa ang mga batang iyon ay unti-unti na ring nagtapos sa sekondarya. Nakapagtapos din siya ng isa na ring guro at isang nurse kahit hindi niya kaano-ano ang mga ito. “Kailangan kong tumulong sapagkat nakita ko kung paano ang buhay na mayroon sila noong ako ay nagtuturo pa sa kanilang lugar, itinuring ko silang mga tunay na anak, masaya akong mayroon akong natutulungan ganun din naman na napapsaya nila ako tuwing sila’y kasama ko.” wika ni Gng. Corazon. Si Gng. Corazon ang patunay na ang pagiging guro ay hindi lamang basta nagtuturo sa loob ng paaralan kung hindi ang pagiging guro ay isang pagkakataon upang makatulong sa mga nangangailangan, nagbabahagi hindi lamang ng katalinuhan kung hindi maging ang mga biyayang nakakamit mula sa Panginoon upang mas maraming makikinabang sa mga biyayang natatanggap. Ang buhay ni Gng. Cora ay nagpapaalala sa ating lahat na siya ay hindi lamang guro, isa rin siyang ina na ang tanging hangad ay ang matagumpay na buhay para sa mga itinuturing niyang anak.

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URSAC’s NANAY:

Food for the body, heart, mind, and soul

ood is not just what the students’ need, but a food served with a smile that comforts us from within.

As you walk around the busy area of the canteen, you may hear lots of sounds and voices. You may hear someone complaining, some who are giggling, laughing, singing, talking, shouting and you may also hear the sounds of spoon and fork hitting one’s plate. On the right corner of the canteen, you will eventually hear someone calling you out by saying, “Anak? Anong sa’yo, ‘Nak?”. She is Teresita De Leon, 61 years old, known as the “Nanay” of URSAC students. Nanay Teresita is one of the tenants in URSAC Canteen. She started her business at URSAC in 2015; from selling waffles inside the COE building until they managed to have a little space outside to start their eatery. She is known to be kind, helpful and caring by her family and customers (students). Nanay believes that she has the duty to help students by providing them budgetfriendly yet quality foods. She gives much value to the quality, nutrients and cleanliness of the food that she cooks and serves because she knows that this is one of the primary sources of energy, of which the students need for their day-to-day works. Most importantly, she treats her customers well; serving with a genuine smile and soft tone of voice. Everyone faces different challenges in life. It is difficult to distinguish who carries burdens and those who do not. Thus, we should always be mindful of how we are going to treat other people. Like Nanay Teresita, we should be kind and gentle to everyone; and be able to give comfort in any way possible. It is really amazing how Nanay manages to provide food that gives energy to the body, touches the heart, inspires the mind and moves the soul of students.

by JHOANA PAULA MENDOZA

FEATURE

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VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

SaPAT na Edukasyon hatid ni Teacher PAT by NANGELINE DELA CRUZ

eacher Pat, sa pangalang ‘yan mas kilala ng mga mag-aaral niya si Patricia Joy Osera. Siya ay nagtapos noong 2019 sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines ng kursong Bachelor of Business Teacher Education Major in Technology and Livelihood Education.

Si Teacher Pat ay nasa ikalawang taon na ng kanyang pagtuturo bilang isang guro. Sa kanyang unang taon ng pagseserbisyo at pagbibigay ng kaalaman, siya ay nagturo sa isang pribadong paaralan sa siyudad ng Antipolo habang nadarama ang halu-halong emosyon dahil narin sa natupad na niya ang kanyang matagal ng pangarap. “It is a mixed feelings, lalo noong first year ako sa profession. I really do enjoyed and I’m really eager and overwhelmed to do all the tasks. To really exert effort on the simple activities na gagamitin ng mga students ko.” Bata pa lamang ay nais na ni Patricia na maging isang guro at kalauna’y umusbong ang kanyang masidhing kagustuhan na makapagturo sa malalayong lugar, lalo na ang ating mga kabataang hindi nakapag-aaral at mga katutubo. Buo ang paniniwala ni Teacher Pat

na kung bibigyang pansin ang mga magaaral na nasa malalayong lugar, katulad ng mga nasa kabundukan ay mahuhubog ang kanilang naitatagong kahusayan at kakayahan. Isa rin ang nabanggit sa mga pinaghuhugutan ni Teacher Pat kung bakit labis niyang ninanais na maging isang guro sa kabundukan at makapaghatid ng inspirasyon at pagbabago sa mga kabataan na nandoon. Ani pa niya, “I really want to be a remote teacher dahil mas nakikita ko ang pangangailangan ng mga taong nasa malalayong lugar, lalo na sa mga kabundukan dahil hirap sila sa access sa pag-aaral.” “Ninais ko talaga na makapagturo sa bundok or maging mobile teacher kasi tingin ko ayun yung mas kailangan bigyan-pansin, gusto ko maging equalizer na hindi lang lahat ng magagaling ay nasa urban,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa kasalukuyan, si Teacher Pat ay tumutulong at nagtuturo sa kabundukan ng Canumay sa tribo ng mga kababayan nating Dumagat. Nag-umpisa siyang mag-boluntaryong magturo noong nagkaroon ng lockdown dahil sa pandemyang dulot ng COVID-19, dahil nadama niya ang pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral na nasa kabundukan. Isa sa mga mabigat na rason kung bakit patuloy parin si Teacher Pat sa pagtuturo sa mga mag-aaral sa kabundukan ay dahil sa mga tao na naninirahan dito. Ayon sa kanya, ang mga naninirahan sa bundok ng Canumay ay sobra ang pagpapahalaga sa mga guro. Pinasasalamatan nila ang mga maliliit hanggang sa malalaking bagay na ginagawa ng ibang tao para sa kanila, lalo na ang mga itinuturo sa kanilang mga bagong kaalaman.

Lubos din ang respeto na ibinibigay sa kanya at sa mga kapwa niya nagtuturo roon, at makikita din ang labis nilang pagpapahalaga sa pag-aaral. Sa kabila ng mga kagustuhan ni Teacher Pat na maibigay ang lahat nang pinakamahusay na mga bagay para sa kanyang mga mag-aaral sa kabundukan ay may iilang pagsubok siya na kinaharap sa pagtuturo. Isa sa pinakamalaking hamon sa kanya ay ang paghahati ng oras. Siya ay isang guro sa siyudad kung saan maraming gawain at trabaho siyang dapat tapusin at gampanan. Ngunit, kahit na ganoon sinisikap ni Teacher Pat na paglaanan nang sapat na panahon ang kanyang mga katutubong mag-aaral. “Yung problem sa time, masosolve kung gaano ka ka-willing magturo sa bundok pero dahil nga gusto ko magturo sa bundok pinipilit ko na matapos mga trabaho ko, responsibility sa bahay, sa community pati yung extra job ko on time,” sabi pa niya. Mayroon din siyang responsibilidad sa kanilang tahanan bilang ‘bread winner’ at maging sa komunidad. Gayunpaman, lahat ng ito’y kanyang nalampasan at ginawan ng paraan upang maka-akyat at makapagturo sa bundok. Dinagdag niya rin, “Dahil volunteer ako walang nagsusupply ng mga needs ko sa bundok tulad ng pangkain at budget sa pag-akyat sa bundok pero nasosolve siya because of the will of God.” Para kay Teacher Pat, ang kagustuhan at determinasyon niya na makapagturo

sa bundok ang nagiging panlaban niya sa mga pagsubok na pilit na humahadlang sa kanya na makapag-bahagi ng kaalaman. Kahit na gaano siya kaabala ay gumagawa siya ng pamamaraan upang sundin ang kanyang kagustuhang makapagturo sa bundok. Giit pa niya, “Kahit busy at pagod ako, gumagawa ako ng paraan kasi napapawi ang pagod ko kasi yung kasiyahan ng puso ko ay nakukuha ko sa pagtuturo, so bakit ako titigil di ba?” Ang mga karanasan ni Teacher Pat sa pagtuturo sa bundok ay nakatulong sa kanya bilang isang guro. Lalo siyang nagsikap na gawin ang lahat sa abot ng kanyang makakaya sa pagtuturo, sapagkat naniniwala siya na hindi lamang pag-iisip ang hinuhubog ng isang guro kundi pati na rin ang paguugali ng mga mag-aaral, dahil narin ang pagiging isang guro ay mayroong kalakip na malaking responsibilidad upang maimpluwensyahan nang tama atbmabuti ang iyong mag-aaral. “Yung experience na ito, narealized ko na sobrang bigat ng role ng isang teacher, hindi lang mind yung minomold ng isang guro, kundi pati na rin yung pagpapakita ng values sa iba’t ibang bagay, tulad sa pag-aaral at sa pamilya,” payo pa niya. Sinabi niya rin na, “Ang swerte natin na di natin kailangan magtrabaho habang nag-aaral kasi sa bundok para lang may pambaon sila o pantulong sa family, nagtatrabaho sila.” Ang determinasyon ni Teacher

Pat sa pagseserbisyo bilang isang guro at ang naguumapaw na kagustuhan niyang tulungan ang mga mag-aaral sa kabundukan ay masasabi nating isang katuparan ng kanyang mithiin at pangarap. Siya ay handang tumulong na walang inaasahang kapalit, dahil matatag ang paniniwala niya na ang pagiging guro ay hindi lamang isang simpleng trabaho na kapag iyong ginawa ay susuweldo ka na. Ang pagiging guro ay isang calling, hindi siya naka-angla sa pera na iyong makukuha, hindi dapat tignan kung gaano kalaki o kaliit ang suweldo. Para sa kanya, ang pagiging guro ay isang tawag ng tungkilin na dapat mong tignan,kung paano ka bilang isang guro, na magiging daan sa pagbabago ng isang mag-aaral. Pagbabagong makakaapekto hindi lamang sa kanya, kundi kasama ang mga tao sa paligid niya hanggang sa mas malaki pang hanay ng masa. Pinanindigan ni Teacher Pat na kung wala ang mga guro ay maaaring wala rin ang iba pang mga propesy on. Ang mga guro ang siyang humuhubog, hindi lamang ang kaalaman ng isang tao kundi pati na rin ng kanilang pagkatao. Kaya naman ang pagiging guro ay ang isa sa pinakamahalaga at pinagpipitagang propesyon sa ating lipunan na hindi dapat baliwalai. Hinihikayat din ni Teacher Pat ang mga taong nais magturo sa mga kababayan natin sa malalayong kabundukan na samahan sila sa isang nakapagbabagong karanasan bilang isang edukador, lalo’t higit sa mga mas nangangailangan.

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he government is making the wearing of masks a precondition for lifting lockdowns, allowing people to return to shops, offices and factories. And with any potential vaccine many months away, billions more masks are going to be needed.

Supplies of masks have run low as coronavirus spreads, and fashion houses and clothes industries are among the companies that have started making face mask to protect health workers and others as restrictions begin to ease in many places. However, there are still ordinary citizens, who, in the face of adversity, has seen the opportunity to support their basic necessities by making the highly demand face mask. One of them is Aleli Espiritu Santos, a 42-year old housewife in Brgy. Dela Paz. Before being a face mask sewer, Aleli was a line leader at CFA Company, a garment company located in Antipolo City. When she gave birth to her youngest child two years ago, she decided to quit her job, while her husband has a regular work as a security guard. Unfortunately, her husband is among those whose work was affected by the sudden retrenchment of workers due to Covid-19. Aleli thought of a way for them to survive every day. Aleli’s experience as a sewer from her previous job encouraged her to use her sewing skill to provide the needs of her

Business for good of a face mask sewer in time of COVID-19 —Rassel S. Paulo family. She has seen the “silver lining” despite the on-going pandemic. She took this as an opportunity to sew and to sell face masks because of its high demand. “Ang laking tulong ng pananahi ko ng face mask gawa ng kumikita ako ng nasa bahay habang nababantayan ko ang aking batang anak and nakakagawa pa rin ng mga gawaing bahay,”Aleli stressed. Aleli started sewing face mask since May. She is earning for about 1,500 pesos a week while taking care of her two siblings, a baby girl and a 19-year old son. She can make 50 face masks per day which are being delivered across Manila and Baclaran areas.

Aleli expressed how the pandemic affects their family. She shared, “Syempre may COVID-19, kaya limitado lahat ng galaw natin, lalo na yung pasok ng pera. Kaya bilang ina, hahanap ka talaga ng paraan para kumita at matulungan ang iyong asawa sa mga gastusin sa bahay, eto kahit papaano, nakakaraos naman, salamat sa Diyos!” As an ordinary citizen, Aleli proves how persistent and diligent the Filipinos are in facing crisis. They are two steps forward when it concerns to the needs of their family—a worthy attitude that is apparent on how Aleli supports her family amidst the pandemic.

LITERARY

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VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 74 Epidemya ng

VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 75

“SUSPENDIDO”

kahirapan

Mary Claire Pancito

Jhoana Paula Aguas Mendoza

Paglaganap ng isang pandemikong sakit Mula sa pambihirang pagkain ng mga instik Pilipinas na lubhang mapagmalasakit Ngayo'y nagngingitngit.

Hindi lingid sa kaalaman Ang katotohanan Na ang kaligtasan Ay para lang sa mayayaman May pagkain hanggang hapunan, Sariling bahay na matutuluyan, Gamit pangkalinisan, At pamilyang mauuwian Tila kami'y pinagkaitan; Kailangang makipagsapalaran Sa magulo at maruming kapaligiran Para sa kabuhayan Iyak ng Inang bayan, Kawawang mamamayan, Hindi lang virus ang kalaban, Kundi epidemya ng kahirapan.

sa Gitna ng Peligro Rej Dangcalan Dugos

Mundo’y nababalot Sa sakit kayo’y natatakot Mga paninda ay hinakot mabuti ba ang naidudulot?

"Birus" Batid ng aking mga mata Mga mata nila na kitang-kita ang bawat pangamba Pangamba na dala ng napapanahong sakuna nga ba? Sakuna nga ba matatawag ang ganitong epidemya. Epidemya na nagmula pa sa mga taga-China China! China nga ang naghasik ng virus na Corona Virus na Corona pa, oo ito ay mapanganib sa kalusugan ng bawat isa Bawat isa ramdam ang moog na lumalaganap pa Lumalaganap pa, isa, dalawa, tatlo ayun may umubo Umubo na nga nilalayuan pa Nilalayuan pa sa halip na tulungan, pandidirihan ‘diba ‘Diba! Iba na talaga ang takbo ng isip ng walang malasakit sa kapwa

Isipin ang sarili Ganun na rin ang katabi Kapakanan ng kapwa’y ‘wag isantabi Kapwa mababaw ang aking mga Pakikipagkapwa, sa sarili ay mayari. salita at pagsulat ko nitong tula Magawa mang solusiyonan ang nasabing panandaliang problema Mundo’y nasa peligro Problema na batid ko na batid mo Nasa kapahamakan ang mga tao Solusyon ay hindi ang magkagulo dito hindi natatapos ang kalbaryo kaya’t kumapit lagi na sa Ama. Pagkakaisa ang pairalin sa bawat puso.

Si Korona'y may katapat

Pearlwin Leoparte

Melissa Aquino

"KORONA" Jeremy Lobrico

Lahat ng atensyon nasa'yo, lahat ng tao nagkakagulo, Alcohol, Mask, pati saging inubos mo, Ano nga bang meron sa'yo? Sa kinang mong taglay, 'pag may sakit sila'y bibigay. Sa sobra mong ganda'y, distansya dapat sa'yo'y ibigay. Pansin mo? Lahat ng tao apektado, Lalo na yung mga di asensado, Gutom at takot dulot ng ningning mo, Kaya marapat lamang na agapan na ito.

Medikal hindi Militar! Jonel Quilar

Mga pananaw na nais sa gobyerno'y ikintal Partisipasyon, hindi rebolusyon Salitang namutawi sa labi na nais itugon. COVID-19, sumpang 'pandemic' Mga tao sa ibat-ibang panig ng mundo, nagpa-panic Bawat kilos at galaw ay kalkulado Kaunting dampi ng likido, panganib dala nito Mga klase ay kanselado Transportasyon at trabaho ay apektado Buhay ay delikado Quarantine at lockdown nais ng gobyerno

Mga mata'y nakatuon sa kanya Para siyang artista sa mga balita Ngunit bakit tila mga tao'y balisa? Ang bawat isa'y puno ng takot at pangamba Ako'y labis na nagtaka kaya nagtanong sa iba Isang virus pala ang sikat sa loob at labas ng bansa Covid-19 kung tawagin nila Kumitil sa buhay ng hindi lamang isa kung 'di marami na Ngunit teka, bakit tila nagsisisihan pa? Bakas ang galit ng iba China raw ang tunay na may sala Kailangan bang may sisihin pa?

Marami ang sinisisi ay ang Pangulo Lalo sa pagsarado ng mga negosyo Nawalan ng mailalaman sa kaldero Sikmura, sa gutom panigurado kukulo. Ngayon mga estudyante Nasiyahan sa pagsuspende ng klase Ngunit sa internet talakayan ay itinuloy Tuloy sila ngayon ay nananaghoy. Kung ang Japan ay disiplinado Pilipino naman ay puro reklamo Sana mawakasan na ang sakit na ito Pagkat maraming tao ang nasasakripisyo, lalo baon mo apektado.

KUNG HINDI Alvin A. Molina

Mga ala-alang hindi mawaglit Mga pangarap na ating binuo Magiging dahilan ba nang pagsuko? Tayo ay may iba ibang pagtingin Iba iba rin ang ating layunin Ngunit huwag sana natin ihinto Upang pangarap ay magkatotoo.

Isang paalala ang nais ipabatid sa madla Pagtutulungan at kooperasyon ng bawat isa Ang Diyos ang dapat maging sikat Katulad ng dati nating hiling, Sa paskong dadating, Siya dapat ang kumalat Kaya't Covid-19 hindi na lalaganap Sana’y tayo’y pagbuklodin ng ligaya at pananamampalataya, sa lahat Sapagkat Diyos lamang ang kanyang Upang kahit na pandemya, Ang bayan natin ay sumaya. katapat.

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Kung Hindi Alvin A. Molina

Tahimik ang paligid, ako'y nagtataka Nakabibingi ang katahimikan, mga pintua'y nakasara "Ano bang mayroon sa labas?", tanong ng isipan kung kaya't humakbang ako't nagmasid mula sa likuran. Bakit mga tao'y nagkakagulo at sa parmasya'y nakapila? Bakit may takip ang mga mukha't

may alcohol sa tuwina? Bawat tao'y may distansiya, mga sundalo'y naninita ng mga taong ninanais sa ibang lugar magpunta. Anong klaseng sigalot ba ang tumama sa aming tahanan? Apektado ang mayayaman, pati na ang mga walang tirahan Epidemya ka ba na dulot ay kaunlaran? Dahil kung hindi, maaari mo nang lisanin ang aming bayan.

GobyerNO Paghuhukom SA Tsina Rachelle Guinto

Ako ay nagtataka, puso ko'y nangangamba Laman ka ng balita, gabi man o umaga Hirap na kaming itago ang takot mong dala Bagsik mong hatid na di maipagkakaila Sa paraan mo pa lang nang pagkitil ng buhay Ikaw ay maituturing na ekspertong tunay Walang nang magawa kundi magtago sa bahay Trabaho't negosyo ng mamamayan ay damay Sigaw nang nakararami tigil na, tama na Kami ay dala nang sobra sa hatid mong pakla Ito sana ay maging aral at halimbawa Na laging humingi ng tawad sa diyos na may gawa

Cristel Norese Delos Reyes Koronang sinasakop ang sanlibutan, Yuyuko ang sinumang maningningan, Kaya sa bahay tayo ay manahan, Nang sa latigo ng sakit ay di matamaan. "May pera tayo" ani ni Digong lokal na gobyerno'y wag kilos pagong Sa mamamayan ay ibigay ang tulong Dahil ang kapos ngayon ay umaalulong Lumalaganap na pandemikong sakit, Ito ba'y adya o paraang makahigit? Nitong mga Intsik, na kapangyarihan ay nais makamit Silent nuclear upang karatig bansa'y magipit. Kaya naman pangulo ay nanahimik, Pagkat Pilipinas ay di kailan man niya masasagip.

UNOS dalangin

dukhang hindi pinalad? Ni wala man lamang ipon at pagkaing naitambak Marahil sa matinding gutom kami a'y masasadlak.

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Jessa Tapales Rolda

Bayang tahimik at mapayapa Niyanig ng takot at pangamba Biglaang pagdating ng sakuna Mula sa bagay na di mo kita

sa KRISIS Jasmin Alemania

Kailan ba ito magwawakas? Mayroon na nga ba itong lunas? Sapat na nga ba ang nalalaman? Upang makontrol at maiwasan

Sa aking isip, ikaw lang ang nag-iisa, Tumigin man kahit saan, ikaw ang nakikita. Sa telebisyon, radyo, social media, at iba pa, Isa ka na ngang pandemya.

Panibagong digmaan, na kailangan harapin Pagkakaisa ng lahat, kailangan pairalin Panukala ng gobyerno, dapat lamang sundin Dahil ito ay siguradong, makabubuti sa atin

Labis na nga ang pangamba na iyong hatid sa amin, Mahirap ipaliwanag ang aming nasa damdamin. Sa panahong ito ikaw ay talagang katangi tangi, Sana naman ito na ang huli at wag ng maulit muli.

Ngunit sa bawat pagsubok na haharapin Hindi sapat ang ikaw, o kayo lang Paniniwala pa rin at dalangin Ang kailangan upang maligtas ang sangkatauhan.

Kaya’t sa araw-araw laman ka ng aking mga dasal. Ingatan nawa tayo ng Poong Maykapal. Di ako magsasawang iusal, Buklurin nawa tayo ng kanyang pagmamahal.

Baka lang naman po Lemuel Lopez Jabagat

Takot at pangamba ang sa bawat isa'y bumabalot Sa hindi inaasahang nakamamatay na salot Kung tawagin ay COVID-19 na siyang nagdudulot Malawakang pagkamatay na sa puso ay makirot Pagsasara ng maraming lungsod ay bali-balita Pagkansela ng mga klase't trabaho'y kapuna-puna

Ano na lamang ang kahihinatnan ng mahihirap? Kanilang hanapbuhay ay nawala ng isang iglap Isang buwang suspensyon ang kanila'y ipinatupad Paano na lamang kaming mga

gimik, ngayong pandemic Diana Jane Mortel Oropesa

Noong nabalitaan kita ako'y nangamba Takot at kaba ang unang nadama Biglang napaisip paano na ang bansa? At paano na kaming mga patuloy na umaasa? Lahat ng aspeto ay apektado Buhay ng mga manggagawa ay lubos na dehado Maging mga tambay at edukado Ay napahinto ng dahil sa sakit na ito. Walang kasiguraduhan kung kailan matatapos itong piligro.

Dibuho ni Timothy Lomeda

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HENESIS

VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 79

Jaymuel Alonzo

HENESIS, Ang ngalang sa aki’y ibinigay sapol nang ako’y isinilang Lulan pa man noo’y isa na akong alabok na mumunti kung pagmasdan higante naman ang nakaatang na pananagutan Ang maging mahusay, makisig, matipuno at kagila-gilalas na Ingat Yaman ng ating Luntiang Pamayanan At ngayo’y tangan-tangan sa aking paglalakbay ang hangaring manatili ito sa dati nitong hugis at kagandahan.

HENESIS, Sa’king pagsisimula ay hayaan niyo akong ipakilala ang aking Ina Siya, siya ang siya, ang ina ng mga ina, ang ina ng mga ama, ang ina ng bawat bata , siya ang Ina, Siya! Hindi lamang siya ilaw ng tahanan sapagkat bawat haligi niya’y yaman ng bawat isa Siya lang ang natatanging Ina, Iisa lamang siya, wala ng iba HENESIS, Pagmulat palang ng mga mata’y dama na ang init ng pagtanggap sa tahanan ng Ina Almusa’y mainit na kape at sariwang hanging alay ng mga berdeng halama’t punong mabunga Sa tanghalia’y sariwang isdang bingwit ng bangkero sa karagatan

at musikang saliw ng mga ibong mala-orkestra At sa gabi, pagtulog, habang tangan ng Ina ay tila tagapaghele ay ragasa ng kalmadong ilog at sapa

HENESIS, Kay sarap manatili sa simulang walang halong pangamba Mga Punong Matatayog na sumasayaw sa bantayog ng matabang lupa Malinaw na tubig ng karagatan, ilog at maging ng sapa Malaparaisong kagubatan na tunay na kahanga-hanga

At sa gabi, pagtulog, tila nabalot ng pangamba nang ilog at sapa’y nagbara at pag-alingasaw ng masangsang na amoy dulot ng basura. Ako si HENESIS, Ang simula at kaisa na tatapos nitong laban Instrumento ay boses nang problema’y matugunan Walang maliit na nilalang sa pagkakaisa’t pagtutulungan Oras naman nating suklian ang naging tulong ng Inang kalikasan

HENESIS, Sa malalim na pagkakatulog tila nabalot ng madilim na bangungot Kalmadong paraiso’y ng takot Mga punong bantayog ay untiunting namaluktot Kalmadong karagatan, ilog at sapa’y rumagasa ng salot

Ako si HENESIS, Ikaw, Siya, tayong lahat ang HENESIS ng Luntian nating Pamayanan Tayo ang simula sa muling pagsasaayos sa ating kalikasan at sa muli nitong pagpapayaman Tayo ang HENESIS ng kasalukuyan para sa panunumbalik ng ating Ina sa dati nitong ganda at kalakasan

HENESIS, Sa aking muling pagmulat ng mata’y tila namahay ako bigla? Almusal na kape’y pumakla at nahihirapan sa paghinga bunga ng hanging itim na usok ang binubuga Pangpang sa karagata’y puno ng patay na isda at musika sa tanghalian animo’y sirang plaka

Ito ang HENESIS at hindi pa ang wakas Kagalingan ng inang kalikasan ay tayo ang lunas Pagiging kaisa sa layunin nito’y walang katumbas Makitang panunumbalik ng kagandahan ng Luntiang Pamayana’y maisasabulalas.

BAGYO

80 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

Dyan Derla

Nagising ako sa tahimik na patak ng ulan, Na pawang sa panaginip ko lamang makakamtam, ang katahimikan... Na kahit na ang galit na kulog ay pawang musika kung iyo lamang pakakikinggan

Maraming plastic ang palutang lutang sa mga krek. Oo, ito'y dahil sa mga tao Wag na tayong mag sisihan Bagkus gawan ng paraan, na maagapan Gumising ka kaibigan...

Oh ang kalikasan, umiiyak nanaman.

Wag mo nang antaying tupukin ng apoy ang lahat ng kagubatan bago ka magising, yakapin, tunawin ng mainit na sinag ng araw lasonin, ng mga basurang palutang lutang sa mga anyong tubig lunurin... bawiin ang buhay na pinahiram lang sa atin.

Teka sandali, bumalik tayo sa nakaraan. Kung saan puno pa ng mga hayop ang kagubatan, Maraming puno ang nagtitindigan. Malinis na karagatan at tubig ulan na maaari mong pagtampisawan. Pero may mali... Alam kong may mali... Unti onting nalalason ang kagubatan Ang mga puno'y nagtutumbahan Tumataas ang tubig sa karagatan Nilalamon tayo ng kasakiman Unti onting tumataas ang tubig sa daan Ang dating kulay asul na tubig ay naging kulay putik, Umiiyak ang langit, tila nagagalit

Maaari nating simulan sa pagbabago, ng mga gawi na wala naman na idulot kundi pighati Sa maliit na paraan, pagbubulsa ng pinagkainan kung walang mahanap na tamang tapunan Sa paggamit ng mga bagay na makakabuti sa kalikasan, Simulan, sa sarili, sa loob ng tahanan, sa paaralan kahit sa simpleng pagtipa sa hawak mong telepono... Simulan... May magagawa ka kaibigan... Kailangan mo lang simulan.

KORONA Carlo Buban

Sino ang tunay na nagmamay-ari? Nang lupang tinapaka't inaglahi Nagpakasasa sa tronong Di mawari Napabayaang tunay kahariang munti

Sino ang tunay na nagmamay-ari? Wala ng oras para magsisi Lahat tayo’y may pagkukulang, pagkakamali Ito’y leksyon na Baguhin ang ating mga gawi

Balikan ang nakaraang may Dalisay na kapayapaan Tahimik na paligid ang iyong matatamasa Walang lungkot at hinagpis ang mararanasan Sa isang paraiso na nagbibigay buhay at pag-asa

Balikan ang nakaraang may Dalisay na kapayapaan Inang kalikasan Di na muling luluha Disiplina ang Punla upang magbunga ng karunungan Sa wastong pagtapon ng basura may kaakibat na pag-asa

Balikan ang nakaraang may Dalisay na kapayapaan Alon sa karagatan sumasabay sa daloy ng kasiyahan Mga punong nagtataasan kasabay ng mga pangarap Himig ng sariwang hangin, direksyong sa tamang hinaharap

Kabataan, na satin ang tunay na kapangyarihan Ang responsibilada’t tungkuling maka-kalikasan Makakamit ang tugatog ng rurok ng katagumpayan Kung gagamitin ang korona sa tama’t makabuluhan.

Nature’s Lamentation

VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 81

Miles De Leon

Can you still recall the moment I touched your skin and lovely face? The same moment when your tiny fur rises Making your body twisting like a wire My name, is Nature

How many times did humans behead my favorite trees? Mound a rubbish that creates mountains of garbage? Feed the river, sea, oceans with toxic wastes, poisoning the fishes?

Can you also remember the time when you feel my presence? The lavishing radiance that my power shrines? Making the sensation fuels the desire… Letting my light penetrate the dark…

Humans have taken me for granted! They have taken God’s creation for granted! They still have the guts to ask for food to eat, a shelter for them to live! Yet, their deed is a dominion of greed!

I also have my friends when darkness comes One is named Star that gives a sort of direction when someone is lost The other one is Moon that shows light, glaring its pure rounded shape And there is Cloud that showers us with blessings through its rain!

Humans keep on complaining, pondering about numbers of calamities The punitive winds, the inflicting flood, the unusual rains They blame me of their misfortunes! Yet, it is their negligence that bring those things to happen!

See how I make the world beautiful for humans to live I give humans food to eat, water to drink, place to live They needed me just as I need them But this only what I have thought, not for them!

I am also a Divine’s creation! Humans should be a friend to defend me from destruction Lending their hands to flee me from incarceration Of the brutality of their own action!

Humans are my stewards But what they are doing is a total destruction Treating me as a mere object created to be exploited Not as a gift from God that asked to be valued and be loved. Look! Come take a look at the Earth that God tirelessly pondered!

Humans, my friend, it is not too late even if I am now at the verge of the grave Today I may be glooming. Lamenting. But I will never loss hope! Tomorrow will be your choice between loving and destructing me As your provider, as God’s divine creation!

Remembering Expand the Horizon Our Role 82 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

of Caring

Eleazar D. Chavez

Energy is defined as the ability to do work That enables people to work day and night, all around. Later on, we feel tired and off we go for slumber How can you sleep? To think that nature is fully awake. A mother that cares for her child, A father who protects the household, A family well-established and a home to consider But a helpless nature that calls one to care. It is time to think and ponder About the things that really matter Is nature incapable of sustaining life? Or does people’s selfishness shatter the flow of life? Amidst the pandemic, nature is always at its best But we are trying to consume everything in all possible ways When is the right time to care? When will we stop being unfair? What stops you? Is it the pandemic or your will to do so? At Harvard, people fight for the

truth and wisdom At Yale, people conform to intelligence In the Philippines, we are blessed for our biodiversity But nature is waiting for an intimate act of humanity. Act now because you can, a youth of hope for Rizal The doubts of failure is present and inevitable Yet trying is not fixed but beyond immeasurable So see the magic within your care, build our home together. Perhaps nature cannot physically seek for help But through human nature, there is a sense of responsibility A demand for care for a supply of love and comfort Equilibrium, nature is in control. The language of nature is not futile to comprehend It reprimands us of our dirty deeds and greediness Hear her call: the Mother Nature’s favor Extend our care from our home to our nature.

LITERARY

Mark Anthony Trigo

Since the beginning of time… When everything was fine… When everyone was at strife… When Mother Earth’s flora and fauna were full of life…

Every creature performs a role… Like the worm that nurtures the soil… Like the tall trees’ fresh air to breathe, soothing our soul! From smallest to largest creatures… Each of us has a role! Abusing everything our world possess, Forgetting our role, to start a mess! Mother earth gave us harsh lesson to remember The raging floods, crippling earthquakes, and bushfire's scorching ember! Mother earth showed us who's in control Now tell me, do you remember our role? We are the steward in her amazing beauty Preserving, protecting, and caring for her beauty Every creature performs a role And this is, our forgotten role.

With Its endles rewards, Be Environmental Steward Vimuelle l. Baracca

Billions of years our world afloat Into a space called universe From a tiny single cell comes a little life But still a life we can tell… Time let us! Days allow us! Years have passed! And what's our response? Garbage here and everywhere Humans are ungrateful and unjust! Scattering tons of scrap for thousand years Affecting innocent animals in the forests and seas… Our ignorance, our apathy, affect not only these creatures We, human beings, are also affected by these wrongful actions! Now, nature expressed its wants to be healed from the damage of the past It is now our duty to revive what

was lost, at last! Imagine! Earth is beginning again! Bountiful rewards awaiting since then A fresh air to breath, flowers bloom on a potted soil, endless food to spare Animals receive compassion even more! Indeed, eyes with tears no words can declare! I remember when I was younger, I ask my sister "Why do you like that color" She answers "because of nature" To observe green soar… Realizing I am a steward who has a role! A role in the simplest to greatest ways I know… Food should never be wasted, for we understood how hunger goes Let us plant seeds to grow trees, and to have food in our plates!

Let us take care of our world by throwing garbage in proper place! Let us bring forth plants' sunlight, water, and comfort! For us to regain God’s blessings of bounties To feed not only our hungry stomach but also our hungry soul… Our environment is a gift. Let us take care of it! In this time of global pandemic, we only have one world to protect us! Let us take care of it! These are our roles, as we envision of hope! In every worthy living thing in the world we are living in Take account of our endless blessings… The endless rewards that our world has given us Together, let us unite and be environmental stewards!

The secret bandage Johanna Caranejo

When doors are closed No one was outside the streets filled with nothing everyone hide On that day She begin to heal Take the secret bandage And wipe your tears Day by day Her beauty starts to glow

Everyone noticed How beautiful she shows The sky went rainbows Birds flew high The cloud make arts Wind dance by

Brown soil turns green Plants started to grow Trees holding each other's root Waiting for the wind to blow

Fish freely swim Enjoying the ocean's peace Finally they claim The place that they need As she rested And now healed She took off the bandage And smile without tears.

84 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 85

Through the Lens:

Uncrumple the Crumbled Curbs of Society and Relationships

Krizia O. Española

n that 24-hour timeframe I was given to watch the nine films that were tagged as the best of the best in the Pelikultura: Calabarzon Film Fest, excitement fills me in. Watching those nine movies gives me a lot of realization and amazement in terms of the cinematography and the message the films try to imply. The impact these films give to their audience brings elevation of different cathartic experiences – grief, serenity, longingness, and endurance of an individual whatever life brings. Although the films deliver an enthralling experience, the moment the films bring you back to reality implies another level of involvement.

In movies Iskyets, Kontrolado ni Girly Ang Buhay Niya and Hindi mo Naman Ako Iiwan, Diba? tackles the hardships in life the protagonist plays. In Iskeyts, for instance, implies that not everyone who works hard succeeds in life. Christmas Day should be a joyful event in everyone’s lives.

However, in Iskeyts, Toto was held captured. How ironic it is to have someone being captured by the police with your wife and daughter in the background crying while a classic Christmas carol is being played? Kyle Rogan’s style in this scene will make the audience’s heart flutter for a second, as Mabel

weeps for his father who just bought her a pair of shoes. This is her father’s Christmas present which he earnestly bought from his rocky travail after seeing his daughter distressed by her broken shoes. In Kontrolado ni Girly Ang Buhay Niya, on the other hand,

displays a whirlwind of events as Girly, seeks a job. Gilb Baldoza’s attack on this was way too real, you can see it in the streets while sipping a Cola and smoking your cigarette. Stereotyping, harassment, and discrimination are what Girly had to experience before he can breathe freely. But as Girly finds a light at the end of the tunnel, happens another bump in the road. The perseverance of Girly to free himself from the restraints brought by the society, how he was gang-raped inside the vehicle, and how he was able to run away from it, symbolizes the fight of the LGBTQ+ community for equality and fairness to the narrow-minded society. Girly’s frailty in the first part of the story develops as he was influenced by his mother’s toughness. His mother, being a victim of marital rape, gave hope to a shaky Girly who learned how to stand and fight for his rights and eventually turned out positively. The shakiness of the film added to what the film wanted us to feel

– Girly’s restrained perspective revolving in the ever-shallow surface of the society. Lastly, the film Hindi mo Naman Ako Iiwan, Diba? narrates not only the adversities experienced being a single mother but also the hardships to have nothing and yet has to feed a tiny mouth. Another Gilb Baldoza’s masterpiece, this film leaves us a hanging question: To who is the question in the title being asked? Is it for the young mother to her estranged husband? Is it for the young mother to her mother? Is it for the child to her young mother? Or could it also be a question for the young mother to her child? The question though, Hindi Mo Naman Ako Iiwan, Diba? is a question that can be answered by us depending on how we digest the facts in the story. And as the film ends, a touching moment of the three characters, the young mother, her mother, and her child while riding a jeepney soothes down to the core of every girl’s hearts. Not because

we can relate to being a single mother but because we can feel the motherly love for her daughter and her grandchild. Something that everyone, whatever social status, wanted to have – a mother who would come over when you needed them the most. And someone who will let you lean on to her shoulders after facing rejection and simply feeling botched. Relationships between a parent and a child is another evident theme in this line-up. These films that tackle this kind of relationship gives more flicker and emotion to the audience compared to those of teeny-bopper movies we watch in the mainstream. That is also because these filmmakers injected real-life situations most of us can relate to. Which also leaves us a good cry after. It has already been touched on in one of the films Hindi Mo Naman Ako Iiwan, Diba? tackles this kind of topic. Kim Timan’s Caramel Child and Mark Billante’s Uli narrate how the longingness of a child for their parents. Both

movies narrate how different persons would do anything to get in touch with their parents, just to have a glimpse of their face, or probably just seeks some closure. The whys and the what-ifs are always on mind ready to have an answer. And once we get the answers ourselves, then we can just walk away as the main character in Uli did. Uli’s narrative of a bus vendor will make you wonder, “What are the stories of these bus vendors?” The film tells us that even a bus vendor has untold stories. Who would have thought that she ventured into selling cornicks in the bus, giving out a slip with her name on it, hoping that one day she will meet her long-lost mom who once left her alone in the market. The hopefulness of Kakay in Caramel Child reminds us that we have to thrive for our dreams to get our desires. And Kakay’s desire to see her father again reminds us that there is no age in pursuing dreams. May it be a dream to be at the top, to finish a job, to see our long-lost loved ones. Moreover, the motherdaughter relationship shown to us here is undeniably open unconditional love. The animation inserted as Kakay’s thoughts resembles her youth, and her young mind and how she creatively thinks of ways to see her father in Los Angeles, California. Similarly, it is Ralph Quijano’s Tiya Bening that will give us the fateful end we are looking for. A story of an old lady who longs for her daughter’s care in the sunset days of her life. Watching this film gives you a pat on the back, “Take care of your mom when she’s old”. And it gives us a realization that children should be the ones taking care of our parents, and

not a caregiver, or a relative. The illness and traumatic experiences of the past will continue to haunt us and weaken us, in addition to the longingness we feel living away from our loved ones. The elements of fire and water depicted in the film symbolize the life of Tiya Bening’s longingness and illness. Living with Alzheimer’s disease, living away from her daughter who lives overseas adds up to her burdens and as she wanted to release the tension brought by these, rain pours and Lenlen, the little girl in the film, consoles her and asks for forgiveness. And there’s grief. Two films that give us a different level of longingness in watching Steven Paul Evangelista’s Processions and Anj Macalanda’s Wawa. Two different stories that narrate losing someone dear to us. Wawa shows a ritual where deceased bodies have to be sent across the river by a loved one. The deafening silence of the film screaming to come out in the grieving hearts yet afraid that someone might hear it, gives us the uncertainty of life, the realism of the traditions, and the darkness of sadness. The rowing of paddles in the river of the bereaved young boy as he utters a silent prayer brings the audience to a dense but not vexing theatrical experience in addition to its marvelous cinematography and natural sound effects. Procession, on the other hand, recounts friendships, being together through thick and thin, and how they will be able to reach their destination if they keep on halting for a stop-over. The stop and go of the friends epitomize their age being an indecisive, and unsure

way of decision making. Until the end of the film, their undecisive attitude is still apparent despite the death of their friend. Bullet Dumas’ attack on the film’s soundtrack gives us the melancholic mood in between grief and alternative rock. Finally, to give something lighter, Pelikultura: The Calabarzon Film Fest offered Juan Magno Iya’s Omads and Diego Tribdino’s Dinner. These two movies suggest how life is easy if we add a little humor to it. Dinner, for instance, narrates the life of two college buddies decide what to have for dinner. The representation of the two characters, the Chicken and the Carabao, is understood as the story progresses. Chicken is one of the best-sellers of a large foodchain in the country and Carabao is the Filipino representation of the American burger patty. As though the circumstances in the story is lighter than any other film in the session, it talks a deeper justification to college students. That is, college students also are trying hard to make ends meet and that a single penny is as important as choosing where to dine out. Will they choose a fast-food, a fine restaurant, or a canteen who cooks home meals but is unsure of the quality of the food? This kind of decision making is as hard as answering a finals exam as each option may bring uncertainty of tomorrow. They may be able to eat luxuriously for tonight but leaves mouth hanging wide for tomorrow, nothing to eat. Finally, they have decided to eat instant noodles instead. Omads a comic relief to the lineup, tackles a surprising event of an MJ user. Though this film is way lighter than most of the films of the batch, it still offers number

of symbolisms in the entire film. For instance, eating the leaves of the supposedly marijuana may have a significant meaning. Who needs breakfast if we have MJ? In result of this, the character floats in a phony atmosphere, seeing mascots, moving slowly in trance, and finally realizing the Math Removals is scheduled the next day. The movie line-up presented to us by Pelikultura: Calabarzon Film Fest is an unprecedented opportunity and experience, that is why these nine films are tagged as “The Best of the Best”. It gives us numerous realizations, losing ourselves from different emotional baggage. Looking through the perspective of the lens, realism and self-assertion develop as we dig deeper into each film’s meanings. No matter how surreal or how humoristic the film is, it will continue to make our minds ponder on society’s exploitations of men, on whatever social status, gender, and background an individual may have. And as we put an end to another season of leveled up movie encounter, let these films be an avenue in helping us in uncrumple the crumbles of society’s harsh realities and our fast-paced, taken for granted relationships.

LATHALAING PANG-ISPORTS

88 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

Gintong Panahon ng Pilipinas sa Mundo ng Palakasan

inatunayan ng mga manlalarong Pilipino na hindi lang sa kantahan, sayawan, at beauty pageant mahusay ang Pinoy, na mayroon din itong ibubuga sa mundo ng palakasan at kayang makipagsabayan sa mga atleta mula sa iba’tibang panig ng daigdig, matapos na humakot ito ng mga medalya sa mga kamakailang palaro na ginanap sa labas ng bansa gaya ng Asian Games at Artistic Gymnatics World Cup. Tatlo sa mga pinakagumawa ng ingay at naging laman ng kabikabilang mga balita na manlalarong Pilipino ay sina Hidilyn Diaz sa Women’s Weightlifting, Margielyn Didal sa Women’s Skateboard-

—Ildefonso Tutor

ing, at Carlos Yulo naman sa Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (Floor Exercise). Hidilyn Diaz Muli na namang binuhat ni Hidilyn Diaz ang Pilipinas nang ibulsa nito ang unang gintong medalya ng bansa matapos na magtala ng kabuuang 112 kilogram sa snatch at clean and jerk sa Women’s 53 kilogram Weightlifting event sa nakaraang 2018 Asian Games sa Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia. Pinangunahan ng Rio Olympics Silver medalist ang hanay ng mga kababaihang kasali sa nasabing sporting event na ginanap sa Jakarta International Expo Hall A. Nauna na dito ay inamin ni Diaz na matindi ang pressure sa kanyang hanay dahil makakaharap niya ang pambato ng Thailand na si Sopita Tanasan na nanalo ng gintong medalya sa 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics sa parehong sporting event. Pero nangako naman ang 27-anyos na atleta na gagawin niya ang lahat para makapagdala ng gintong medalya para sa Pilipinas na kaniya namang nagawa matapos na iuwi niya ang Gold medal mula sa naturang weightlifting event.

Margielyn Didal Humantong sa isang gintong medalya ang ipinakita ni Margielyn Didal sa skateboarding sa nakalipas na 2018 Asian Games na ginanap sa Palembang, Indonesia. Nagtala ng kabuuang 30.4 puntos si Didal upang makuha ang Gold medal para sa Pilipinas kontra sa 25.0 na isinumite ng Silver medalist na si Kaya Isa ng Japan at 19.8 Ng pambato ng Inodonesia na si Bunga Nyimas. Wala nang mas sasaya pa sa hatid na kaligayahan ng gintong medalya para sa Women’s Street Skateboarding champion ng 2018 Asian Gmaes na si Margielyn;

VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 89

alay niya ang kanyang tagumpay sa buong bayan higit sa lahat ay para sa kanyang inang street vendor at amang karpintero. “Super happy po kasi sobrang laking tulong lalo na sa family ko at sa lahat ng skaters sa Pilipinas,” pahayag ni Didal sa ABS-CBN news. Bukod sa medalya, makatatanggap din ng aabot sa P6 milyon bilang insentibo si Didal na ayon sa kaniya ay magiging malaking tulong para sa kaniyang pamilya. "Super happy po kasi sobrang laking tulong lalo na sa family at sa lahat ng skaters sa Pilipinas," ani Didal matapos ang kaniyang laban sa Palembang, Indonesia. "Magtatayo ako ng negosyo sa para sa pamilya ko,” dagdag niya. Ipinahayag din ng atleta na nais niyang kuhanan ng pasaporte ang kaniyang magulang pagbalik nito sa bansa upang maisama niya sa mga susunod pang niyang laban. Naiuwi ni Didal ang ikaapat na gintong medalya ng Pilipinas sa Asiad, matapos igupo ang pito pang ibang kalahok sa iba't ibang panig ng Asya. Nagtala ng kabuuang 30.4 puntos si Didal kontra sa 25.0 na isinumite ng silver medalist na si Kaya Isa ng Japan at 19.8 ni Bunga Nyimas ng Indonesia. Si Didal din ang ikalimang Pilipina na tumuntong sa pinakamataas na podium sa Asian Games 2018 matapos ang matagumpay na kampanya nina Hidilyn Diaz ng weightlifting at mga golfer na sina Lois Kaye Go, Bianca Pagdanganan, at Yuka Saso. Carlos Yulo Sa kanyang pagbabalik sa makasaysayang Iconic Aspire Dome sa Doha, Qatar, nakamit ni Carlos Yulo ang bronze medal sa men’s floor exercises, sa pagtatapos ng 12th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, nitong ika-22 ng Marso 2019. Nagtala ang 19-anyos na Pilipino gymnast ng 14.266 points upang pumangatlo laban kay Alexander Shatilov ng Israel, na nagwagi ng gold sa iskor na 14.633, at Rayderley Zapata ng Spain na nakakopo ng silver na nagtala ng iskor na 14.433. Si Yulo, na kaisa-isang pambato ng Southeast Asia sa finals, ay nagtala ng 6.1 sa degree of difficulty at 8.166 sa execution. Nanguna rin siya sa qualifying round matapos makapagtala ng 14.600 puntos.

Lumahok din si Yulo sa vault pero hindi mapalad na umarangkada, nagtapos si Yulo sa 12th place sa nasabing event. Gayundin si Rey Capellan, isa rin sa atleta ng Pilipinas sa World Cup na nagtapos na pang-21. Matatandaang naging laman ng balita si Yulo noong nakaraang buwan, nang masungkit niya ang gold medal sa 2019 Melbourne World Cup. Isa sa hindi malilimutang kaganapan sa Philippine sports sa taong 2018 ang tagumpay ni Carlo “Caloy” Yulo sa World Artistic Gymnastic Championships sa Aspire Dome sa Doha Qatar Sa kasaysayan ng bansa sa sports, ang bronze medal ni Yulo sa men’s floor exercise ang kauna-unahan para sa Pinoy sa world stage ng gymnastics na dominante ng European, particular ang Russia. “Our relentless efforts and determination to grab a piece of those elusive medals in the world championships has paid off,” pahayag ni Cynthia Carrion, pangulo ng Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP). Isa namang karangalan para kay Yulo na makapagbigay ng panalo para sa bansa kung saan ay mas pinag-iigting pa niya ang kanyang bawat ensayo upang magkaroon ng kabuluhan ang kanyang paglayo sa pamilya pansamantala upang ituloy ang

training at pag-aaral sa Japan. “Masaya po ako dahil nakapagbigay po ako ng karangalan sa bansa. And natutuwa po ako dahil alam ko po na buo ang suporta ang mga sports officials natin at lalo na po ng pamilya ko,” ani Yulo. Bilang pagkilala sa naging tagumpay ni Yulo, ipinagkaloob kahapon ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) ang halagang P250,000 na insentibo sa pamamagitan ni Commissioner Celia Kiram. Kasalukuyang sinusuportahan ng PSC ang training ni Yulo sa Japan sa pamamagitan ng pagbabayad ng serbisyo ng kanyang Japanese coach. Pansamantalang umuwi ng bansa si Yulo upang makasama ang pamilya sa holiday season at babalik sa Japan upang ituloy ang training para naman sa Southeast Asian Games ngayong papasok na 2019. Pitong medalya ang ipinangako ni Carrion na makukuha ng gymnastics sa SEA Games para kay Yulo, habang target naman nila ang ginto sa 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “Sisikapin po na kayanin na kmaka gold. Sa ngayon po ang level of training ko na kasi 50% ang mga kalaban po nasa 90% na sila, Pipilitin po natin na habulin yung level nila para makasabay po,” ayon kay Yulo.

SPORTS

SPORTS FEATURE

Philippines’ Pandemic Sport Heroes 90 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 91

BY ILDEFONSO F. TUTOR, JR

ilipino sport idols Hidilyn Diaz, EJ Obiena, and Yuka Saso continue to give the country pride and honor as they bagged three individual wins in their respective sporting discipline amidst health threat posed by the Covid-19. Weightlifting: Hidilyn Diaz

Diaz, silver medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, dominated the 59kg division of the online Eleiko Email International Lifters Tournament held on July 24 and 25, after majority of actual meets had been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Olympian weightlifter had a total lift of 216kgs after submitting 95kgs in Snatch and 121kgs in Clean and Jerk, far besting Australia’s Fatima Yakubu, who had a lift of 183kgs and South Africa’s Johanni Taljaard, who finished with 188kgs in the said division. It was participated by History was made after Philippines’ bet Ernest John Obiena bagged the Bronze medal in the 2020 Monaco Diamond League on August 14 at The Louis II stadium in Monaco. Obiena cleared a season-best 5.70 meters making him the first Filipino to land on the podium in one of Europe’s prestigious athletic competition. He extended his gratitude to those who supported him through prayers, words of encouragement and staying up late to watch his performance, and promised to keep doing better and carry the flag proud. The 24-year old Obiena delivered

Golf: Yuka Saso

47 other weightlifters around the globe in the inaugural online tournament. Hidilyn stated that it was hard for her to find motivation to join and win online competition, like this one, mainly because of the current situation of the many sporting events cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic, especially the Olympics. Presently, Diaz and her team are focused and head-on to conditioning in the great preparation for snatching that elusive Olympic Gold for the Philippines.

Pole Vault: EJ Obiena

despite still groping for form after he was forced to stop training for more than a month due to the lockdown in Italy caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the numerous correcting operations he underwent with his unleveled knees, he maintained his composure. Swedish powerhouse and current world record holder (6.18 meters) Armand Duplantis won the Gold after clearing 6.00 meters. After his historic win, Obiena is now eyeing to reach a medal in the Tokyo Olympics next year alongside other Filipino athletes.

The Philippines’ Yuka Saso nailed a back-to-back Japan LPGA Tour titles after prevailing the Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament in Hokkaido, Japan on August 30. With two strokes ahead of home bet Sakura Koiwai, Saso was steady down the streatch and finished the fourth and final round with a one-under par 71 to end the tournament with 13-under par

275. The 19-year old went into ups and downs throughout the competition, with bogeys flown away. It gave the opponents chance to steal the game, but she remained compose and was able to find her bearings on the right time to regain the upper hand. Golf 5 Ladies Pro Golf Tournament, LPGA Tour is up next for the young Filipina golfer which will be staged in Gifu, Japan.

BY ILDEFONSO F. TUTOR, JR.

SPORTS

92 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

he Philippines has won a total of 10 Olympic medals, three silvers and seven bronzes since the country first participated in the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics Games.

The first medal was a bronze courtesy of swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso in the men's 200m backstroke in the 1928 edition. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz is the country's latest Olympic medalist, having won silver in the 2016 Rio Games. As of 17 May 2021, there are already eight gifted Filipino athletes that have secured a spot in the highly anticipated quadrennial meet namely: Ernest John Obiena (pole vault), Carlos Yulo (Gymnastics), Eumir Marcial (boxing), Irish Magno (boxing), Nesthy Petecio (boxing), Carlo Paalam (boxing), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), and the most recent qualifier Cris Nievarez (rowing). In the 2016 edition of the Games held in Brazil, 13 Filipino athletes made the cut. The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is looking to send at least 16 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8. To help shoulder the cost of the athletes' training, the Office of the President and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) pumped an additional P150 million. Chef de Mission to Tokyo Mariano "Nonong" Araneta said that there are still over 60 athletes scattered across different sports and disciplines like Archery, Athletics, Aquatics, Basketball, Cycling, Golf, Judo, Karate, Skateboarding, Surfing, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wrestling, and Weightlifting that are currently involved in various qualification processes and still in the running to be qualified for the 2020 Games. Beside the common faces in the Olympic journey of the Philippines like Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno, there are newbies trying to give the country pride and honor by standing in that coveted Olympic podium. Punching for the elusive Gold Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam will join national teammates Felix Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno

to the Tokyo Olympic Games in July, after they qualified for the quadrennial meet by virtue of their highest standings in their respective weight categories in the Olympic qualifying rankings. Both fighters were both gold medalists in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019. Paalam, a gold medalist in 30th SEA Games light flyweight division, is ranked No. 12 in the men’s flyweight division rankings while Petecio, a 2019 world boxing championship gold medalist, is No. 5 in the women’s featherweight ratings. The boxers moved up to No. 1 in their respective weight classes since the boxers ranked above them have already qualified to the quadrennial global sports showcase. Petecio and Paalam are now with the national boxing team that bounded to train in Thailand. The Philippines doubled its representatives to the Olympics after light flyweight Roger Ladon and flyweight Charlee Suarez saw action at the Rio Olympic Games held five years ago. With 4 Filipino boxers in the Philippine roster for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippine (ABAP) president Ricky Vargas is more than hopeful for the country's medal haul to come from the sport. "For the Philippine pride and glory, the next immediate target is a medal or medals in Tokyo this July. It will not be easy, but we believe it is within reach," said Vargas in the 2020 Philippines Sportswriters Association (PSA) virtual awards. Filipino fighters have accounted for two of the three silver medals the country has won in the Olympics from featherweight Anthony Villanueva and light flyweight Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco in the 1964 Tokyo and 1996 Atlanta editions, respectively, of the Summer Games. Marcial qualified for the men’s middleweight class (75 kg), Magno in the women’s flyweight (52 kg), Petecio in the women’s featherweight (57 kg), and Paalam in the men’s flyweight class (52kg). Row, Row, Row Our Boat The Philippines has found its eighth 2020 Tokyo Olympian in 20-year-old Filipino rower Cris Nievarez. Nievarez becomes the first Filipino rower to qualify for the Olympics since Benjie Tolentino in the 2000 Summer

Olympics. He secured a Tokyo 2020 Olympics by virtue of continental qualification regattas, where 5 national Olympic committees (NOCs) will be awarded a slot in the quadrennial meet. World Rowing confirmed that the 20-year-old rower qualified for the men's single sculls (M1x) despite the Philippines ranking 9th in the qualification system. The Antimonan, Quezon-native, initially failed to crack the Top 5 that will take him to the Tokyo Games, but with the Olympic rule stating that each country could only join two out of four rowing events in the Olympics, other countries chose to forego the Men’s Single Scull Event, paving the way for Nievarez’s Olympic entry. Jump high with the first to qualify EJ Obiena secured his maiden Olympics berth after he cleared 5.81m and surpassed the Olympic standard of 5.80m in the Pole Vault qualifying event of the biggest quadrennial sporting event last September 2019 in Chiari, Italy. 'I didn't know I'm the first Filipino. That just changed my world. I take pride in that,' says pole vault star Obiena. When the Thomasian athlete achieved the Olympic standard, he wasn't aware that he was actually the first Filipino to qualify for the 2020 Summer games. "When I jumped 5.81, I didn't know. I knew I'm in, but I didn't know I'm the first Filipino [to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics]," admitted Obiena. "That just changed my world. I take pride in that, and I hope I can reach their expectations as well. It's a little bit of pressure, but that's what I do, that's what I like. That feeling that I need to do something," he added. Obiena reset his own Philippine record in the men's pole vault for the third time this year after clearing 5.81m. "My goal is Tokyo. I'm not hiding that," said the 24-year-old Obiena, who's ramping up his Olympic bid with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez also pledging financial support. Before the Olympics, Obiena competed series of major international games where he won several medals for the country.

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VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 93

NBA: Basketball’s role on Racism talk

BY ILDEFONSO F. TUTOR, JR.

lack Lives Matter. The famous National Basketball Association or NBA logo was stenciled alongside by this striking phrase on the bubble polished courts protected from the threat of coronavirus at Florida resort for this year’s edition of the massive basketball league.

Well-known surnames of NBA superstars on jerseys and other prized products sold to fans around the world were also replaced by activist slogans: “Justice Now‟, “Respect Us‟, and “Love Us.‟ These actions taken by the league was inspired by the shocking death of George Floyd, a 46-year old imposing Black Texan of over 6ft 8in who was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and three other officers. With all of these happenings, one clear message is already echoing loudly in the empty and silent stands— the NBA wants to talk about what has been called the America’s Original Sin - Racism. Of all sports, basketball is arguably the most obvious venue for an unvarnished conversation on Racism. Gregg Popovich, the respected San Antonio Spurs coach visualizes Race as the “elephant in the room in our country” – very evident but people refuses to recognize it. Also, in the US, two-thirds of those who tuned in during 20162017 season on US television were non-white and belong to the ethnic minority fans.

It would be hard to argue that there has not been any progress. It was also presented that the arc of basketball history has bent toward a bit more justice since the 1920’s when black athletes were forced to stay in segregated hotels while travelling through the American South. Moreover, in the 1980’s when white players were paid $26,000 more on average than the black ballers, despite poorer performances on the court. The league says it will embrace the conversation head-on this time. But will it be any different than in the past and will it make a difference? Black players have always been aware of this thin line that separates them from a life of professional success and a far different fate. Some young black men’s conceive that achieving success is highly possible through sports, especially when they grew up poor and with few opportunities. But let us face the truth that a black man’s success does not change how the world views him– that’s just the reality of the highlydivided humanity.

Three-quarters of players in the NBA are black, but only one of the 30 teams has a black majority owner, Michael Jordan of the Charlotte Hornets and there were only six black general manager. Nevertheless, today, Black players have far greater power and command greater respect as public figures. Currently, the top five NBA players in the world are black that will make a collective $192 million on salaries alone over 2019-2020. This is the realization that the rest of the country has been waking up in 2020 and the NBA says it wants to bring it into further focus. However, it’s not a surprise that some of the rich, white, largely Republican team owners would oppose the “Black Lives Matter‟ mantra that put hurdles up their ways and personal business and political intentions. In the end, basketball, as one of the major sports played today mainly for entertainment, can best reflect the realities of our current era. The slogan stenciled beside the NBA logo is a great reminder that the lives of so many of the men performing feats of athleticism are black ones and they matter not just on the court.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

94 VOYAGE | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

IMMUNOBOOSTER TIPS

Defend your Immune Defense BY ILDEFONSO F. TUTOR

cross the globe, the spread of COVID-19 continues to cause disease, death and disruption. It has pushed even the most advanced health systems to the brink.

In our own little ways, we should maintain our body fit and strong, for our immune system to sustain its fight against harmful and foreign organisms including the deadly Corona Virus. There are many ways to improve our immune defense. Having adequate sleep, regular exercise, good hygiene, and complete nutrition, are the four basic ways to keep our immunity in full and head-on operation. In finding enjoyable activities, you will need to have more physical activities. Since you’re having fun, you will keep coming back for more. Below is a list of 10 activities that will get your heart pumping and add a bit of fun into your schedule at the same time: 1. Walking/running games Going for a walk or a jog is an easy and accessible type of exercise. Some suggested a daily 20- 30 minute walk that is already making your body fell well and slowing back into shape. 2. Dance party It’ll only take about eight songs for you to get your 30 minutes in, so make sure you choose your best bangers to get your heart beat up and get moving.

5. Hula hoop Hula hooping was a bit of fun as a kid, but as an adult it can be a serious workout. Grab a hoop and work that abs. 6. Deep clean Getting your house and yard in tip-top shape can be good for your body. Pick a job and get moving!

9. Active games night Games night doesn’t have to mean you’ll be sitting around a board game all night. Work some active games into your fun, like Twister, charades or salad bowl, or play an active video or VR game.

10. Bike riding Bikes are some of the best active fun you can have outside, and kids 7. Learn a musical instrument know it. Start off slow on an easy Depending on the instrument, bike path, and as you grow your playing music can be a beneficial confidence you can graduate to form of physical activity. According heart rate raising hills or even off3. Build your own workout to 8700.com.au, playing guitar If getting to a gym class, or road trails. burns almost as many kilojoules paying for one, is putting you off After all, this is only one guide as weightlifting, while playing the working out, don’t worry – you for you to ensure that you body’s drums or playing in a marching can get the same benefits from a immune system would be strong band use significant amounts of home workout. Happier workouts, and be able to fight against energy. or build your own routine of microbes which causes various individual exercises. 8. Boxercise diseases. Let us support each other Boxercise is a great cardio 4. Take the stairs to stay safe, healthy and well with An oldy but a goody, taking the workout inspired by the workouts that it will help all countries to save of pro-boxers. Boxercise is a great stairs instead of an escalator or lives and minimize impact. It is way to get fit and strong and even lift is great for working the major important to note that maintaining muscle groups in the legs and gluts. let out your daily frustrations, a balance diet, having enough You can do the activity into every without having to actually play the sleep, and practicing good hygiene contact sport. day by taking the stairs whenever are complimentary in achieving a they are an option. healthy body.

OYAGE VOL. 4, ISSUE 1

MAGAZINE

garbim says... The “Mask” has become, Underwear for Your Face. The permanent smile it has replaced. The nose and the mouth are now; Very private parts to endow. (Fibby Bob Kinney)

Editorial Board school year 2020-2021

RASSEL S. PAULO & ILDEFONSO F. TUTOR JR. Editors-in-Chief OWELYN O. ALDAYA, Cristopher Cogal, MILES DE LEON, kIMBERLY ANN HERMOSurA, MARGIE MARINAY, ALVIN MOLINA, JAMILA FAY REMEDIO Senior Writers Melissa D. Aquino, Maribelle O. Broncat John Kenneth D.P Bea, Krizia O. Espanola Lemuel L. Jabagat Junior Writers TIMOTHY LOMEDA Chief Graphic Illustrator/Cartoonist AARON ANGELO BRUSAS Graphic Illustrator/Cartoonist DANIEL LUIS VALENTINO Chief Photojournalist jessica yape Assistant Chief Photojournalst RASSEL S. PAULO Chief Layout Editor MHAEY ANJEOLA YANTO Layout Artist NORBERTO M. NATAÑO Adviser

Rogel Aco Editor-in-Chief RASSEL PAULO ILDEFONSO TUTOR JR. Associate Editors Shaina Estrebor Managing Editor JEFFERSON NARRA (ENG.) CLARISA APITAN (FIL.) News and Sports Editors OWELYN ALDAYA Devcomm Editor

he hardest secret for people to keep is their opinion.

Cristopher Cogal Literary and Feature Editor JOHN ARVIN FERNANDEZ Chief Photojournalist TIMOTHY LOMEDA Graphic Illustrators/Cartoonists RASSEL PAULO Layout Artist STAFF WRITERS MARK ROY DE GUZMAN DANIEL LUIS VALENTINO MARGIE MARINAY THEA MITZI PACIA JAY TUSCANO JULUIS MARAVILLA ROBERT SECUYA NORBERTO M. NATAÑO Adviser DR. DANILO M. PASCUAL Campus Director

OYAGE MAGAZINE