VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 1 August - September 2023
The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12
The Cut That Always Bleeds
Amplifying Loyalty: A Decade and a Half of Pure Service and Unfailing Commitment
UNO-Rians reconnect through General Assembly AZRINAZ AZIL DE LA CRUZ
REUNITING HEARTS. Gleeful cheers and roars filled the four corners of the University Gymnasium as the Senior High School department gathered for the General Assembly, last September 4. The event kicked off as it formally welcomed the new Grade 11 students for the Academic Year 2023-2024, that was immediately proceeded with an invocation by Mr. Ernesto Aninacion, Jr. and presentation of Vision and Mission by Tuman Dell Arte and the singing of “Long Live” by the selected
students. Mr. Harry S. Magluyan then formally opened the program with his opening remarks that was soon followed with a roll call of the SHS faculty and staff together with the Pamilya Rekoleto officers. Joys and cheers followed as the Performing Arts Club pioneered the opening production and each strand presented their respective intermission numbers, in which they showcased their talents of singing and dancing. In between the intermissions, the introduction of the
participants of Sine Negrense: the Pagsibol and Tulumanon production were also presented. Ms. Joy Borcelas, the SHS Academic Coordinator, formally closed the program, with her closing remarks. This General Assembly formally marked the first meet up of student body this school year 2023 2024. This event highlighted and showcased the learners’ passion for excellence both in academics and nonacademics.
Rekoleto Week fetes learning, welcomes A.Y. 20232024 ROJEAN MARIE AREVALO, JERI MAE TERRY, JAZMINE TRAFIERO, & JOHN PATRICK SERUT
RIPENING PAGES. Grades 11 and 12 students flocked each corner of the campus with fervor as the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Senior High School department opened its gates last August 7, launching the Academic Year 20232024 with Rekoleto Week. Members of the Performing Arts Club, Student Discipline Officers, and Student Affairs Organization welcomed UNORians upon entry with warm hearts through their astonishing Flash Mob performance,
2 NEWS guidance of learners to their designated classrooms, and gleeful greetings throughout the department. Day one also featured a brief gettingto-know, setting of general rules and routines for each classroom, and an overview of the institution spearheaded by their respective class advisers and concluded in the afternoon with an orientation for Grade 11 students at the University Auditorium. On the second day of the Rekoleto Week, each section was briefly oriented on the various academic policies, club and discipline orientation, and Augustinian enculturation. UNO-R SHS introduced to the learners the new Learning Management System
(LMS) — Quipper, which will be utilized for the A.Y. 2023-2024 and will continue to use the Blended Flipped Learning Modality. Gathered in their respective club rooms, students enlisted in the various clubs of the department on the third day of the week-long
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celebration. Every student was advised to enlist in one Academic Club and one Special Interest Club/ Religious and Affiliated Organization. The different clubs and organizations opened their doors to new members with the orientation and the election of officers.
Minds were prepared within the department as the Subject Orientation met students with the first five subjects of the first semester, engaging in discussions about subject guidelines and introductions, concluding the last day for Rekoleto Week.
UNO-R SHS gears up A.Y. 20232024 with Quipper ROJEAN MARIE AREVALO
READ MORE ON ISSUU Find SHS Starlight on: UNO-R Starlight unorstarlight@gmail.com SHS Starlight
FULLY EQUIPPED. New online learning management system, Quipper, was introduced to Grade 12 learners of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School
Grades 11 & 12 at the university’s Computer Laboratories on August 17. The one hour orientation was done by class section and was spearheaded by
Quipper’s company staffs. “Our vision is to bring the best education in the world and our mission is to bring the wisdom from Quipper to the students for their dream job and career in the future,” Eldane Geuel A. Palma, a learning solutions specialist from Quipper, emphasized. The Quipper orientation for Grade 11 learners was held last August 15, 2023.
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Strand Meet-up strengthens camaraderie among SHS students STEPHANIE GASTON, JAMEA KHEY, AZRINAZ AZIL DE LA CRUZ, MARA KHLEIA ORTEGA, ELEN MAE PAMOLINO, & JOHAN TUMBOS
STEM BREAKING BOUNDARIES THROUGH STRAND MEET-UP ALL OUT. Energetic and enthusiastic smiles filled the University Covered Court as the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics initiated its strand meet-up to open doors for the Academic Year 2023 - 2024 with the theme “STEM Voyage: The Journey of Frontiers of Science and Technology.” Mr. Joemar B. Flores, STEM - Engineering and Information Technology Cluster Head, unfolded the event with an opening remark for the new batch of STEM students. The main part of the event featured guest speakers who were former STEM students: Mr. Arthur John Tabligan and Ms. Gaia Aubrey Manalo, who shared their past experiences while studying in the department. Advisers of each section and subject teachers were also introduced to the program as well as the strand itself. Interactive activities were conducted as well to
warm the audience up, at the same time to develop camaraderie among STEMinistas. Eventually, the event came to an end with the closing remarks led by Mrs. Patricia Luz Salvador-Suela, STEM - Allied Medical Health Cluster Head. HUMANISTAS UNITE AS STRAND MEET-UP COMMENCES SPEAK NOW. Empowered cheers resonated around the university’s Little Theatre as the Humanities and Social Sciences strand conducted their strand meet-up this A. Y. 2023-2024 with the theme “Humanistas’ Role In Transcending 21st Century Communication” in the University of Negros O cc idental-Re coleto s , August 9. Starting the event, Mrs. Verna Mae Flor, the HUMSS Cluster Head, welcomed the new batch of HUMSS students and introduced the respective advisers of each section: Mr. Jose Rogelio C. Campos III of Saint Thomas of Villanova - 01, Ms. Maria C. Perlado of STV-02, and Mr. Mark Lorenz
S. Villas of STV-03 in Grade 11; and Mr. Neil S. Recudo St. Augustine - 01, and Ms. Jorinne Gosiaoco of SA-02. As the main highlight of the event, Ms. Kayla Grace Arribas, Bacolod 96.7 XFM field reporter and news writer, shared her experience as the first batch of HUMSS students in UNO-R, with the theme “Effective Communication Through the Lens of a Humanista: A Talk”, in which she highlighted “communication, humanity, and understanding” as vital points of being human. H U M S S related brain teasers and intermissions were also exhibited to entertain the students throughout the program. The event concluded with the presentation of the strand’s AVP and closing remarks of Mr. Glenn Mark Madon, the Discipline Prefect of the Senior High School Department. EMPOWERED ABMTVL STUDES WRAP UP STRAND MEET-UP EXPANDING HORIZONS. Yellow roars echoed inside the University
of Negros Occidental Recoletos Auditorium as the Accountancy, Business, and Management Technical Vocational and Livelihood (ABM-TVL) strands celebrated their Strand Meet-up this A.Y. 2023-2024 with the theme “Forging strong friendship among few but chosen individuals”, August 9. Mr. Joseph Karl Tatlonghari, MAEd kicked off the event with his opening remarks that emphasized seizing opportunities, seeking success, and encouraging discovery. This was then followed by the ABM-TVL video teaser and the strand’s presentation of respective logos. Mr. Erhon Salinas Bene, a Summa Cum Laude and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, delivered a stirring speech about three ways to success which is to “Dream big, start small, scale up”. Spearheaded by the Grade 12 ABM-TVL students, the event concluded with thrilling activities such as Filipino Games, ABM-TVL Talent Show, and TVL Cooking Show.
4 NEWS
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SHSSAO grand rally and debate ‘23 kicks off, candidates displayed competence CHRISTAL KAYE DINGLASAN & KATE NICOLE DINGLASAN
REUNITING HEARTS. Cheers of pink and orange illuminated the university’s Covered Court last August 16, as the Senior High School department witnessed the first inperson Student Affairs Organization (SAO) Grand Rally and Debate for Academic Year 20232024, after three years of hiatus due to the pandemic.
Under the supervision of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) and Debaters’ League, the Grand Rally and Debate were led by two parties – AMLIG and SIKLAB. Aspiring SAO Nationals and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Locals kickstarted the event in the morning followed
by the candidates in the Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Technical, Vocational, and Livelihood (TVL) strands, and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) in the afternoon. The program started with a prayer led by Errica Juanico, a member of the COMELEC, from Grade 12 HUMSS Saint
Augustine - 01, followed by an introductory message from the SHSSAO adviser, Mr. Marc Caballes, and an intermission number by the Performing Arts Club. Each party presented their advocacies through an Audio Visual Presentation (AVP) followed by a message from the presidential candidates of both parties. “It is not ‘take the opportunity while it lasts,’ it is ‘take the opportunity and make it last,’” said Ileana Marie Tolentino of AMLIG. “It is your vision that we will turn and execute into actions,” said Aizelle Marie Makilan of SIKLAB. The Senior High School Student Affairs Organization 2023 election was held on August 24th.
SHSSAO candidates maintain momentum through room-to-room campaign STEPHANIE GASTON
BRIDGING THE GAP. In an effort to boost student engagement and connection through a wider student body, candidates vying for positions in the Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (SHSSAO) have embarked on a room-to-room Campaign, last August 17 until August 23. AMLIG, SIKLAB, and Independent Party M&M pitched their taglines
with their comprehensive platform that includes inclusivity, enhancing campus safety measures, and creating a more sustainable campus environment. advocacy, and presenting “The return of the their capabilities to serve room to room campaigns their fellow senior high upholds its importance by school student body,” Mika offering the student leaders Gonzaga, a member of the the opportunity to prove Commission on Election themselves that they are (COMELEC), stated in an capable of utilizing their interview. The SHSSAO abilities, expressing their election day commenced
on August 24, 2023. The said event promotes Augustinian values by fostering a sense of community and service among students through meaningful interactions and acts of kindness within the school.
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Tolentino nabs presidency as SHSSAO elections conclude JERI MAE TERRY
HUES OF ROSES. Jampacked with students from Grades 11 & 12, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior High School Commission on Election, spearheaded by Mr. Marc Alex Caballes and Mara Khleia Ortega, COMELEC Chairman, officially announced the results of the SHSSAO 2023 Elections, August 24 at the Senior High School Quadrangle. With a total of 624 votes, AMLIG’s Ileana Marie Tolentino, a student from Grade 12 St. Ezekiel Moreno - 06 nabs the Presidential seat, and Jerricah Lyn Alaman, a student from Saint Nicholas of Tolentine - 01, secured the Vice Presidential seat with 657 votes. The following candidates are elected as official SHSSAO officers for the A.Y. 2023 - 2024. NATIONALS Secretary: Joli Gaile Alcosaba (687 votes)
Treasurer: Daniela Grace Arita (766 votes) Auditor: Kiara Angelique Pantin (812 votes) P.I.O.: Angel Kaye Miayo (659 votes) Business Managers: Ashley Nickole Monton (732 votes) Angellica Uy (756 votes) REPRESENTATIVES ABM: Kaye Angela Cuyno (73 votes) Martin Dela Cruz (85 votes) HUMSS: Rollyn Gallego (112 votes) Jazmin Alexis Jaco (108 votes) STEM: Arielle Eliz Cubos (483 votes) Mary Angela Dillomes (486 votes) John Andrei Palada (508 votes) Iristy Pearl Sun (481 votes) TVL: Gabrielle Marie Cabalhin (31 votes)
ABM-TVL ORGANIZATION Governor: Jamie Mariz Luniza (102 votes) Vice Governor: Kayzell Garcia (102 votes) Secretary: Kay Nicole Oroso (96 votes) Treasurer: Jasmine Belnas (113 votes) Auditor: Ashley Trayco (97 votes) P.I.O.: Elixy Khiel Turla (91 votes) Business Managers: Steven Garbo Niño (80 votes) Arianna Kristine Tijing (112 votes) HUMSS ORGANIZATION Governor: Nicole Sudayon (149 votes) Vice Governor: Jasmine Madrileño (137 votes) Secretary: Jamela Eudice Feria (143 votes) Treasurer: Kate Pauleen Sta. Ana
(115 votes) Auditor: Claudia Mae Christine Sumido (112 votes) P.I.O.: Ana Manuela Calaguing (116 votes) Business Managers: Nichole Angela Abutal (110 votes) Adrian James Terrania (108 votes) STEM ORGANIZATION Governor: Kadesh Uzziel Niño (545 votes) Vice Governor: Phoebe Joy Lagansoa (479 votes) Secretary: Hannah Gracecelle Escober (551 votes) Treasurer: Mikaela Gwen Pusag (459 votes) Auditor: Rhym Ina Salgado (511 votes) P.I.O.: Ezra Mae Parnoncillon (450 votes) Business Managers: John Paulo Castelo (457 votes) Alyssa Lozano (562 votes)
6 NEWS
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Mass of the Holy Spirit commences as Yanson’s conferment initiates ELNIE ANJELIE FLORES
MOMENTOUS SERVICE. Albeit the weather condition, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos’ administrators, staff, students, and Vallacar Transit Inc. personnel, celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit, together with the Conferment of Olivia Villaflores Yanson on August 30, at the University Gymnasium.
“In this Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, let us ask the Holy Spirit that despite our weaknesses, despite the negativities in our lives, that we will all receive [the] graces we could all imagine,” stated Rev. Fr. Rafael Pecson, OAR, in his Homily in the Eucharistic Celebration. Furthermore, the Conferment of Olivia Villaflores Yanson
followed, as she received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Management (Honoris Causa), to acknowledge her uncountable contribution to several causes of virtue. This remarkable event highlights how service for the common good impacts a handful of individuals.
UNO-R SHS studes conquer reg’l research tilt ARABELLA FAYE ROJO
FULL HOUSE. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior High School department showed off last September 1, by dominating the podium for the Research Poster for Senior High School category of the 6th Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development Regional Research Congress. The research entitled, “CODE RED: A Qualitative Research Study on the Emergency Response System in Bacolod City”, authored by Aizelle Marie Makilan, Adon Klyde Abad, Mel Gabriel Benecio, Joshua
Anthony Caña, Julie Anne Jamel Doromal, Elnie Anjelie Flores, Stephanie Gaston, and Aya Belle Tanco, formerly from St. Joseph - 02, reigned first. “A Mother’s Open Arms: The Lived Experiences of Mothers with Down Syndrome Children” of Devean Paul Benedict Gonzales, Aira Caryl Ambagan, Miel Czarene Dezoller, Hannah Gracecelle Escober, Claire Yves Shane Fortunado, Bea Katrina Gamazon, Eliza Mae Garfin, Ashley Janine Montinola, and Lois Immanuelle Velasco, of, then, St. Joseph - 01, sat second. On third place and then Netizens Choice Awardee, is “Beyond the White Walls: The Lived
Experiences of Public Hospital Patients” by Loui Angelee Barodi, Hannah Jasmine Doctora, Cristel June Estares, Taranjot Kaur, Kenneth Lutero, Rosario Andrea Oquiana, Mikaela Gwen Pusag, and Thea Marie Ranis, previously from St. Joseph - 02. Among the submitted posters is the work of Mariel Soliguen, Carl Benedict Austria, Lutherlyn Jeyn Escaro, Omar Ben Espina, Zhem Ong, Noelin Kate Patalita, and Patricia Elaine San Miguel, of, then, SJ-02, named, “Low-Income Earners from Rural Areas Accessibility to Medicines in Times of Emergency: A Phenomenological Study”. The research
papers of the participants were created last year as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Practical Research subject. This achievement exhibited the students’ passion for excellence, as well as, their service to the community.
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Talino’t talento ng UNO-R SHS taos-pusong ipinamalas sa Araw ng Wika ‘23 JOHN PATRICK SERUT
HIYAWAN NG WIKA. Masiglang sinalubong ng mga mag-aaral at mga guro ng Pamantasan ng Negros Occidental - Recoletos Kagawaran ng Senior High School ang Araw ng Lahi 2023 noong Miyerkules, ika-6 ng Setyembre. Nagsimula ang araw sa pagdaraos ng departamento ng Misa ng Bayan sa Oratoryo ni San Nicolas De Tolentino na pinamunuan ni Padre Corvin Maturan, OAR. Ito ay sinundan ng pagparada ng mga mag-aaral papunta sa Gymnasium sa paggunita ng programa na sinalubong ng pagwagayway ng mga
watawat sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at sinundan ng masiglang galawan ng mga miyembro ng Performing Arts Club na nagpasaya sa madla. Hiyawan ang pumuno sa Gymanasium nang nakilahok ang bawat strand sa Patimpalak sa Pagsasatao kung saan nanalo sina Rachel Kris Sumbilla mula sa ika-11 na baitang ng SJ-07 bilang Maria Makiling, Alfin Jeffbrice Benguelo mula sa ika-11 na baitang ng SJ01 bilang Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Elen Mae Pamolino mula sa ika-12 na baitang ng SEM-06 bilang Valentina, at Natasha Espinosa mula sa ika-12 na baitang ng SEM-04 bilang Kris
Aquino. “ H a n g g a n g ngayon, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala, pero ako ay lubos na masaya dahil nga nanalo ako, lahat ng . . . pawis [at] pagod namin, lalong lalo na ng aking mga kaklase, ang SEM06, ay naging sulit dahil sa aking pagkapanalo,” ani ni Pamolino nang tanungin sa kanyang pagkapanalo. Makukulay na tradisyonal na mga pananamit ang nirampa ng mga mag-aaral at guro sa Lakan at Lakambini ng Kasuotan kung saan pinarangalang Lakan at Lakambini ng Kasuotan sina Jian Magalona mula sa ika-11 na baitang ng STV-01 at Sam Tamises
mula sa ika-12 na baitang ng SEM-04 sa mga estudyante, at sina Ginoong Jelly Cabahug at Binibining Anne Marielle Belandres naman sa mga guro. Sa pagdating ng hapon, nagtipon ang mga mag-aaral sa kanilang mga silid sa pagdaraos ng Piyesta Sa Nayon kung saan pinuno ang bawat hapag ng mga pagkaing Pinoy. M a s i g l a n g naglaban naman ang mga estudyante ng bawat strand sa mga palaro na inihanda ng Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (SHSSAO), kung saan nagtagumpay ang Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - Engineering and Information Technology sa Kadang - Kadang, Humanities and Social Sciences sa Patintero, at Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Allied Medical Health sa K a ma ng ha-ma ng ha ng Karera. Habang sa patimpalak na inihanda para sa mga guro: ang Habulan ng Biik, masigabong suporta ng mga mag-aaral ang namayani sa damuhan kung saan nagwagi sina G. Harold Geriane at Bb. Sharon Rose Diaz mula sa strand ng STEM-AMH. Umusbong sa puso ng mga magaaral ang Paglilingkod at Pamumuhay sa Komunidad, sapagkat tinahak nila ang programa nang may kasiyahan, nasyonalismo, at tiyaga.
8 NEWS Entrepreneurs unite as Welcome Smash ushers YEC members to a start ALYSSA ALOVERA
ALL OUT ENTREPRENEURS. Despite the gloomy weather, energetic cheers filled the University Auditorium as the Young Entrepreneurs Club (YEC) held their Welcome Smash 2023 with the theme “Innovating the New Generation of Entrepreneurship Through Friendship,” September 13. Mr. Dave Mark Sumagaysay, the YEC Adviser, welcomed the batch of young entrepreneurs for A.Y. 2023 - 2024 and introduced the club teams namely; the Market Mavericks, Industry Titans, Tradeblazers, and Profit Pioneers. Ms. Mayhesa Nepangue and Mr. Sumagaysay gave out tokens for the previous YEC Officers and inducted the new set of officers for the club afterwards. Interactive games and activities were also conducted to engage the audience with the said event, as well as to promote connection between the club members. The students were also able to unite as a team as they performed
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Induction ceremony sees 65 student leaders sworn into office ROJEAN MARIE AREVALO
EAGER TO SERVE. Newlyelected officers of the Student Affairs Organization (SAO) together with the Club and Organization Presidents for the school year 2023-2024 of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior High School department were inducted into office by the Integrated School
Director, Rev. Fr. Romeo Ben Potencio Jr., OAR, September 5 at the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Oratory. The newly inducted president of the SHSSAO, Ileana Marie R. Tolentino from Grade 12 Saint Ezekiel Moreno - 06, gave her thanksgiving speech during the induction.
“Some leaders come from willingness, and are molded into the best they can be,” stated the newly elected SHSSAO President. This event showcased their passion for excellence and efficient attitude towards serving in alignment with their Alma Mater’s values.
UNO-R SHS lauds Rekoleto movers and shakers CHRISTIAN GELOTIN
E X C E L L E N C E EXEMPLIFIED. The Rekoleto blood burned fervently as the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12 honored the Grade 12 academic awardees for A.Y. 2022-2023 during the Awards Day at the University Gymnasium last September 20. Students with a general average of at least 91.00 and 93.00 graced the center stage to acknowledge their academic merit as Silver Distinction and Gold Distinction awardees, respectively. Moreover, to commend those who embodied excellence in various cultural, religious,
and extracurricular activities, the department acknowledged students with different special awards such as Best in Mathematics, Best in Science, Religious Involvement Award, Literary Award in Writing, Literary Award in Speech, Leadership Award, Service Award, Publication Involvement Award, Sports Award, and other special citation awards. “I am thankful for the Cradle of Excellence
that provides us an arena to harness our knowledge and skills,” John Patrick A. Serut, Gold Distinction awardee, underscored in his Thanksgiving Speech. In addition, the event was accompanied by presentations coming from the awardees. The honored academic achievers exemplify the university’s commitment to quality education and the Augustinian core value of passion for excellence.
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and showcased their skills in singing and dancing in the Yells Competition and YEC Got Talent. After the
performances and games, the teams were awarded for their commendable participation in the said competitions.
This event highlighted the means to develop the vocation, knowledge, and skills of the UNO-Rian community.
Leadership Training upskills UNO-Rian student leaders JOHAN TUMBOS
EMPOWERING VISIONS. Student leaders from the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos honed their skills during the Leadership Training facilitated by the Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (SHSSAO), September 15–16, with the theme “Nurturing the Leader Within You.” 56 student leaders from SHSSAO, Student Discipline Officers (SDO), SHS Starlight, and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) united and topped up the fields of St. Therese Villa, Don Salvador Benedicto during the training. An inspiring talk was delivered by the Integrated School Grades 11 & 12 Principal, Mr. Harry S. Magluyan, MAEd as he introduced the concept of Beatitudinal Leadership among the students, nurturing their holistic approach towards
circumstances and valuing the principle of humility. Mr. Radi Raze P. Garaygay, Senator of the UNO-R Supreme Student Government, led the socialization, emphasized the importance of communication among organizations, and shared his experiences in leading the student body. “Response is always preventive, not reactive,” stated Mr. Dustin Ryan Veridiano, the Executive President of the UNO-R Supreme Student Government and the former SHSSAO President during A.Y. 20172018, as he introduced Project and Event Management, highlighting managing affairs and enhanced students’ critical thinking by skillfully conceptualizing activities that challenged students’ decision-making when it comes to difficult situations.
The succeeding day kicked off with a discussion by the Integrated School Director, Rev. Fr. Romeo Ben Potencio Jr., OAR. “If you are a leader, you must be a good communicator. [...] You communicate the message, but you are the very message,” as he points out the value of being a dynamic communicator by consciously interacting with high regard for the student body. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants by the SHSSAO President Ileana Marie Tolentino and Mr. Marc Alex Caballes. These individuals were called not just to satisfy responsibilities but also to embody the spirit of integrity and reflect the value of service and community.
CEGP Negros Chapter returns, 175 student journalists assemble AZRINAZ AZIL DE LA CRUZ
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. A new chapter opened for Negrense campus journalism as College Editors Guild of The Philippines (CEGP) Negros relaunched their Negros Chapter, where 175 student journalists and 23 school publications from Negros Island participated in the program occurred on September 2 at the St. John Mary Vianney Hall, San Sebastian Cathedral Pastoral Bldg. Pertinent topics were discussed, including the press freedom and human rights situation in Negros, the function of campus journalism in the face of state repression and a worsening fascist state, the history of CEGP, the need for passage of the Campus Freedom Freedom Bill 319 to protect the rights of campus journalists, as well as CEGP introduction and oath-taking. The event was made possible primarily to the assistance of various school publications, who were present at the Negros Chapter of the CEGP’s relaunch to support social justice and preserve the truth. With the presence of the school department’s publication in the relaunching, it upholds the Agustinian core value of truth adhering to the motto of the publication, Loqui tui Veritati or Speak your Truth.
10 EDITORIAL
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The Cut That Always Bleeds
“Education is the most powerful weapon you could use to change the world.”
The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12
EDITORIAL BOARD ELNIE ANJELIE FLORES Editor-in-Chief JAZMINE TRAFIERO Managing Editor
DESK EDITORS JERI MAE TERRY News Editor AZRINAZ AZIL DE LA CRUZ Associate News Editor ARABELLA FAYE ROJO Opinion Editor JOHAN TUMBOS Associate Opinion Editor CHRISTIAN GELOTIN Feature Editor JOHN PATRICK SERUT Associate Feature Editor LOIS IMMANUELLE VELASCO Literary Editor CHRISTAL KAYE DINGLASAN Associate Literary Editor DEVEAN PAUL BENEDICT GONZALES Multimedia Editor
ALYSSA ALOVERA ROJEAN MARIE AREVALO ANGELICA CARIÑO KATE NICOLE DINGLASAN STEPHANIE GASTON JAMEA KHEY AIZELLE MARIE MAKILAN LIANNE RAEVEN MINOR CHARMEL OLITA MARA KHLEIA ORTEGA ALYSSA GABRIELLE PALALON ELEN MAE PAMOLINO RHEENA MAE ROBLES LOISE TOLEDANO
CARTOONISTS CRISTEL MARIE AMACIO
CARL MARIE CASTAÑEDA PAOLA MARIE GABRIDO ALLYZAH MARIE GUERRERO DENNIREE FAITH MOJENO MA. YZABDIELA PEÑARANDA
GRAPHICS & JOSHUA ANTHONY CAÑA LAYOUT ARTISTS VINCENT VHON ADRIAN CASONA KASSANDRA MARIE MONTESA BEATRIX ARABELAH RAMOS
PHOTOJOURNALISTS JOSEPH JEROME DOLLOSO SETH ANDREI GEDALANGA MAREN DIVINE MAGALONA RCYNIZE LEESAYNE PORTUGAL JHONRY SABETE ALESSANDRA GRACE TEJIDA AYLLYN MHAE URETA
JOSEPH KARL C. TATLONGHARI, MAEd Publication Adviser
HARRY S. MAGLUYAN, MAEd Principal
REV. FR. ROMEO BEN A. POTENCIO JR., OAR Integrated School Director
Amidst the educational crisis witnessed at present, lack of subsidy for quality education hinders development and reflects the shortterm plans rendered by the government to satisfy economic gaps. Poverty tops the notch in regards to education issues in the country. Hence, less favored communities are more prone to have less access to learning resources laying off opportunities and delaying development. According to a report, Philippines’ learning allocation lags behind among ASEAN countries directly affecting infrastructures and other tools. In a broader perspective, cutting costs for educational support isn’t a necessary option. Access to quality education is not a privilege, but rather a right regardless of gender, race, and nationality. Progress toward universal
quality education was already slow even before the pandemic started and according to the government’s proposed national budget for 2024, out of 117 state universities and colleges in the Philippines, 30 are expected to experience budget cuts. As time goes by, it seems like the learning crisis causes deeper problems for the country and unironically, the government has stated a couple of times that they would want to produce learners who fully-equipped, however, it seem like they are not ready to invest for the future of the country. The budget cuts on tertiary education reflects on what the Marcos Jr. administration wants to achieve—refusing to address the educational crisis. A government who is responsible for implementing fund’s investing strategy and allocate resources properly will indicate that the country is progressing especially
for the education sector. Education is crucial as it provides stability and growth to ensure quality in the development of society to thrive for generations. However, a strong obstacle to reaching this objective is the fact that it has been hindered by limiting to its access. The marginalized groups of society often not only receive less years, but also acquire poor-quality education which can lead to low performance on human progress. As the government continues to deny the educational crisis corresponding in the country, the education community is forced to foresee alternatives that can compensate underfunding in order to sustain amenities. Despite an increase in the amount of students attending SUCs across the nation, numerous members of the youth and faculty alike face a decline in the allotted support towards financial aspects to
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concede facilities across campuses. As a result, opportunities to attend quality education are cut down due to the decrease of given resources. Districts that face a budget cut are less likely to be able to cope with the needed assistance to cater the expanding quantity of students attending SUCs at present. Without proper funding, these institutions will have to compromise, from their facilities to the number of employees, hence, their ability to cater to the students can be affected. The inability to sustain professors, maintain facilities, and provide free tuition, are among the many problems that SUCs might face, and it could not suffice for the thousands of eager future enrollees. In that case, the fight to secure a spot to receive quality education from one of the many state universities and colleges in the Philippines will be arduous. There is already enough battle today in obtaining a place in the institutions, what more when the budget is lowered to cater to unspecified activities done by the executive government? Education should be accessible to everyone, not just to people who can be accommodated by the school, and reducing the budget cut allocated for the sector makes it less so.
EDITORIAL 11
O v e r the years, the education in the Philippines, sadly, becomes a privilege rather than it being a right for every Filipinos. As budget cuts for State Universities and Colleges continues to be a crisis for innumerable hopefuls, it also resumes to dim the lights of those who envisions education as the pass to break free from the chains of poverty. The Department of Education should take a bold step to give the spotlight for the deprived sector, rather
t h a n focusing to take the work of other offices. Despite the persistent calls of the people for a more inclusive and quality education, the government continues to be blind while it affects the future in the long run. The government should continue allocating ample budget for the country’s education-including the establishment of conducive classrooms, provision of functional materials, and sufficient salaries for teachers.
The quality of education can, and will, significantly impact every facet of the generations to come. No student shall be left behind and no learner shall be deprived of a necessity they need for life.
12 OPINION
VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 1 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
AI: A Plight or Flight for Journalism?
SEVEN
ELNIE ANJELIE FLORES elnieanjelie@gmail.com
H
opping to several digital avenues, the Philippines continues to move forward into the futuristic domains of the world. Everyone acknowledges change as something constant, yet a handful does not chew over the positive and negative boundaries of the change we seek to have. On September 23rd, the GMA Network debuted its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) sportscasters named Maia and Marco for the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99. As stated on their website, this step is made in collaboration with GMA Integrated News (GMAIN), GMA New Media Inc. (NMI), and GMA Synergy. Both Maia and Marco will serve as instruments to bridge their objectives and mission “to serve all communities within the nation and promote inclusivity in our reporting,” as stated by the Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso. Despite the
fact that the launching of the two sportscasters is considered a ‘big step’ for their media outlet, this invention becomes a motivation for numerous individuals to take an immense step back in their careers and devotion to their industries. While the young strive to study year after year, there is a huge possibility that this development can replace the work they are supposed to offer. College students, especially those who pursue Mass Communication and other forms of journalism, can be negatively impacted by this situation. These students burn themselves just to be able to complete requirements— even to the extent that they drain their physical, emotional, and financial aspects to comply. The situation becomes demoralizing since an innovation developed for months can easily abolish the fiery passion and goal-driven determination of students to seek the intelligence they’ll maneuver as future truth-tellers of the nation. A long list of expenses mixed with their blood, sweat, and tears are in peril to be taken for granted if these developments continue to commence. Radios and televisions are essential tools for keeping everyone informed of events without incurring additional
costs. According to a recent report, radio and television brands continue to be the most widely consumed forms of media in the Philippines. GMA Network has the largest audience share with 53% of access coming from offline and 48% from online. With a click of their metamorphosis to the world of advancements, this becomes a factor that equates to a lesser workforce needed. Job opportunities will be depleted, pushing those with prior education specifically made for the job to slowly abate. Furthermore, journalists and reporters are the pillars of the outspreading of truth as they put their breath into every report they communicate— even if this breath becomes the cradle of endangerment for them. Sadly, taking into consideration that this creation will slowly be nurtured means that something appraised as ‘breathless’ can take away thousands of careers that keep families alive. Although this breakthrough becomes a safer way to inform the mass population, no digital improvement, by any means, can constitute the fervent boldness of individuals to speak their truth despite it having them in a constant chokehold. An article shown by Inquirer.net affirms that according to a global
watchdog that studied the rates of unsolved journalist homicides worldwide over the previous year, the Philippines continues to be one of the deadliest nations in the world for journalists. Taking a quantum leap toward modernization may seem to be a quick fix for the danger implied by the job, yet nothing can display a reporter’s enthusiasm as much as they do to keep their countrymen aware. While Maia and Marco can be set in motion with just a matter of clicks, no occurrence can drive them to report under the extremes of intense weather conditions, unforeseen calamities, and life-and-death coverages. Over the years, the country has embraced the functionalities and handiness of digital headways. However, grasping the technological changes shouldn’t be a method that can critically endanger the sustenance of countless Filipinos. While a puzzling vision is offered as a blindfold for the country, the media becomes a clear formula that frees the nation from the deception of the truth. Transforming the media into nonliving holograms fueled by artificial intelligence cannot supersede the intelligence of a mind that pursues and underlines the value of true dissemination of the truth.
OPINYON 13
VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 1 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
Handa na ba kayo? “P
aano kaya kung ang mga asignaturang kagaya ng Matematika at Agham ay itinuturo gamit ang wikang Filipino?” KALI
Taong 2019, matunog sa mga balita ang mga petisyong ipatupad ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino bilang pangunahing wika sa pagtuturo sa halip na Ingles na karaniwang gamit ng mga guro sa bansa dahil nahihirapan ang mga guro na ipaliwanag ang mga paksang nagmula sa mga dayuhang bansa. Ayon sa isang Alagad ng Sining na si Virgilio Almario, hindi kailangan isalin ang mga terminohiyang siyentipiko at teknikal mula sa Ingles, nagbigay din siya ng sitwasyon kung saan gumanda ang kalidad ng edukasyon ng mga magaaral dahil sa paggamit ng sariling wika sa pagtuturo. Noong Hulyo ng taong 2022, iminungkahi ng grupong Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) na mararapat lamang turuan ang mga estudyante gamit ang wikang Filipino upang mas maigi nilang maintindihan ang mga paksang tinatalakay sa klase. Ang proposisyong ito ay maganda sa pagpapalaganap ng wika at kultura, ngunit kung titignan sa batis ng pagtuturo, maraming problema ang nakapalibot dito. Una, maraming mga kabataan sa bansa ang hindi sapat ang alam sa Filipino. Pangalawa, kung sa pagpapadali ng pag-aaral, mas mainam kung gamitin rin na lamang ang sariling diyalekto. Kung tutuusin, simula noong naideklarang wikang Pambansa ang FIlipino,
laganap ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa Pilipinas, sa kadahilanang mas maraming tao ang may alam at sanay sa wikang ito. Sa isang pagsisiyat ng Social Weather Stations noong taong 2000, nasa mga 85% ng mga Pilipino sa bansa ang may kakayahang magbasa at magintindi ng wikang Filipino. Dahil sa laki ng bilang na ito, ang aplikasyon ng wikang Filipino sa mga opisyal na dokumentong ipinagpapasahan ng mga tao sa isang organisasyon ay nakatutulong upang mas madaling maintidihan ng mga empleyado ang isang anunsyo. Sa mga balitang ipinapalabas sa telebisyon, wikang Filipino ang kadalasang ginagamit upang tumatak kaagad sa isipan ng mga manonood ang ibinabahaging impormasyon. Subalit, mayroong mga Pilipino na hindi nakasanayan ang pagbasa at pagsalita ng wikang Filipino, karamihan sa kanila ang nagmumula sa mga lalawigang hindi gumagamit ng kahit anong porma ng Filipino. Sa nagdaang Buwan ng Wika, inanunsyo ng Komisiyon ng Wikang Filipino ang tema ng selebrasyon na, “Filipino at Mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Inklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan.” Ito ay sumasalamin sa pagkakaiba ng mga wikang ginagamit sa mga kapuluan ng Pilipinas at ang kahalagahan ng pag-aalaga sa ating mga wika. Ang Pilipinas ay binubuo ng mahigit 7,000 na isla at
ARABELLA FAYE ROJO
POPCORN
JOHAN TUMBOS
rojoarabella23@gmail.com
johantumbos883@gmail.com
mayroong mahigit-kumulang 170 na diyalekto, at bagamat ang wikang Filipino ay ang ipinahayag na opisyal na wika ng bansa, hindi maipagkakaila na hindi pa rin gaanong nagkakaintindihan ang ibang mga grupo ng Pilipino mula sa iba’t ibang lalawigan dahil sa nakasanayan nilang diyalekto. Dahil dito, hindi magiging madali ang pag-aaral kung sakaling ang ideyang purong Filipino ang gamitin sa pagturo ay maipasa, kakailanganing maglaan ng oras upang matutuhan ang wika. Kung sakaling maipapasa ang tuntunin na ito, hindi lamang ang mga mag-aaral ang maninibago o mahihirapan dito – kundi pati na rin ang mga guro na Ingles ang nakasanayang gamitin bilang midyum sa pagtuturo. Kung iisipin, hindi ba’t mas madali para sa mga bata kung sa sarili nilang diyalekto ipaliwanag ang mga paksa? Tama nga naman si Gat Jose Rizal, “ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, masahol pa sa hayop at malansang isda”, kailangang ipagmalaki at ibahagi sa mundo ang kagandahan ng wika ng isang bansa. Sa paraang ito, mas nagiging interesado ang iba sa bansang kinagisnan ng taong nagbabahagi. Ang pahayag sa taas ay minsang ginagamit sa pagpuna sa mga taong hindi gumagamit ng wikang Filipino at mas pinipiling magsalita, pag-aralan, o
gamitin ang Ingles o hindi kaya iba pang wika. Ngunit, ang hindi paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa pagtuturo ay hindi nagkakahulugang hindi mahal ng mga Pilipino ang wika nila. Araw-araw na ginagamit ng mga Pilipinong nakatira sa mga parte ng Luzon ang Filipino, habang sa panig ng Visayas at Mindanao, ito ay nagagamit paminsan-minsan. Buhay na buhay ang wikang Filipino sa mga pelikula, patalastas, at musikang naibabahagi sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. Ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa pagpapaliwanag ng mga paksa sa mga mag-aaral ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang lamang sa mga taong may malawak na bokabularyo sa wikang Filipino. Lugi ang mga kabataang hindi gaanong nakaiintindi nito kapag naipatupad ang kahilingang isinusulong nina Almario at ng partido ng ACT. Kung ang proposiyon ay para sa pagpapalago ng wika, maraming ibang paraan upang maipalaganap at panatilihing buhay ang wikang Filipino. Sa halip na gawing midyum sa pagtuturo kaagad, mas mainam na ituro muna ang wika sa kabataang Pilipino upang lumawak ang kanilang kaalaman dito. Kapag nasolusyonan ang problema ukol sa kadalubhasaan ng mga estudyante sa wikang Filipino, maaring pag-usapan sa Kamara ang ideyang purong Filipino ang gamit sa pagtuturo.
14 FEATURE
VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 1 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
CHRISTIAN GELOTIN & JOHN PATRICK SERUT
GRAPH
T
here’s a new girl at school. A newly-founded club for TVL studes has been given life – the Hotelier’s Society. With an overwhelming number of new registrants, Kim Berduque, the club’s president, bared their fears prior to launching, “We did not face a lot of challenges when proposing this club, but I think the challenge here is that we are all overthinking that maybe no one will join our club. Fortunately, a lot of students joined, and we are grateful to all of them.” Several student-led clubs already exist in the department for a target niche – Innovatus for researchers, Debaters’ League for public speakers, and Red Cross Youth for volunteers. The Hoteliers’ Society, on the other hand, targets future managers, concierges, attendants, chefs, and receptionists. Skill-building and creation of a tight-knit
ICS BY
: MA . Y
Z ABDIE
L A PE
ÑAR A
NDA
community with mutual interests have been two primary reasons in the birthing of the club, “The main purpose of the club is to let the SHS students to discover their skills and talents and also to let them have fun in the activities that are about to happen,” Berduque added. Engagements to watch out for are a baking cook-off and an outreach program to name a few. The goals of which are, “to let the students develop their skills and to be aware of the current trends in the food which they can use inside and outside campus.” With the rise of up and coming hotel chains in Bacolod, a circle for future hotel professionals gives members an edge in both linkages and career. As a newly-opened club, eyes are set on the Hotelier’s Society and the path it will take for the rest of the school year.
FEATURE 15
VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 1 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
Amplifying Loyalty:
A Decade and a Half of Pure Service and Unfailing Commitment CHRISTAL KAYE DINGLASAN & KATE NICOLE DINGLASAN
Dedication, perseverance, and passion–these three words are often used to describe superheroes in films and books. Protagonists are either blessed or cursed with the power bestowed on them, but, nevertheless, we aspire to be one of their kind as children. Sometimes, heroes aren’t the ones we see in movies nor the ones that were caught in a gamma explosion enabling them to possess superhuman abilities, for there are also teachers who display unwavering commitment and loyalty to their profession and institution. The X-mansion and Sanctum Santorum weren’t only the places that contained heroes, for the Senior High School department at the University is also a headquarters for loyal heroes. On the 9th of September, 2023, three senior high school teachers were given recognition as they received the title “Diwa Rekoleto Service Awardees” at the L’Fisher Hotel, Grand La Proa Ballroom. Ms. Joy Q. Borcelas, MAEd, Ms. Verna Mae A. Flor, and Ms. Marisa B. Petalla, PhD are the recipients of the said award after surpassing fifteen years of teaching at this institution. In an interview with one of the awardees, Ms. Flor, the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand Head and Christian Living Formation (CLF) Cluster Head, who is already in her 16th year in teaching at the University, shared her experiences and the reason behind her achievement. “When I started here in UNO-R, it’s always been my dream to stay longer or even retire in this school (...) I’m still happy because
regardless of the time that I spent, I’m still here, I’m still healthy, and I am looking forward to more years in UNO-R.” Ms. Flor added that her students also played a pivotal role in her prolonged stay at the University. She also conveyed how being in her profession isn’t always an easy job. She faced a lot of struggles, especially in her earlier years of being a teacher. “During my first three years in teaching, I was assigned in Luzon and it was actually my struggle before since it’s my first year in teaching and I’m away from home.” “Have that mindset wherein you work not because it is needed, it should always be for the reason that you are fulfilled, you are happy, and there is a sense of acceptance and enjoyment in your employment. (...) Whatever that gives you a sense of who you are, make it a habit of always achieving for more and learning new things.” Miss Flor finishes off the interview with an advice to new and aspiring teachers. “We have to be greater than what we suffer,” Said Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spiderman 3. Teaching was never an easy job and the perseverance and patience shown by these bright women are truly exceptional. Indeed, teachers are the unsung heroes of our society with their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds of the next generation. They make invaluable pillars of our society. Overall, their unfaltering dedication to educating the learners and their loyalty to the Alma Mater deserve not only certificates of acknowledgment. Their acts of service encompass protagonistic approaches and should also be regarded with sincere appreciation. GRAPHICS BY: DENNIREE FAITH MOJENO
The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12 LOQUI TUI VERITATI
VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 1 August - September 2023
MA. YZABDIELA PEÑARANDA
CARL MARIE CASTAÑEDA
ALLYZAH MARIE GUERRERO
CARL MARIE CASTAÑEDA, ALLYZAH MARIE GUERRERO, JAMEA KHEY, & LOIS IMMANUELLE VELASCO
CRISTEL MARIE AMACIO