THE CIRCLER The official newsletter of the Veterinary Circle for 10
Inside this Issue
ALL SMILES. The Veterinary Circle for 10 after holding yet another successful and award-winning event – the National Zootechnics Quiz Contest, during the National Congress of Veterinary Medicine Students 2020.
by Circler Princess Fadrogane
The Veterinary Circle for 10 truly embraced its passion for promoting excellence and professionalism in the field of veterinary medicine and related fields as circlers proved themselves once again by bringing home the merits for their unwavering motivation to share their knowledge and skills, showing resiliency to several hardships, and giving their best in everything they do. During the first-ever virtual graduation ceremony of CLSU last September 28, 2020, a total of 19 Circlers prevailed and received their diplomas for their respective degrees. One of them was Circler Christian Kenneth Soliven, who graduated with flying colors as Cum Laude with a Grade Point Average of 1.59. He was also awarded as the Most Outstanding CLSU Student as a testament not only to his academic achievement but to his leadership and service to humanity.
16th National Congress of Veterinary Medicine Students (NCVMS) held on February 13, 2020, he also secured Championship for CLSU in the Clinical Case Presentation. Another circler who got laurels for the VC10 was Donica Gabriel-Santos, who won 1st Place in the 28th National Veterinary Quiz Bee Contest held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños on February 11, 2020. Moreover, the organization achieved another milestone for being recpgnized by the Office of Student Affairs as the Student Organization of the Year and Best College-based Student Organization last November 30, 2020, at the first-ever virtual SO Recognition and Awards Day with the theme “CLSU BRAVE”. Among the activities of the organization which earned recognition for being Outstanding Educational Activities …continue on page 2
News
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VC10 elects new leaders
amidst the
by Circle Anne Auldwyne Timenia
Executive Treasurers: Circler Shaira De Gracia (Internal) and Circler Angel Magalong (External) Deputy General for Audit: Circler Anne Auldwyne Timenia Director of Ways and Means: Circler Alyssa Loraine Libunao Deputy General for Press Relations and Media Circler Nicole Angela Dar Deputy General for Public Relations: Circler Armary Morales Property Custodians: Circler Jose Benito Virola (Internal) and Circler Jeric Ryan Maure (External)
Ambassadors of Good Will: Circler Gerald Tangi and Circler Kathrine Saiam Laurzano With this new breed of VC10-trained leaders, the organization looks forward for more innovative plans and projects that will help the Veterinary Circle for 10 continue to fulfill its mission, vision, goals and objectives. As the VC10 turn over to a new page, the tireless commitment and genuine efforts of the Executive Committee for the last academic year 2019-2020 are deeply appreciated.
continued from page 1 After a year of leading the organization towards the successes, Circler Gerald Tangi and the other members of the Executive Committee turned over their positions in the organization to other resident members to continue the pursuit for excellence in the Academic Year 2020-21. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the circlers were not able to vote physically. But being resilient and responsive, the organization unanimously agreed to cast
their votes via Google Forms, first in its three-decade history. The Electoral Committee was spearheaded by Circler Gerald Tangi. The following are the new set of VC10 officers: Executive President: Circler Aaron Nichol Dacumos Executive Vice President: Circler Arthur Ashley Descanzo Secretary Generals: Circler Daisy C. Acuna (Internal) and Circler Princess Fadrogane (External)
were Zootechnics, Dog Day, and Ready, Set, Go while Arte Animales was recognized as an Outstanding Sociocultural Activity. Moreover, Circler Gerald C. Tangi and Circler Doctor Marvin Bryan Salinas was hailed as SO Leader of the Year and SO Adviser of the Year, having selflessly served and led the organization to greater heights for continued brotherhood, unity, professionalism and excellence. Alumni members also continued to shine in their respective chosen fields. Proving this was Circler Doctor Bryan Irvine M. Lopez, who won the Best Postdoctoral Research Award at the National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Association, Republic of Korea last December 23, 2020.
News
As one of the mega biodiversity hotspots of the world, the Philippines is home to numerous wildlife species. Its tropical climate has also become a reason for the seasonal migrations of several exotic species. With the country’s richness in flora and fauna, selfish actions followed. Illegal trafficking of both animals and plants grew rampant as their environment's roles were very much overlooked. Thus, in October 2020, the Veterinary Circle for 10, in collaboration with the Northern Exotics and Wildlife Troopers – Nueva Ecija Branch (NEWT-NEB), launched its very first Advocacies on Conservation and Awareness Project for Wildlife (ACAP – Wildlife), a four-component project ranging from infographic posters to informative webinars. Officially starting this program was the four-episode webinar series entitled UNCOVERED (Undervalued wildlife Necessitates COnservation through Volunteerism and Education for the Restoration of Ecological
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We Venture and Advocate by Circler Armary Morales
balance and Diversity). With speakers from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), DENR – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), DENR Region III, HerpWatch Pilipinas, National Museum of the Philippines, and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), this series tackled the importance of the smallest of insects on earth, the various water
creatures up to the largest of raptors, particularly our very own national bird, the Philippine Eagle. True to its purposes, the webinar educated the public on the status of the endemic wildlife in the land and waters and advocated for their well-being and the environment they thrive in. The real kick-off of this program wass actually the creative, yet informative, posts about the endemic animals of the country--and occasionally, of neighboring countries in Asia – Philippine Wildlife Species and Where to Find Them. Coupling this is the Wild Worldwide: Wildlife Species Across the Globe, which gave the viewers a brief background of these exotic animals from other parts of the world and the fun little facts about them. To complete this quartet, animal events were discussed in greater detail in Awareness for Animal Wellness, which tackled the events dedicated to a particular animal and how to celebrate them. … continue on page 4
News
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Ayala Young Leaders Central Luzon Cluster conducts Free Webinar: by Circler Alyssa Loraine Libunao
Last September 26, 2020, a free webinar on reaching out to the youth using online platforms was held virtually via Zoom application and Facebook Live. Conceptualized by the Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association Inc. Central Luzon cluster, the event was co-presented by Globe Telecom and Premium Megastructures Inc., and partnered with Katipunang Kabataan ng Minuyan Proper, City Youth and Sports Development Office, SK Minuyan Proper, Barkadahan Youth Club and ONE STEP. The webinar reached over 4,600 views on Facebook, wherein the participants were primarily youth, students, and teachers. The objectives of the webinar were to share and discuss the best practices in conducting webinars, in particular, online discussion and learning in this time of pandemic to help participants maximize technology when communicating with their audience, educate them to understand the benefits and challenges of using such online platforms whilst exploring
academic coordinator of Aliaga Bright Minds Academy, Inc. discussed his five small steps to facing the big challenges of the New Normal, emphasizing on his statement, “Do not let these circumstances or pandemic hinder our learning.” Mr. Michael Daryl Mayo, Game Server Administrator and member of Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association Inc. Central Luzon cluster gave his lecture regarding the introduction of online applications, their utilization, and technical capabilities. Whilst Ms. Sarah Jane Fabito, UPLB alumna and now Executive Director of WiTech the potential of various applications Batangas, talked about women making forbetter virtual engagements. a difference in technology, the gender Three speakers imparted their barrier, and the significance of knowledge and life experiences investing in younger generations. individually during the event. Mr. Abraham Kyle Robien B. Casis,
We Venture and Advocate
continued from page 3
With the power of social media, even in this pandemic, we must rise to defend the defenseless and voiceless. The onslaught of COVID-19 the past year, until the present, is the perfect example to instill into the masses the importance of keeping the wild in the “wild”. As the main transgressor of nature's woes, we must be accountable and only venture in to advocate and preserve wildlife for future generations. After all, “Nature doesn't need people - people need nature; nature would survive the extinction of the human being and go on just fine, but human culture, human beings, cannot survive without nature” (Harrison Ford).
News
VC10 pays virtual tribute to pandemic graduates by Circler
A total of nineteen circlers experienced the CLSU’s First Virtual Graduation last September 28, 2020. Four of them, namely, Circler Christian G. Diga (Batch 41- Ravens), Circler Eloisa M. Angel (Batch 41Ravens), Circler Mark Joel Theodore B. Eblacas (Batch 40- Neuroglia), and Circler Melanie Grace B. Razon (Batch 43- Orion) graduated with the degree Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry (BSAH). The fifteen other who received their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) diplomas were Circler Angelica A. Pescador (Batch 40- Neuroglia), Circler Charisse Christie T. Barroga (Batch 40- Neuroglia), Circler Charlize Kristen G. Padilla (Batch 43- Orion), Circler Christian Kenneth M. Soliven (Batch 40- Neuroglia), Circler Edgar D. Nieves Jr. (Batch 38- Canis Lupus), Circler Fatima A. Balutoc (Batch 40Neuroglia), Circler Harry C. Luis (Batch 34- Astrocytes), Circler Jaira J. Valenzuela (Batch 39- Archers), Circler Jester D. Romantico (Batch 41Ravens),Circler John Matthew G.
Quiazon (Batch 40- Neuroglia), Circler Katrin Aizel R. Macayan (Batch 41Ravens), Circler Myk Niño C. Masalunga (Batch 40- Neuroglia), Circler Naomi Katherine D.R. Lewis (Batch 40- Neuroglia), Circler Shaira
Melanie
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Grace Razon
Flor I. Cacho (Batch 38- Canis Lupus) and Circler Zairah Jane D.G. Baylon (Batch 40- Neuroglia). Though a physical celebration was restricted due to the pandemic, it did not mean the festivity had to be compromised too. VC10 hosted an online send-off party for the graduates via Zoom last October 25, 2020 where these individuals were acknowledged for their feats in the academe and as circlers to the organization. They may be leaving, but VC10 is not losing these dedicated individuals. Thank you for the service you have given to the organization and to CLSU! Go forth now and live out what the circle and the university has taught you.
by Circler Nicole Angela Dar
The Circler, Official Publication of the Veterinary Circle for 10, was originally a printed publication. But since this COVID-19 pandemic, it has adapted to online dissemination of news and entertainment about the organization. VC10 viewed social media as one promising tool and has then utilized it as a very influential platform, ensuring an easier approach to update circlers around the world about the happenings within the organization and their fellow VC10 members. This annual publication highlighted the activities performed by the organization for the academic year and the feats accomplished by the members and alumni during the term. Like most of our activities’ primary objective, The Circler happens to be an educational laboratory for circlers to further perfect their skills in composition, and digital and graphic design, which are inevitable life skills in today’s digital world in whatever specialization or profession you might be. The Circler principally aimed to operate for the resident members and alumni, and is of course, a great medium to market the VC10, create credibility, and build public awareness for the services VC10 can provide as a CLSU collegebased student organization for the local community, the region, the country, and the world. The global pandemic may have caused certain limitations to the … continue on page 9
News/Feature
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A First For CLSU: Accolade to VC10’s Rabies Advocacy by Circler Aaron Nichol Dacumos
the GARC World Rabies Day Awards 2020 for Best Global Student Group category, takes pride in such recognition of its advocacy. For over a decade, the Veterinary Circle for 10 has incorporated the “One Health Approach” in its contribution to rabies elimination efforts in the Central Luzon State University community and the province of Nueva Ecija by producing IEC materials for public dissemination and maintaining partnerships with local government units to offer free veterinary services in public. Since 2015, VC10 has vaccinated and provided free veterinary services, such
as deworming and vitamin and mineral supplementation, to a total of 4,264 dogs and cats. The organization has reached over 6,000 individuals across 31 schools within Nueva Ecija. And, through the help of online platforms, such as the social media, VC10 now further connects with more people from across different regions. Between animal and human medicine, there is no dividing line. And we, at the Veterinary Circle for 10, continue to take a stand and envision a rabies-free community and optimum health for animals and humans alike.
The Philippines currently ranks fourth worldwide in the incidence of rabies cases as numbers continuously increase despite the government promising to rid the country from it by 2020. The Global Alliance for Rabies Control, with their mission to prevent human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies while also relieving the burden of rabies in animal populations, works b y C i r c l e r J o s e B e n i t o V i r o l a alongside governments and other On August 29, 2010, a band of students who were eager enough to explore organizations, experts in the field, and new horizons, take on challenges, and unlock new skills, decided to sign up to local communities in the hopes to the Veterinary Circle for 10. From being mere strangers to becoming brothers eliminate human deaths from dog and sisters, not by blood but by heart, 18 individuals had come together and rabies worldwide. found the batch AVIANS. With this, the GARC aims to This year, we celebrate their 10 glorious years of upholding brotherhood, recognize the work of individuals and unity, professionalism, and undying service to the organization since day one. organizations across the globe who They, who shared the same passion, the same drive for success, the same thirst tirelessly works to contribute to for knowledge, are now professionals who continue to pursue their chosen prevent rabies in their local careers in life. The VC10 is lucky enough to have your support to all our communities and as part of the global projects and advocacies. elimination through the World Rabies Big thanks for being part of the long ride to the many successes over the Day Awards. And, VC10, the first-ever years. Without you, the organization would not be as it is today. Happy 10th Anniversary, AVIANS! VC10 is proud of what you have all become! CLSU-based shortlisted nominee for
A Decade to A Lifetime for Batch AVIANS
Feature
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BUWAN NI ADAN: by Circler Shaira de Gracia
Though often unappreciated, men play a vital role in society, most especially in today’s time when genderrelated issues are still prevalent and the world is facing a global pandemic. That is why CLSU dedicated a month-long celebration for the masculine soul. Buwan ni Adan is observed to raise awareness by improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and men’s overall health. VC10, in partnership with the CLSU-Gender and Development Office, and the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine, conducted the second BAHAGHARI: Digital Poster and Slogan Making Contests and the first-ever KISAP (Karunungan at Isipan, Susubukin kay Adan sa Patalastasan): Video Making Contest last October, in line with this year’s theme, “Redefining the Roles of Men in Times of COVID-19.” The said contests were successfully held online via social media platforms and were open to all CLSU students, faculty
members, and staff. Male participants from different colleges showcased their talents on digital poster and slogan making iby harnessing their skills in the manipulation of colors, hues, graphics, images, icons, and meaningful words to create powerful, artistic entries while utilizing today’s available technology. Meanwhile, some also exposed their wit by taking on the challenge to answer debatable gender-related issues in the form of vlogging. All entries for the activities were posted on the Official Facebook pages of the Veterinary Circle for 10 and the Buwan ni Adan where public voting, as one part of the criteria for judging, through the reactions and shares, were tallied from October 12, 2020 until October 14, 2020. The digital poster, slogan, and video entries were judged by five experts or faculty members from different colleges of the university. Cash prizes worth 3,000 pesos, 2,000 pesos, and 1,000 pesos were awarded for first, second, and third placers, respectively.
Among the very unique and creative artworks, the ones which stood out for the digital poster making contest were Adrian Pacres – who bagged first place; Warren Dave Aguli – second place; and Ferdinand Cargamento – third place. For the slogan-making contest, Joshua Bibangco won the first place, Adrian Pacres – second place, and Jameson Guico – third place. For the videomaking contest, Paul Manaloto received first place, Aldenn Mar Asuncion for the second place, and Clifford Dominique Varilla for the third place.
continued from page 5 organization. However, VC10 maximizes today’s technology with the use of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and other online platforms to provide the public exceptional news items and original infographics, among other things. Alumni members who wish to be share their lives as field veterinarians in the next issue should not hesitate to contact the current Editor-in-Chief, Circler Nicole Angela Dar (Batch 43 – Orion), or Assistant Editor, Circler Gerald Tangi (Batch 41 – RAVEN).
Feature/News
forefront
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by Circler Anna Marie Balaca by Circler Anna Marie Balaca
Throughout the years, the Veterinary Circle for 10, as a premiere CLSU-CVSM college-based student organization, never failed to pass on its legacy to succeeding generations. Before its 37th founding anniversary, a new breed of 14 circlers from Mantichora, Cetacea, and Cervidae (names of CVSM year levels) was found on the celestial equator when gravity, like one massive cloud of dust and gas in space, pulled them together to be united as one new family. Named after the Orion constellation, which translates as “hunter” in Greek mythology, these 14 newly-survived members are proving themselves worthy of obtaining the honorific title “Circler”. Ready to take on the challenges of leading the organization to greater heights, these 14 vow to remain true to their words – to ‘never settle, always pursue’. With their respective current positions in the Organization’s Executive Committee, they are: Daisy
Acuna (Internal SecretaryGeneral), Princess Fadrogane (External Secretary-General), Shaira De Gracia (Executive Treasurer), Angel Mae Magalong (Deputy General for Finance), Alyssa Loraine Libunao (Director of Ways and Means), Anne Auldwyne Timenia (Deputy General for Audit), Nicole Angela Dar (Deputy General for Press Relations and Media & GAD Student Representative), Jose Benito Virola (Internal Deputy General for Custody), Jeric Ryan Maure (External Deputy General for Custody), Anna Marie Balaca, Melanie Grace Razon, and Charlize Kristen Padilla. Armed with the golden rule and principle of brotherhood, unity, and professionalism these young individuals are driven to execute the organization’s mission and vision as not only future veterinarians but leaders of tomorrow. The Orions have launched and are now prepared to take the ride to wider horizons.
In response to the sudden shift to online, distance and remote asynchronous learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Veterinary Circle for 10 collaborated with several national government and private organizations to pull-off the first-ever Forefront Webinar Series as our contribution in providing veterinary students with new knowledge and supplementing and reinforcing what they already learnt from their modular classes with the field experiences and technical knowledge. This four-part webinar series was attended by a total of 528 participants from across the country. The topics presented encompassed chemistry, alternative animal production and management, antimicrobial resistance and livestock and poultry industry updates as they all relate to the pandemic. In the first episode, Sir Charleo Zapanta of the Department of ChemistryCLSU served as the resource speaker for the “Love Lab: Laboratory Safety Guidelines” Webinar. This was followed by the topic “What’s In? The Future of
Rabbit Farming in the Philippines” which was discussed by Mr. Artemio Veneracion, the President of the Association of Rabbit Meat Producers Inc. This second episode was very timely because of the setbacks faced by pork and chicken industries from current emerging animal diseases. Atty. Beata Humilda Obsioma, the Deputy Executive Director of the the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture graced us for the third episode entitled “Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Emerging Animal Diseases in the Livestock and Poultry Industry.” Her discussion focused on the impacts of the COVID-19 and African Swine Fever to food security as both contributed to the shortage of meat in the country. And finally, Mr. Manuel Jamoralin from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine of the Department of Health) updated us about “The Status of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Philippines in Times of Pandemic” as the webinar’s final episode for this academic year.
News
9 by Circler Christian Diga by Circler John Patrick Gicaraya
Last March 27, 2021, the Veterinary Circle for 10, in collaboration with the Veterinary Student Government, conducted the two-part second episode of the weekly webinar series entitled Sneak Peek: DVM Insider: An Overview to your Career Paths and Ladders. The webinar series was part of the program of the Veterinary Student Government organized together with the other five college-based student organizations of the CLSUCVSM, namely, the Veterinary Circle for 10, CLSU-VKV Fraternity and VLV Sorority, CLSU Rodeo Club, Society for the Advancement of Veterinary Education and Research (CLSU), Veterinary Student Achievers Society CLSU and the CLSU Chapter of the International Veterinary Students Association. The event was hosted by Circler Anna Marie Balaca and Justin Josiah Estillore, a sophomore VSG officer.
The first part of the webinar was entitled, “The Veterinarian as an Entrepreneur” wherein Circler Dr. Agapito Mercado was the resource speaker. There he had discussed how a veterinarian can be an entrepreneur – how to start a business, the risks of building a business, and how to be a successful in one’s chosen business. The second part of the webinar was entitled “Veterinarian as a Companion Animal Practitioner” where Circler Dr. Ma. Cecilia BabasoroChua, the resource speaker, shared her knowledge on being a dog and cat doctor. The organization also initiated a raffle draw during the event, which was won by the following ndividuals: Patricia Nicole C. Sibayan, Ron Justin B. Castillo, Michelle B. Tumali, Ma. Andrea Nicolle A. Barrientos, Adrian V. Arca, and Kharmela P. Kitabayashi.
Academics, social life, and physical activities have become more challenging in this time of pandemic. We all deserve a break, hence, VC10 implemented the recreational activity entitled, “Clash of Circlers 2021” composed of vast activities for the purpose of leisure. Clash of Circler 2021 was conducted from Aptil 1 to 7, 2021, a five-day event comprised of three parts. The first of the three was conducted through a popular mobile game, “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang”, promoting teamwork, communication and strategy. Resident members, as well as some alumni members, joined the tournament. A total of fifteen members participated, each of three teams composed of five circlers each. Group 1 consisted of Circlers Angelica Pescador, John Matthew Quiazon, Mia Lenon Miclat, Imari Futalan, and Christian Diga; Group 2
had Circlers Theodore Eblacas, Arthur Ashley Descanzo, Gerald Tangi, Jose Benito Virola, and Justin Joson and for Group 3, there were Circlers Tierry de Ocampo, Christopher Garcia, Edgar Nieves, Nicole Angela Dar, and Simon Peter Padilla. The round-robin tournament was composed of best-ofthree games, and the overall winner was Group 2. The second part of the event, “Circlers’ Feud”, was a group quiz bee contest adapted to the international TV gameshow Family Feud. The game covered general knowledge in daily living and veterinary medicinerelated trivia. Time pressure was the essence of the game, and all in all, both teams exhibited great knowledge in the topics covered with Team 1 bringing home the triumph and bragging rights after the end of the game.
ONLINE LEARNING. Some stills from the Forefront Webinar Series 2021.
Feature
Maskterpiece:
10 NEW NORMAL FOR THE NEW YEAR
by Circler Melanie Grace Razon
As the pandemic continues, people around the world feel the major impact of COVID-19 on their lives as a huge change in their daily routine. Adapting can be difficult. But despite the introduction of restricted measures, the number of new cases in COVID-19 is dramatically accelerating. To this, the Veterinary Circle for 10 came up with an activity entitled “MASKterpiece: New Normal for the New Year” as an awareness for other people who have already forgotten to wear their protective face masks in public places. The activity aimed to encourage people to wear face mask as a precautionary measure, for prevention and control of the disease which helps flatten the COVID-19 epidemic curve, and to help and protect frontline health workers who
continue to provide essential services despite the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. On the 5th day of February 2021, the submitted entries of four participants from different colleges were posted online on the Official Facebook page of the Veterinary Circle for 10. They showcased their maskterpieces, made using indigenous and recyclable materials found within their homes, with a brief explanation of their work that highlights the core concept of their artwork. As part of the criteria for judging, the maskterpieces were judged by public voting through online reactions, shares and engagements, and by the combined scores from three invited faculty members. On February 10, 2021, the
A MASTERPIECE INDEED. The winning piece of Ms. Jackie Cabading, a DVM student. This face mask is inspired by Pag-asa, the the first Philippine eagle that’s bred and hatched in captivity.
results were posted on the Official Facebook page of VC10, and cash prizes worth 1000 pesos, 950 pesos, 500 pesos were awarded for first, second, and third placers, respectively, and an additional 250 pesos each for participants with special awards. Among the very unique and creative artworks, the ones which stood out were from Jackie Cabading - who bagged first place; Sharon Alfonso - second place and netizen’s choice; Laurence Ramos - third place; and Kennedy Jhon Gasper - most symbolic mask.
BEAUTIFUL PROTECTION. The other entries for this competition, from left to right: Kennedy Jhon Gasper (Most Symbolic Mask), Laurence Ramos (3rd Placer), and Sharon Alfonso (2nd Placer and Netizen’s Choice).