LCO Days in the Works, More Plans Ahead, Says Org Campus Chair
Kyle Anthony S. Ong Yiu
After a two-year hiatus, Father Saturnino Urios University’s League of Campus Organization (LCO) Chairperson, Kervin Jon Luison Cepeda of the Political Science and Economics Society (PSES), has confirmed plans to revive the annual LCO Days celebration.
“We are planning to host LCO Days this year, with a specific date being considered for mid-semester to maximize student participation and visibility,” Cepeda stated.
Regarding preparations for the upcoming event, he noted that while no final date has been set, initial planning is already underway.
“As LCO Chairperson, my role involves providing leadership, facilitating communication among organizations, and ensuring that the League effectively represents student interests,” Cepeda explained.
He emphasized the importance of working closely with his fellow officers to ensure the smooth operation of the League
“I believe the LCO plays a crucial role in FSUU by representing student
organizations’ interests to the administration, organizing events that foster community and collaboration, and providing support and resources to help campus organizations thrive,” he added.’
Cepeda also highlighted the administrative challenges the LCO has faced in recent years, particularly the absence of strong leadership, which he believes is necessary to revitalize both its function and student engagement. When asked about past issues within the LCO, particularly the negligence of the previous chairperson during the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, Cepeda admitted he was not fully aware of specific problems but acknowledged that he was aware that there had not been an LCO Days for two consecutive years.
Beyond reviving LCO Days, Cepeda revealed that the League of Campus Organizations is also currently planning community service initiatives to encourage student organizations to engage in local outreach programs.
Changes in the Constitution: Everything You Need to Know
The House of Representatives of the FSUUSupreme Student Government (SSG) voted 29 in favor to no against, to promulgate the new 2024 SSG Constitution on August 10, 2024. The 2024 Constitution took effect, replacing the 2009 Constitution immediately upon its passage during a special session of the House, at Haggenburg Hall.
Its promulgation comes after months of reform push, stemming from issues besetting the SSG, including the LCO and COMELEC fiasco, and apparent voter apathy during the 2024 SSG and local student government (LSG) elections.
There have since been calls to replace the previous 2009 Constitution, arguing the cause of SSG issues are structural, and that the previous constitution could not meet the demands of the student body today.
Commission on Good Governance (CGG) director Carl Jebby Daug was tasked by the SSG with leading efforts to draft a new constitution. In 2023, then-SSG executive president Christian John Ibe formed the CGG appointing the then 1st year political science student as its director. During its existence, the CGG brought to light neglect and unconstitutional actions in the LCO and the COMELEC, which led to the ouster and impeachment of their respective heads.
Daug previously pushed for a Constitutional Commission (ConCom) to the House on January 2024, with a bill authored by thenHouse speaker Kyle Cullantes, but the bill failed in its second reading by 4 votes in favor to 16 against, with one abstention.
After the fallout of the LCO and COMELEC fiascos, Daug re-attempted his Constitutional Commission push in July. This time succeeding with new speaker Lore Daven Martinez’s version of the ConCom bill passing in its third reading by 26-0, with 2 abstentions. Newlyelected executive president Louise Stefan Cumba signed the bill, and the ConCom was appointed, comprising 10 members and Daug as its chair.
A notable change that followed was the CGG becoming the Student Supreme Court (SSC), changing from a quasi-judicial body under the Executive Council, to an independent branch of the SSG alongside the Executive and the legislative branches. Daug was consequently named its first chief justice, and 4 associate justices comprise the new judiciary.
The new SSC has been vested with the power to interpret the Constitution when disputes arise within the student body.
The legislative branch also saw changes,
What’s Inside?
Urian Pub Launches ‘Factual Focus’
Mikaela Jhencey Bacolot
On January 31, 2025, The Urian Publication launched an online project on their Facebook page entitled “Factual Focus”, with the goal of featuring articles that aim to expose misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information in the public media.
This action sought to combat the attacks on civil discourse, factuality, malice and pervasive attempts to alter specific events and narratives within the Urian and local community, and hopefully beyond through exposures of contents of disinformation with independently verified research.
The project presented fake news and disinformation of the developments in Butuan City and as well as other pertinent national events and developments within specific categories and topics.
“As the official student publication of Father Saturnino Urios University, we seek to combat these threats head-on in our cyberspace, as part of our mission to publish reporting and inform.”
A statement published on the publication’s Facebook page clarified its purpose.
In its launch, the publication highlighted the importance of raising awareness of disinformation to provide a more contextualized and secure source of
John Nicholas Marcera
Photos: Charles Pajarillo Harrison Deutch
LCO TIMELINE ON PAGE 2
Haggenburg Hall, CBS Building, FSUU, Butuan City—In an unprecedented turn of events, the FSUU Commission on Elections, headed by chairperson Noralyn A. Sangcaan decided to push through with the League of Campus Organizations (LCO) Elections despite several setbacks.
The highlight of which was the absent voters who were supposed to attend the elections. A meeting was held previously
to orient the officers and representatives for the upcoming elections. Citing conflicts in class schedules and priorities, some representatives and officers who attended the previous meeting were unable to attend during the voting.
The Commission on Elections also made some notable changes to the election process which now involved both officers and representatives as opposed to the previous election that was only done with the presence of the presidents of recognized organizations.
Several other unconventional changes were made such as the elected
positions which now included new titles such as Secretary General and Directors as opposed to the customary positions such as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Relations Officer.
The election process was unclear as technicalities such as quota for votes and what the responsibilities of the positions entailed were not clarified.
Some organizations also claimed that they were not informed of the elections and some representatives who were late were no longer allowed to enter Haggenburg Hall and participate
CGG Declares LCO Election Void, LCO Chairperson Guilty of Neglect CGG Declares LCO Election Void, LCO Chairperson Guilty of Neglect
TheFather Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Commission on Good Governance (CGG) released a decision nullifying the LCO Elections due to irregularities and declaring the chairperson guilty of neglect.
The commission cited unfairness during the elections held on August 26, 2023, overseen by the FSUU Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The CGG’s decision is based on inconsistencies in the electoral process, specifically vote counting and the lack of valid rules.
According to their report, the CGG noted that COMELEC chairperson Noralyn A. Sangcaan admitted the commission lacked a legal basis for the voting method. However, Sangcaan defended the decision, claiming it had the support of Hanna Ruth Bonggot, the current SSG adviser.
As a result, the CGG decided that
The Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) House of Representatives (HOR) held a hearing for impeachment against the chairperson of the FSUU Commission on Elections. A total of 19 members from the House of Representatives voted in favor of the impeachment, 1 representative voted against the impeachment, and 4 were absent during the hearing.
The hearing included both the complainants, Carl Jebby M. Daug, Patric Alexis Jr. V. Nollora, and Mary Glor Jerica N. Awa from the Commission on Good Governance (CGG) and respondent, Noralyn A. Sangcaan, the COMELEC chairperson who delivered their arguments in front of the House of Representatives.
Each representative was also allotted five minutes to ask their own questions. Following the questioning, closing statements were provided by the complainant and respondent. A decision was reached with each representative present explaining their vote.
The complainants claimed that the grounds for their petition of impeachment against Sangcaan was the COMELEC chairperson’s culpable violation of the constitution, incompetency, dereliction of duty, grave abuse of discretion, and betrayal of student trust.
The complaint for impeachment is rooted in the investigation held on February 23, 2024 wherein the League of Campus Organizations (LCO) chairperson and its officers were called for a hearing due to the complaints of several organizations.
The CGG consequently found out that there were lapses in COMELEC’s facilitation of the LCO elections,
all positions of the League of Campus Organizations (LCO) should be vacant, calling for a re-election of new officers to serve for the remainder of the academic year.
The Commission on Good Governance also addressed the negligence of former LCO Chairperson Ryan Patrick Dayaguit. The negligent actions of Dayaguit, specifically the failure to acknowledge, recognize, and facilitate the university’s 39 organizations, were also addressed.
The collection of fees for the first and second semester was also discussed by the CGG. They recognized the validity of the first semester collection, but declared the collection of the second semester unlawful and null and void.
Additionally, the fees collected by LCO totaling to ₱15,300, which are under the possession of Dayaguit, have still not been returned.
The CGG has ordered the restitution of the League of Campus Organizations and the surrendering of all LCO documents and properties still in his possession.
During the hearing, Dayaguit claimed that the collected fees were stored on his personal GCash account, but was unable to show any proof. He was ordered by the CGG to send a screenshot of his GCash account, but he has not yet produced any proof of the amount existing as of the decision’s release.
Findings regarding the potential misuse of funds were also highlighted during the hearing. The former LCO Chairperson was also noted to have attempted to borrow ₱5,000 from a student organization, claiming that the LCO needed the money for office renovation. However, the former chairperson admitted that they had
FSUU House of Representatives Impeach
Chairperson
specifically their misguided, inaccurate, and personal interpretation of the constitution.
In their counter-affidavit, the COMELEC Chairperson admitted that the creation of the position of Director of Religious Council, which was one of the complainants’ basis for impeachment, was their resolution. Sangcaan also stated that the decision was a result of several factors, including the fact that the Speaker of the House was allegedly not yet ready for any immediate session.
The COMELEC chairperson then stated that the usual practice of the League of Campus Organizations, which involved internal elections through show of hands, was a violation of the constitution, therefore the COMELEC chairperson decided to take over the elections and change the manner in which the election was conducted.
In Sangcaan’s defense, she also stated that all of her decisions regarding the LCO elections were supervised and approved directly by the FSUU SSG Adviser, Ms. Hanna Ruth Bonggot.
When asked about the decision and what transpired in the hearing, Kyle Sonja D. Cullantes, the Speaker of the House for the FSUU House of Representatives stated that there were indeed discrepancies in the handling of the LCO elections and that the COMELEC chairperson had to be held accountable for it. However, he emphasized that the chairperson was only a victim of ignorance and the impeachment should in no way affect the perception of the chairperson’s character.
Likewise, complainant Carl Jebby M. Daug iterated that the decision was a necessary win for the upholding of the constitution, but it was a painful
process to undertake as he believed that the respondent was only a victim of ignorance. Daug also emphasized that he believes the problems with the election stemmed from an outdated constitution and called for constitutional amendments.
Nevertheless, he reiterated that the constitution was the supreme law of the student government and exceptions should not be made—even if the constitution was unclear.
A representative from the Arts and Sciences Program who was interviewed by the publication, further added to the sentiments on the unclear and outdated constitution which has not been amended since 2009. The representative also stated that they, alongside several members of the house, are currently pushing for constitutional change.
Further investigation by the publication revealed although copies of a 2018 constitution existed, none of them had signatures, which led to the current administration choosing not to recognize it.
A member of the HOR’s Committee on Good Governance who handled the preliminaries of the case also gave their insights on the decision. The representative stated that while they were leaning towards leniency and giving the chairperson a second chance, they opted to vote in favor of the impeachment, citing that the ends do not justify the means.
Overall, the majority of the members of the House of Representatives shared the same sentiment: The constitution is supreme and exceptions should not be made.
in the voting. Ryan Patrick Dayaguit, a representative from the Junior Finance Executives (JFINEX) was elected as the new LCO chairperson. Fatryz Mae Tadlip from the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) was elected as secretary general. Trixy Mae Hortillano from the Philippine Student Nurses Association (PSNA), Steven Tan from the Tourism Hospitality Young Managers and Executives Society (THYMES), Eunice Sarmiento from the Psychology Society, and Jannie Ivy Dela Cruz from the Junior Marketing Executives (JME) were elected as directors.
not yet submitted a proposal for office renovation. Consequently, the entire SSG Office and the offices around it were renovated last year.
Furthermore, the creation of the Director for Religious Organizations (DRO) position, decided by COMELEC, and the designation of the DRO as treasurer by Dayaguit were also declared unlawful and invalid by the CGG.
Backlash on the conduct of the elections was already addressed in a previous article published by the publication, but no concrete action was taken until the hearing.
TheLeague of Campus Organizations (LCO) held its elections, led by Hon. Mara Ricah Marcel Matulac, Associate Justice of the Supreme Student Court (SSC). The assembly aimed to unite academic and non-academic organizations to elect new officers and outline responsibilities for the year ahead.
Kervin Jon Luison Cepeda from the Political Science and Economics Society (PSES) was elected as chairperson, while Lovely A. Alaba from Gawad Kalinga Youth (GKY) was elected as vice-chairperson.
The following directors were elected: Christine Eblamo from the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) for academic organizations, Thresia Lozarita from the Student Assistant Organization (SAO)for faith-based organizations, Tanya Zina Ariston from the United Tourism and Hospitality Young Professions (UTHYP) for organizations, Joshua Francisco Batac from the FSUU Rover Leader Circle for fraternities and sororities, and Kent Adrian P. Sabayday from the Urian Cybersecurity League for special interest clubs.
In addition to their leadership roles, these officers are empowered to create bodies, including secretaries and treasurers, to facilitate their operations. One of the mandatory policies established during the assembly is the requirement to hold an annual student organization fair, fostering collaboration and engagement among campus organizations.
The new officers expressed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and representing the interests of the organizations they serve. Their leadership is expected to strengthen governance within the LCO, promoting a more vibrant student body throughout the academic year.
John Nicholas Marcera
John Nicholas Marcera
FSUU Comelec Orients Urians for Pinilay 2025
Princess Marie Labadia
January 25, 2025 — In light of the upcoming Supreme Executive and Local Student Government elections, or Pinilay 2025, The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) of the Supreme Student Government held an orientation at AVR 1, referencing the recently passed election reform bills.
The program started with the Urian prayer and singing of the national anthem by media presentation, followed by a welcoming remark by Commissioner Monica Cervantes introduced the officers of COMELEC, outlining their roles and responsibilities.
COMELEC P.I.O. Mecah Russel, as the first speaker officially commenced the orientation with an overview of the election and a run through of the calendar for the elections that they hope to strictly adhere to.
The second speaker, Commissioner Bena Cubillas, covered the first part of the preelection process, including the filing of candidacy requirements that future students need to fulfill, as well as the qualifications they must meet. The copy of the certificate of candidacy was flashed on the projector to provide a thorough view for the future student leaders. Cubillas added that one of the new changes in the certificate was the inclusion of questions from the Urian Publication, which would be posted on the page once the filing was completed. This was to give candidates enough time to answer them and prevent backlash of unanswered questions. Cubillas also gave guidelines on the campaign periods that running candidates must follow and the grounds of disqualification.
“Are students mandated to vote?” the third speaker, Commissioner Angelo Lamayon, commenced with the question. The speaker went over the process of the election process. Piniliay 2025 gives the students two modes of casting votes, either through pen and paper or online voting, encouraging higher voting turnout. 25% minimum requirement was
Senate Passes Election Bill
John Nicholas Marcera
The Student Senate of the FSUU-SSG on Sunday, January 12, has passed on third and final reading two student election-related bills in the lead-up to the upcoming student government election season. Executive Council President Louise Stefan Cumba signed them into law the following Monday, accompanied by Student Senate President Lore Daven Martinez.
place a system of accreditation for political parties which would participate in future student government elections.
The act outlines the process in which political parties may be formed and be accredited to field candidates, with the COMELEC as the arbiter, describing eligibility criteria for their accreditation.
also to be followed in cases of unopposed candidates according to the Electoral System Reform Act adapted by the COMELEC guidelines.
One of the major changes for the Piniliay 2025 election was in the elective positions. For the Executive Council, only the President and Vice President were only included. While the local student government positions included Governor, Vice Governor, three Senators, and four Councilors.
The last speaker, Commissioner Jezabel Aton explained the postelections part of piniliay, in case there was a failure of election. The grounds for failure of election failure to meet the 25% quota and the process of the re-election as well as the new timeline as part of their contingency plan. Aton stated the winning criteria according to Article XIII, Section 2 specifies majority or plurality votes, depending on the position and the start of term to be in summer class according to IRR of Electoral System Reform Act.
Article XIII, Section 3.
The orientation acknowledges the Senate Bill No. 2425-011g reforms in the Electoral System authored by Hon. Shannen Marie Binuya, co-authored by: Hon. Ian Keith Batobato, and sponsored by: Hon. John Vincent V. Pocon
COMELEC Chairperson Basa took over, followed by a questionand-answer session, opening the floor to address the concerns of the student leaders. Basa also gave the closing remarks, emphasizing to meet their goal of a smooth election process.
The two bills, Senate Bills No. 2425-011, also known as the “Electoral System Reform Act”, and No. 2424-012, or the “Political Party Accreditation Act”, are in response to the shortcomings of the 2024 Piniliay, by clearly stipulating the electoral system, the role and powers of the FSUUSSG Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and also allowing the accreditation of political parties.
Under the “Electoral System Reform Act”, authored by BAPLSG Senators Shannen Marie Binuya and co-author Ian Keith Batobato, and sponsored by ASP-LSG Senator John Vincent Pocon, student elections will have streamlined regulations, from candidacy registration to postelection auditing.
These include regulation on the eligibility criteria for candidates and parties, on campaign activities and spending, and on the voting system, counting, and conduct of repeat elections, as well as setting penalties for irregularities, with the COMELEC being the oversight body.
Meanwhile, the “Political Party Accreditation Act” will put in
According to the act, political parties or coalitions shall first file with the League of Campus Organizations (LCO) as a manifestation of their desire for accreditation.
Additionally, it sets regulations for the nomination of candidates to run for student government elections, conduct of rallies, meetings, and other political activities, and other regulations, with the LCO designated as the oversight body for all accredited political parties.
The act was authored by NPLSG Senator Divine Angel Marcial, and co-authored by fellow NP-LSG Senators Angel Grace Cortez, Trixy Almendra, Zion Lestat S. Paqueo, and was also sponsored by Pocon. Martinez, speaking with the publication, noted that while both acts shall work to avoid a repeat of the previous Piniliay’s issues, he sees the “Political Party Accreditation Act” as more prominent.
“[...] because it’s new, knowing political parties before only existed for the sake of election.”, he added.
The Piniliay 2025 elections for the Executive Council and local student governments will be on April 5.
President Cumba’s Plans for Reform and Transformation
Tostrive for something greater than oneself- is to pursue the unwavering journey of change. Society has always dwelled on the concept between culture conservatism and Reformation, a battle that spanned over centuries throughout the history books; where many left the battlefield dismayed about doing what’s best for the inconceivable future.
Father Saturnino Urios University has been nurturing bright and keen students that will help push the community forward with innovative and inspired ideas. One of these students is their newly elected Supreme Student Government President Louise Stefan Cumba; a courageous third year Psychology student. Who envisions a path of transformation within the institution, as she treks through the challenges of having the responsibility of being a voice and instrument of positive change for the students in FSUU.
One of her statements mentioned that being a leader is having the strength and courage to face adversaries are the key
Danford Jose Lopez
qualities in being able to lead; she mentions that one of the glaring flaws she saw in FSUU was having leaders that were not strong enough to face the responsibilities of having that authority- and was one of her main factors in running for student presidency.
Cumba, as the visionary she is, visions a community of inclusivity where everyone is heard, catered and rightfully fought for.
Her platform called Fostering Student Unity and Understanding (FSUU) aims to build a connection to the student body, where the Student Council is involved in many aspects of the differing programs; an avid believer in honesty, she aims to show the entire student body of genuine transparency from the Student Council and will encourage feedback forums to ensure that every person has a voice in making FSUU a great community for students .
Driven by her strong and passionate personality for public service, she ensures the public that all policy related endeavors will be done with proper ethical methods and research so that it can be approved by the
administrative bodies in the university. As she fosters a coherent team behind her from her executive officers, House of Representatives and the Commission of Good Governance, she lobbies that under her term, that building that initial connection to the students and having a healthy relationship with the administration they will be able to achieve their goal in making FSUU the a home for student growth. As she ponders on what she wants her incumbency to be remembered, she posits that she wants her term to be remembered as the term of reformation and transformation. To leave a legacy as the instrument of change in her university and to be the medium for the voiceless.
A leader is not someone who seeks power, but someone who seeks to empower others, with their ability to foster camaraderie they spearhead a brighter future for their community.
Commissioner Name gives her opening remarks for the PINILAY 2025 Orientation - Harrison Deutch
Executive Council President Louise Stefan Cumba Signs Election Bill into law - courtesy of FSUU Senate
with the House of Representatives renamed as the Student Senate, with Martinez named as the first Senate President. The number of senators for each program was also reduced from four to three. Additionally, year-level mayors in the local student governments were being replaced by “councillors”, who shall serve as inter-government ambassadors.
Martinez spoke of a mostly smooth process, expressing the then-House’s and the ConCom’s commitment to passing the new constitution.
He further added that the new Senate would be the one to legislate regarding LSG concerns.
“We have a legislative branch to make laws [...] regarding your queries, so there is no need to stipulate in the Constitution, and we the legislators have the capability to legislate these concerns. Afterwards, they agreed and the third reading was passed, thankfully.”
He expressed as well that while most of the new provisions and changes are involved in addressing issues from the previous Constitution, the reorganization of the branches, including the establishment of the Student Supreme Court, and the creation of a Commission on Appointments were standouts, as well as the clarification of the roles of multuple student government instrumentalities and the LSGs, and the student elections.
“The majority of the 2024 Constitution is very new. If you read the 2009 Constitution, it only had 21 pages, but now, 2024 has 84 pages”.
As for the renaming of the executive branch to the Student Senate, he said it was based on the national Senate.
While significant changes have been made, further improvements, amendments, and additional laws and provisions are expected according to Martinez.
TheJhencey Bacolot
FSUU Medical-Dental Clinic, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) conducted free flu vaccinations for Urian students and employees at the CB Lobby on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The vaccination drive was aimed toward the university’s commitment to Urians’ health and well-being, as well as protecting against seasonal illnesses. Students and faculty alike lined up for the shot as cold weather causes increases in influenza-like illness.
According to the Medical-Dental Clinic, 311 Urians availed the shot, with clinic nurse Candice June Pacaña saying families of students also received the shot.
“The clinic coordinated with the DOH to ensure the protection of our students and faculty.”, Pacaña explained.
“It is a yearly event, though last year, it was only faculty in the clinic itself who got vaccinated but through an initiative of the DOH, we found it best to also include the students”, she added regarding if vaccinations will occur annually.
The Shifting Sands of Philippine Elections: 2010–2025
The period between 2010 and 2025 has been a tumultuous chapter in the history of Philippine elections. Marked by seismic transitions in power, entrenched challenges, and an evolving political dynamic, these years underscore the fragility and resilience of the nation’s democracy. From the Aquino administration’s quest for reform to the rise of populism under Duterte and the contentious return of the Marcos name to the presidency, this era reflects the enduring complexities of Philippine politics.
The presidency of Benigno Aquino III, which followed the scandal-plagued tenure of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, heralded a renewed focus on good governance and anticorruption efforts. Aquino’s administration sought to stabilize the political landscape and restore trust in public institutions. While his reformist agenda garnered praise, the electoral process remained mired in systemic issues. The 2013 midterm elections, although better managed than prior polls, were tainted by allegations of vote-buying and the undue influence of entrenched political dynasties. These challenges, emblematic of the Philippine political system, highlighted the uphill battle to achieve truly fair and competitive elections.
Rodrigo Duterte’s decisive victory in the 2016 presidential elections signaled a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape. Campaigning on a populist platform, Duterte appealed to voters frustrated by years of systemic inefficiencies and perceived elitism in governance. His administration, however, was marked by deep controversy, particularly over the “war on drugs,” which drew global condemnation for alleged human rights abuses. Electoral processes during this period faced intense scrutiny. The 2019 midterm elections, while largely peaceful, raised concerns about the impartiality of electoral management as Duterte’s allies swept into positions of power. Furthermore, debates intensified over the use of technology in elections, with critics pointing to vulnerabilities in the automated systems that could compromise transparency. The administration’s rhetoric and policies often tested democratic norms, prompting fears of democratic erosion under Duterte’s strongman leadership.
The election of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in 2022 marked a contentious turning point in Philippine politics. As the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his presidency reignited debates over historical revisionism, with critics accusing his camp of whitewashing the abuses of martial law under his father. The campaign’s heavy reliance on social media to shape public opinion underscored the growing role of disinformation in modern elections. Despite a largely peaceful electoral process in 2022, systemic issues such as vote-buying and the dominance of political dynasties persisted. The Marcos administration inherited a nation grappling with economic inequality, the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the existential threat of climate change. Whether the administration can address these issues effectively while upholding democratic principles remains an
open question.
Across this 15-year period, the Philippine electoral system has been plagued by recurring issues that undermine its credibility. The pervasive influence of powerful political clans continues to stifle competition and entrench inequality in the political arena. Despite advances in election technology, concerns over transparency and accountability remain, with critics questioning the adequacy of safeguards against manipulation and fraud. The rise of social media has added a new layer of complexity, with platforms increasingly weaponized to spread disinformation and polarize voters. Efforts to regulate these platforms and combat false narratives have been inconsistent, leaving the electoral process vulnerable to manipulation.
The Philippine political landscape remains in flux, with the next elections serving as a critical litmus test for the nation’s commitment to democratic principles.
The coming years will determine whether the nation can overcome its democratic challenges or remain ensnared by the forces of corruption, disinformation, and entrenched political power.
FSUU
BITSkrieg, a Hack4Gov team from Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) bagged 1st runner-up in the recently held Hack4Gov 3 Cyber Challenge held at Almond Inland Hotel.
In the cybersecurity competition themed “Today’s Generation, Tomorrow’s Champion: Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity through Shared Responsibility,” two teams represented FSUU: the BITSkrieg and Snow Leo4prds.
FSUU BITSkrieg was led by Jowehl Josh Gabriel B. Radaza, with John Paul C. Linogao, Jeam Aldrich B. Mejorada, and Jameskier D. Doliguez as members, while the Snow Leo4prds were captained by Nazir Buenavidez, with Khim Lucintes, Ma. Stephany S. Patiga, and Ezekiel Raine Cuenca as members.
The teams faced off against other teams from schools in Caraga in the competition, with FSUU BITSkrieg team, placing 1st runner-up with a score of 1720, surpassing 11 other teams from 10 educational institutions in Caraga.
Radaza’s exceptional performance during the challenge earned him a top performer award, securing him a spot to compete at the National Level alongside his coach and this year’s champion—CarSu CyberNinja of CSU Main Campus.
Kyle Anthony S. Ong Yiu
Implications of the Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis Trade
TUAV Players Land
In 10 years, the NBA will look back at that one random Saturday, halfway into the 2024-2025 regular season, when the trade that secured the future of the Los Angeles Lakers post-LeBron James took place.
On February 2, 2025, the entire National Basketball Association (NBA), its fans, players, executives, and the rest of the world were shocked when the Dallas Mavericks decided to trade their 25-year-old superstar and franchise player, Luka Dončić , to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, their 31-year-old star and defensive anchor.
The trade, which also included Mavericks forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, Lakers guard Max Christie, and a 2029 firstround draft pick, has been described as one of the most significant and unexpected trades in NBA history. It was the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason.
Dončić, a 5-time All-Star and 3-time AllNBA player, who was drafted by the Mavericks and branded as the franchise player after Dirk Nowitz ki passed on the torch, was left both surprised and confused by the decision.
On the other hand, Davis, an 8-time All-Star and 4-time All-Defensive player who the Lakers traded for in 2019, was equally perplexed.
Setting aside the initial reactions from fans all over the world, the drama-filled trade was more than a spectacle. Beyond the Mavericks prioritizing and bolstering their defense with Davis, the Lakers secured their next franchise player after LeBron James, who, at 40, will inevitably retire in the next few years.
Despite LeBron still playing at a superstar level at his age, the Lakers knew that they would only have a few years left with him.
While it’s clear that the Mavericks aim to pursue a championship window with a 1-2 punch of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis alongside a cast of role players like Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford, L.A.’s plans are unclear.
One concern among fans is that the trade fails to address the Lakers’ lack of a reliable center, instead adding another balldominant player alongside LeBron James and Austin Reeves. The Lakers also let go of Christie, a reliable defending guard with AllStar potential, further compromising their defense.
Nico Harrison, the General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks, cited prioritizing defensive focus through the acquisition of Davis as one of the justifications for the trade. Through interviews and insider reports, it was also revealed that the Mavericks had growing concerns over Luka’s work ethic and his looming massive contract extension, which could amount to a whopping $300 million.
While the trade has definitely shifted the landscape of the NBA, both in the present and for the foreseeable future in terms of team dynamics, it has also set a precedent: no player is untouchable. Business is business.
The Paralympics And Why It Needs More Coverage
Danford Jose Lopez
We don’t see the world as it is, we see it as we are - Anaïs Nin “
Mindanao Top 8, Top 16 in Estudyante Esports
TEKKEN Bout
Mikaela Jhencey Bacolot
Twoplayers from The Urian Arena Vanguards (TUAV), Tyrone Gabriel “turon” Serdan and Dober Gyle “DG<3” Lora, secured notable placements in the Tekken 8 Tournament hosted by Estudyante Esports at Toyland Bistro, Cagayan de Oro City.
Serdan placed Top 8, scoring two points in the Losers Round 3: Best of 3 against XCD | Fishy before being eliminated in Losers Round 4 by GP | HOPKICK. Meanwhile, Lora reached Top 16, advancing past Losers Round 1 before facing Serdan in the second round, where he was eliminated.
The Urian Arena Vanguards, with active rosters in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Tekken 8, Valorant, and Call of Duty: Mobile, plan to compete in more tournaments throughout the academic year, proudly representing the university.
Tobe the best, one must have innate talent and have the physical attributes that outshine their character. To be an Olympian, one must have all of those traits and have the determination that willingly carries the burden of a nation and the people that they represent. But what if, an individual with grit and a burning desire to compete for their nation, does not have the physical prowess to compete against the best-of-the-best; the Paralympic Games serves this sole purpose, to encapsulate the burning pride of a competitor; that even with physical handicaps they are able to show the world, that physical limitations are no hindrance in succeeding.
The Paralympic Games were born out of the ashes of World War II in 1948, a British physician named Ludwig Guttmann organized a sporting competition for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries. Held at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, these games were a testament to the resilience and determination of those who had been physically disabled. The main goal was to provide rehabilitation and a sense of purpose for these veterans, who had faced immense challenges in their lives.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was founded in 1989 to oversee and coordinate the games, expanding their reach to athletes with a wide range of disabilities, in hopes to grow and expound the sport into the same level as the Olympic Games. It is no surprise that the official Olympic Games draw the most viewership; In Paris the Olympics garnered 30.6 million average viewership, which made it the most-streamed Olympics of all-time, while the Paris Paralympics 2024 only peaked at a total of 15.4 million views; which also made it the most-streamed Paralympics of all-time.
Paralympic standout and the greatest Male Para Swimmer of all-time, Ihar Boki, won his 21st gold medal in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Boki, a visually impaired athlete dominated and won 5 gold medals this year alone; and since 2012 in his debut as a Neutral Paralympian Athlete, he has averaged at least 5 gold medals in every Paralympics he competed. But, none would be the wiser if they saw Boki in the street clothing. The Paralympics historically had a difficult time garnering the media’s eyes; some critics of the games blame the athletes themselves for the failure of the Paralympics in terms of media coverage, yet, they fail to realize that It’s the media’s fault in not attending and covering said events.
This year was different, the games were being covered, the Paralympians were getting their names in different media outlets; the games had the media’s attention and it resulted in the most viewed Paralympics of all-time. A change of the wind, perhaps. Nonetheless, the event was getting the world’s attention. Placed on a global stage, the 2024 Paralympic Games showed that every athlete can compete at the highest level; be it without a disability or not.
The Paralympic Games are more than just a showcase of athletic excellence; they are testament of hope, inspiration, and inclusion. They demonstrate that physical disabilities are not barriers to success, but rather opportunities for personal growth and achievement. By recognizing Boki and those amazing athletes, we challenge the societal perception on “What makes an Athlete”. The battle for inclusivity for these athletes is far from over, but by pushing the media to cover said events, encouraging policymakers to promote those athletes, and by collectively supporting the Paralympians—we celebrate and champion the indomitable human spirit, where with grit and determination, dreams do come true.
information through fact checking in order to have safer and contextual information seen or read on social media.
Factual Focus operates under a set of guidelines created and updated by the Urian Publication’s Editorial Board and Staff, based on international standards set by The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ Social Media Community-Based Protection Guidelines and the code of fact checkers of ethics of the International Fact-Checkers Network (IFCN) at Poynter. The guidelines that apply for the Factual Focus posts are the following: Qualifications for materials to address, Post ratings, Misleading, Biased, False, Conspiracy and Satirical.
In its consequent initial posts, the publication fact-checked the claims of Jun Abines, a political
commentator who had false claims regarding the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Following this, the publication also fact-checked the misleading post of CHED chairman Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III on the Caraga State University - School of Medicine being a legacy project of the Marcos administration, Rodante Marcoleta’s false claims regarding the West Philippine Sea being an invention of the Philippines, a fake page misrepresenting congressman Lordan Suan of Cagayan de Oro, and a fabricated image of former president Rodrigo Duterte wearing a Supreme Court justice robe.
The posts have garnered traction, with most posts attaining at least 100 Facebook shares. The Editorial Board of the publication, responsible for the project, expresses that there are more plans in store for the future of the project.
Less: Withdrawls
Intra-Campus Journalism Seminar Crossover and Acquaintace Party Meals
