2021
V X NOVA UPDATES ON PUP QC SSC's
Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Jennylyn Balaoro personally met PUP QC Branch Director, Assoc. Prof. Edgardo S. Delmo last December 20, 2021, to present and discuss the LBE roadmap; officially called as “S.A.F.E. Roadmap for LBEConducive PUP QC”, the contents of which were discussed, compiled and finalized by the SSC and Council of Leaders (COL) from students’ concerns and suggestions regarding the LBE campaign in the recent consultative meeting with student leaders as well as in the LBE-Sensing Form. (continue to page 2)
Robredo-Pangilinan, opposition senators garnered PUPQC students' approval in SSC’s mock poll for 2022 National Elections Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo and running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, came out favorable among PUP Quezon City students along with notable senatorial aspirants in mock poll results by the PUP QC Supreme Student Council last December 7-12, 2021. Confirming a total of 364 valid votes from PUPQC students after a three-day verification process of the results, incumbent vice president Leni Robredo won with 193 (53%) votes against the other aspirants. While her running mate, Kiko Pangilinan garnered 109 (29.9%) votes also won in a tight competition with Sarah Duterte for the vice-presidential race. (continue to page 4) PHOTO SOURCE RAPPLER
Revalde of PUP Sta Mesa; PUP QC Students bagging achievements recently SHOWCASING PROGRESSIVE BEAUTY
HONEDTOREIGN RESEARCH PRIDE OF PUP QC PUPQC DOMT.Cs ON THE MOVE INTERNATIONAL - LEVEL PUPIAN (continue to page 3)
Follow us on our social media account to keep updated! @voxnovapupqc @VoxNova_PUPQC voxnovaqc@gmail.com
NEWS Supreme Court Divulges Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 Provisions: Only Two Portions Are Unconstitutional Regina Ann Zapanta
PHOTO SOUCE: RAPPLER
On December 9, 2021, a day before the celebration of National Human Rights, the Philippines Supreme Court released its decision about the provision of some portions of the Anti-Terror Law to be unconstitutional by a vote of 12-3 and 9-6. SC upheld the validity of this law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte; July of 2020, aside from a portion of Section 4 that compromised mass actions and similar exercise of civil and political rights from the definition of terrorism with a vote of 12-3. "(Section 4) is declared as unconstitutional for being overbroad and violative of freedom of expression," said the Supreme Court Public Information Office. Likewise, a portion of Section 25 allows an anti-terrorism council appointed by the president to adopt requests by other entities, including international organizations, to designate individuals or groups as terrorists declared unconstitutional by the vote of 9-6.
"The striking down of these unconstitutional provisions is a victory for human rights and civil liberties," a group of law professors from the Far Eastern University Institute of Law said in a statement. Despite these provisions, some still expressed dissatisfaction and were dismayed by the law. Several progressive youth groups staged protests against this to celebrate the last International Human Rights Day under Duterte's administration on December 10, 2021. In a statement, the Kabataan Party-list reiterated its calls for the junking of the entire law. "Hindi sapat ang panaka-nakang aksyon ng Korte Suprema... Dapat ibasura sa kabuuan ang pinakamalupit na batas sa kasaysayan ng bansa – ang Terror Law ni Duterte."
UPDATES ON PUP QC SSC's
CHRISTEL POSEO Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Jennylyn Balaoro personally met PUP QC Branch Director, Assoc. Prof. Edgardo S. Delmo last December 20, 2021, to present and discuss the LBE roadmap; officially called as “S.A.F.E. Roadmap for LBE-Conducive PUP QC”, the contents of which were discussed, compiled and finalized by the SSC and Council of Leaders (COL) from students’ concerns and suggestions regarding the LBE campaign in the recent consultative meeting with student leaders as well as in the LBE-Sensing Form. Following the recent consultative meeting headed by the branch campus’ Supreme Student Council (SSC) and Council of Leaders (COL) with class and academic and non-academic presidents via Zoom last December 11, 2021, the SSC has finalized the “S.A.F.E. Roadmap for LBE-Conducive PUP QC,” or otherwise known as the LBE Campaign policy recommendations of the campus’ students.
As they welcomed SC's decision in voiding some parts of the law, saying that it has eased fears, they still argued that it is not enough to address the remaining dangerous parts of the law that are still against Human Rights. However, it is noted that the only two portions of Anti-Terror Law or the Republic Act of 11479 were only declared as unconstitutional and not the entire law as these two parts are minimal and it won't affect the law entirely.
Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Grace Poe, Imee Marcos, Manuel "Lito" Lapid, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, Win Gatchalian, Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, Richard Gordon, Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, Bong Revilla, Francis "Tol" Tolentino, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri and Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III were those that voted in favor for the AntiTerrorism Act stating that it would provide a strong legal backbone to support the country's criminal justice response to terrorism
The Anti-Terrorism Act received backlash after Duterte signed the law last year, which shows public dissatisfaction over his administration.
Under the 19 - 2, Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros were those two who voted against the approval of the law as they opposed some provisions of the bill as they felt it would impinge on the rights of liberty of every citizen.
He identified it as an urgent measure instead of prioritizing another social welfare measure, including the fact that our country faced a major lockdown and economic crisis caused by the pandemic.
Various human rights groups said they would continue to challenge the law, even after the court decision, saying bills that seek to amend the laws will be refiled in the next Congress after the elections.
Various points presented from the finalized roadmap were agreed upon and commended by Branch Dir. Delmo. He also recognized the students’ concerns and showed support for it, but also mentioned that there are some things to be considered regarding the policies of the roadmap presented, specifically budget allocation. An ad hoc committee will be formed according to the SSC, specifically tasked with policymaking of the LBE campaign matters, of which at least one student representative is to be included in the committee. Dir. Delmo also recommended that in the case of a dialogue with the University admin, there should be a representative from the COL and Vox Nova. The finalized roadmap was also forwarded to the head of the Office of Students and Affairs Services (OSAS) and to the Head of the Academic Program, as their confirmation is also necessary for implementing the PUPQC-LBE at the earliest possible time. Data from the LBE-Sensing Form disseminated to students of PUP QC were also presented in the finalized roadmap. From the previous data of 478 respondents last December 11, 2021, there is an additional 126 respondents when the SSC reopened the sensing form until December 15, 2021. Garnering a total of 604 responses from the PUPQC-LBE Sensing Form, 411 respondents (68%) are in favor of re-opening the limited face-to-face class in PUPQC while the 193 of responses (32%) aren’t favorable.
The sensing form also showed a high vaccination rate of 81% (486 respondents) among students. One of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) prerequisites for the approval of limited face-to-face classes among universities is a high vaccination rate. S.A.F.E. Roadmap can be accessed through a Facebook post by the PUPQC Supreme Student Council.
NEWS
Revalde of PUP Sta Mesa; PUP QC Students bagging achievements recently Marion Elise Brillantes
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students making their names known in various fields ranging from global pageant, national certifications, quiz bees, slogan making contest, spoken poetry to research presentation.
PUPQC DOMT.Cs ON THE MOVE Representatives from DOMT.Cs of PUP QC were victorious in the Court Trials 2021, as part of PUP’s National English Month celebration held last November 27, 2021. Ms. Bernadette Ventura is Royal Bee, ranking top eight among 50 students nationwide; and Mr. Gerard Rey competed in the General English Quiz Bee, top 15th among 46 students nationwide.
Albiean Revalde
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
SHOWCASING PROGRESSIVE BEAUTY Most notable among the students is PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (SKM) President Albiean Revalde who courageously competed against 24 candidates for the title of Miss Trans Global 2021. Revalde was crowned as the Duchess Global, Miss Trans Global 2021, while successfully bagging three special awards: Eloquent Queen of the Year, Best in National Costume, and Activist Queen of the Year. Revalde’s advocacies concerning gender equality and the rights of students, farmers, and Filipino workers set her apart from the rest. She also stunned the viewers and judges with her poise while flaunting the Dinagyang-Babaylan Armor.
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
Jennylyn Balaoro
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
Ralph Joseph Tuazon
RESEARCH PRIDE OF PUP QC Students from PUP QC represented the branch in the recently held Project NIPS, National and International Presentation for Students, a conference led by the PUP Research Management Office. The conference was participated by PUP QC Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Jennylyn Balaoro from Bachelor of Business Teacher Education in Livelihood Education (BBTLEd) with her group's thesis 'The Roles of Technology-Driven Classroom Using ISTE Standards,' and Vox Nova Editor-in-Chief Ralph Joseph Tuazon from BSBA HRM 4-1, with their craft 'Solo ON and OFF Duty: Challenges of Selected Solo Parent Employees in Call Center Companies and the Implementation of Republic Act 8972.' These undergraduate theses are heading on to another level as they are invited to present in the upcoming International Research Conference on Higher Education (IRCHE) 2021 organized by PUP Research Management Office and Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, on December 13-16, 2021 where more than 300 papers will be presented and lots of academicians and research enthusiasts will be expected to attend.
HONEDTOREIGN
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
Three PUP QC students, namely Julie Ann Pamesa, Daisy Abendanio, and John Lesther Gerero, are among the top 10 passers of the Human Resource Educators Association of the Philippines (HREAP) certification, an exam that qualifies human resource practitioners to become Certified Human Resource Associates (CHRA). From the results of the 17th batch of examinees’ scores last November, Julie Ann Pamesa scored a rating of 88.75 and is in the top 7 among hundreds of examinees.
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
INTERNATIONAL - LEVEL PUPIAN Ms. Aubrey Tablate and Ms. Rocel Alacasoda from PUP QC competed in the 4th International Scholars Convention and International Young Leaders Congress 2021, a three-day event held virtually through Zoom. Tablate participated in Digital Slogan Making Contest in the convention, while Alacasoda won 3rd runner up in the Spoken Poetry Contest with her piece ‘Hindi ito laro, hindi rin palaruan’.
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
NEWS Robredo-Pangilinan, opposition senators garnered PUPQC students' approval in SSC’s mock poll for 2022 National Elections MARION ELISE BRILLANTES PHOTO SOURCE RAPPLER
ICYMI: PUP QC's International Webinar with Resource Speaker From Rice University In Texas, USA Keynote speaker from Rice University, Texas Ms. Jessica B. Lee talked in an international webinar hosted by the PUP Quezon City Campus with the help of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for Branches and Satellite Campuses via Zoom on November 19, 2021. Lee’s webinar entitled “The Role of Technology in Transitioning to the Future of Work and Workplace” talked about the contingency of workplaces in the present time, how automation is slowly taking over manual work, and the job landscape in the year 2022 wherein most jobs will be connected with technology. Among the attendees of the webinar were PUP QC faculties and students, guests from other PUP branches, as well as guests from various universities in NCR.
Gonzaga, still, PUP Student Regent
JUSTINE PE & MIKAEL JAN AUSTRIA Lee, in her talks recognized the resiliency and resourcefulness of Filipinos, saying that they won't have any problems in the technological future of work and workplaces because of the notable qualities Filipinos possess. One of the most notable takeaways in the webinar is how students should learn and possess various skills to become globally competitive in the job market and in the workplace. Lee put great importance on communication, cultural intelligence, empathy, and eloquence as important skills to be learned. Ms. Jessica ended her talk with a poem entitled “Love After Love” by Derek Walcott. The webinar became successful with the help of PUPQC administration, and students' academic and non-academic organizations. Among the attendees of the webinar were PUP QC faculties and students, guests from other PUP branches, as well as guests from various universities in NCR.
KAREN JOY ZUÑIGA Rommel Gonzaga, the former Student Regent of Polytechnic University of the Philippines and is the current Student Assembly President of PUP San Juan, retained his position as Interim Student Regent or ISR of PUP with 23 votes in total as the 22nd Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Konseho o ANAK PUP Congress commences last November 2021 through ANAK-PUP Federation Election.
Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo and running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, came out favorable among PUP Quezon City students along with notable senatorial aspirants in mock poll results by the PUP QC Supreme Student Council last December 7-12, 2021. Confirming a total of 364 valid votes from PUPQC students after a three-day verification process of the results, incumbent vice president Leni Robredo won with 193 (53%) votes against the other aspirants. While her running mate, Kiko Pangilinan garnered 109 (29.9%) votes also won in a tight competition with Sarah Duterte for the vice-presidential race. Presidential aspirant, former senator, and late dictator's son Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and running mate for vice president Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio both came in second, garnering 25.8% and 24.2% of all the votes respectively. Twelve candidates for the senatorial race have secured their spot as well. Chiz Escudero got the highest vote, followed by Chel Diokno, Risa Hontiveros, Win Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Allan Cayetano, Neri Colmenares & Dick Gordon tied for the seventh spot, Joel Villanueva, Sonny Trillanes, Migz Zubiri, Gibo Teodoro & current president Rodrigo Duterte tied in the eleventh spot, and lastly, Mark Villar. Since the May 2022 elections are fast-approaching, politicians are becoming more persistent in getting to the public's good side. In that note, the SSC and other youth advocates are encouraging everyone to think and vote smart for this election holds the key to our country’s future. Mock poll for 2022 national elections has been conducted by the PUP QC SSC to reflect the campus studentry’s political stand, as well as to know, if necessary, measures like voter education, and deliberations about voting matters should be done.
Gonzaga will be the representative of 70, 000+ PUP students in the Board of Regents. It can be recalled that there have been controversial issues concerning how Gonzaga addressed the vacant positions in the ANAK-PUP Federation Executive Committee; consultation with different formations and organizations of students; and the continuous call for unity of different student-leaders from PUP branches and campuses in issues affecting the University and its students.
PHOTO SOURCE FACEBOOK
However, despite of the controversy, Gonzaga remained as the Interim Student Regent or ISR of PUP, and together with Office of the Student Regent staff members, they will continue to represent thousands of PUPians in strengthening studentry through serving studentry the right of information; protecting democratic rights of the students inside and outside of the University; and amplifying the students' concerns and sentiments.
PHOTO SOURCE PHILIPPINE STAR
FEATURE HEALTH CATEGORY
VARIANTS' GLOW UP: THE WEAPONIZATION OF COVID Regina Anne Zapanta
is the commonly used phrase to say that life is about change and growth. Indeed, it is a good phrase to say whenever someone needs a little push in life. But what if we apply it to our current situation wherein we're still fighting with these unseen monstrous and deadly enemies - the coronavirus. Change is inevitable and constant; this virus approves as they are still leaping their transition day-by-day. In the earlier days of 2020, news has been dominated by stories about this coronavirus. It started from a small town in China then just like fire, it spread reaching every side of the globe. Since then, it has changed peoples' lifestyles and even how the world works. As the world changes, different variants of coronavirus which were called the SARS-CoV-2 or COVID - 19 arise and continue to be our latest concern. Thus, it has reached extraordinarily high levels in the countries it's invading. Continuing to devastate millions of lives and livelihood, resulting in hundreds of millions of cases and millions of deaths. A Virus Has One Goal: To Make More of Itself Just like how we perceive life changes, changes in every virus creates variant. Viruses multiply by copying their genomes over and over but just like an old photocopier, these copies aren't always perfect. Each one of these copies may be made up of a collection of mutations that either affects how the virus specifically the coronavirus works, or it can make it act in different ways. Normally, the imperfections or mutations don't change how the virus behaves, they can often make it less successful than its origin. But rarely, variants can change the virus in some ways such as making it more infectious or more able to avoid the immune system.
Variants As Failed Copycats
Despite having a complicated definition and impact, viruses are simple. They are just a shell of protein surrounding some generic material. This is made up of molecules that can be represented as a series of letters just what people learn in their biology class. As a representation, these codes contain instructions on how to make one specific protein in that virus function. Viruses are like parasites that need a host to them live longer. And that's the reason why they needed someone; specifically, a human - to mutate.
But the B.1. 1. 7 variant which was later named the 'Alpha Variant' in December of 2020, has multiple mutations on its spike protein which makes it easier for the virus to bind and infect human cells. The B.1.351 or 'Beta Variant' together with the P.1 or 'Gamma Variant' were also identified variants of Coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO); Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Variants, all have mutations in the spike protein. It gives the virus more advantage in being transmissible which led it to become widespread around the world. But one of the considered most dominant variants of COVID - 19 is the B.1.617.2 or the 'Delta Variant'. It was first identified in December 2020 in India during a surge responsible for more than 30 million cases and at least 430,000 deaths. And what makes this variant worrisome is that it looks like it's more easily transmissible than the other previous variants. It has demonstrated 40–60% increased transmission, in comparison with the previously dominant Alpha variant, and is currently the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in other foreign countries. Around August of 2021, the 'Delta variant' became the dominant covid variant in the Philippines infecting more than thousands of people. It became worrisome because of its characteristics that allow the virus to quickly infect more people. Thus, it cripples everyone's health with the sudden strike of risk in the publics' health, Furthermore, recently of this December, another variant has been detected as the now-dominant variant of covid 19 that surged cases across the US. The world is now grappling with the swift spread of B. 1. 1. 529 or Omicron Variant according to the WHO, the world is now in its precarious moment. This variant has a large number of mutations compared to the tremendous Delta Variant and other variants before which put the whole world in a state of worry. Around 106 countries including the Philippines. Variants like omicron are the biggest threat to an end to the pandemic — and scientists warn that they will continue to emerge as the virus spreads.
If this virus enters a body and invades its immune system, it uses its cells to make copies of itself making them a copycat. But as they replicate these complex codes, again and again, it eventually makes a mistake that results in the formation of what we call a variant. Most of the time, mutations are harmless or even make the virus weaker. But other times, a series of mutations occur that gives a virus a slight edge over its victim. Family of Virus Coronaviruses are covered in spike proteins that they use to bind and infect human cells whenever they get to enter and terrorize their immune system. Just like a puzzle, covid has to be a perfect fit for them to smoothly get past a human cell. The thing is, that binding isn't a perfect fit not until several variants happen.
PHOTO SOURCE RAPPLER
FEATURE EDUCATION CATEGORY
G R , A W P O E ! W ” “ ps for Online Educatio i n T
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Helen Grace N. Maniago
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PREP UP YOUR CLASSROOMS
DULY NOTED!
It is also good to take notes, record, and highlight the important parts of the lessons so you can have a backup in case you forget and need it during exams.
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TAKE A STEP BACK
PLAN, ORGANIZE, AND TAKE CHARGE!
GADGET READY!
MARS, ANONG BALITA? ‘Mars, anong balita’? Kapag may nais tayong alamin sa mga pinakahuling pangyayari sa paligid natin, bukods sa kape, balita ang isa sa ating mga takbuhan. Nandyan ang balita sa ekonomiya, balita sa showbiz, balitang pampalakasan, balitang pampanahon, mga balita ng insidente- at ang pinakamainit na uri nito, balitang pulitika. Naging karugtong na, hindi lang ng ating mga bituka, kundi pati na rin ng kamalayan at gunita natin ang balita at kung tutuusin, ito ang pinakamapandugtong na kasangkapan upang patuloy tayong magpatuloy sa new normal kung saan uso at ligtas maglayo-layo.
Pero paano kaya kung sa susunod na sumpong natin sa kapit-bahay ay wala nang balitang mauulinigan? Sa nagdaang mga panahon, naging pinakamainit na isyung panlipunan ang tungkol sa walang humpay na mga paglabag sa karapatan sa pamamahayag. Ang karapatan sa pamamahayag ay iba sa karapatang magpahayag ngunit magkapit-bisig ang dalawa para sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong lipunan. Partikular ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag sa mga manggagawa sa industriya ng mediamula kameraman, brodkaster, content writers, segment producers, photojournalists, at kahit ano pang sulok ng journalism. Sa ilan, mukhang napakapayak ng linya na ito ng pamumuhay pero kasaysayan na ang nagpatunay na pagtataya ng buhay ang pagiging mamamahayag. Sa katunayan, ang Pilipinas ay ikapito sa mga bansang pinakamapanganib para sa mga mamamahayag ayon sa pinakahuling datos ng Committee to Protect Journalist ng World Bank Development Indicator sa taong 2021. IMAGE SOURCE Canva
CURRENT EVENTS CATEGORY
At kung hindi ka pa kumbinsido sa datos na ‘yan, baka hindi mo rin nakakalimutang kamakailan lang ay naipasara ang ABS-CBN bagaman pinabulaanan na ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno mismo na may nagawang paglabag ang media company, Isang malinaw na paghihiganting pulitkal na kinasangkapan pa ang kasagraduhan ng Kongreso. Sa kabilang dako naman ay nasungkit ng Chief Ececuitive Officer ng Rappler na si Maria Ressa ang kauna-unahang Nobel Peace Prize ng Pilipinas- at hulaan mo kung para saan? Tama ka, para sa matapang na pamamahayag sa ilalim ng pinakamalalang kalagayan ng media sa kasalukuyan. Maliban sa mga ‘yan ay marami ring kaso ng mga pag-atake sa mga mamamahayag na hindi nahahagip ng mainstream camera. Nariyan ang mga gawa-gawang kaso sa campus journalist na si Frenchie Mae Cumpio, si Joshua Molo na dating Editor-in-Chief ng The Dawn ng University of the East, at ang pagkakaaresto sa alternatibong mamamahayag na si Lady Ann Salem.
Ralph Joseph Tuazon Kaliwa’t kanan din ang red-tagging sa mga mamamahayag pangkampus tulad ng The Catalyst ng PUP Manila, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, at ng mismong Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag ng PUP (AKM-PUP). Walang humpay ang naging mga hakbang partikular ng gobyerno para sa pagpapatahimik sa tinaguriang fourth estate ng lipunan. At nakaangkla ito sa samu’t saring karapatan mo bilang indibidwal lalong lalo sa panahon kung saan ang akses sa impormasyon ay kabilang sa mga karapatang pantao alinsunod sa Universal Declaration of Human Rights ng United Nations. Kaya kung hindi makikiisa sa mga panawagan para sa kasiguruhan ng malayang pamamahayag, hindi malayo na baka bukas, wala ka nang marinig matapos mong sabihing, ‘Mars, balita?’
PUPian Perks: Your PUP Webmail
FEATURE PUP HIGHTLIGHT CATEGORY
John Dave Abelado
How do you access this webmail, just follow these six simple steps:
GRAPHICS
Vox Nova
Each one of us has been dreaming to be called as an Iskolar ng Bayan, and alas we are in the dream university of many. PUP has been home to outstanding people in different fields, so it is truly an honor to be a PUPian. But this COVID 19 pandemic has brought about tons of new challenges on how to deliver quality education to students of our Sintang Paaralan. But fear not, our university has sought a way to provide for our desire to learn by providing each of us with our unique PUP Webmail. This email address is not just your ordinary email to receive the usual spam emails from random advertisers or subscriptions you didn’t know you had. But this webmail also provides benefits and utilities for the PUPian’s use throughout the course of this online education period. Making it more convenient for most of us to interact, collaborate and accomplish all our academic requirements with ease.
After doing this simple step, you will have access:
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Your Access to the Microsoft Office 365 Workspace
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Collaborate with your Classmates Virtually:
By Signing in your PUP Webmail in the Microsoft 365 Website, you will be able to download an authentic and complete package of all Microsoft Office 365 Applications and finish your school documents using Word, produce stunning presentations through PowerPoint, display data through spreadsheets in Excel, unleash your creativity in Publisher and make use of other Office 365 services as well.
Create virtual rooms and meetings for your classmates and groups with Teams and Skype while utilizing their virtual Microsoft Whiteboard. Keep your schedules organized through Microsoft Planner, synchronize your school notes from PC to your phone through Microsoft Notes (through android Microsoft Launcher) and enable your storytelling through Microsoft Sway.
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Keep your files and schedules Organized:
Of course, we would all need a platform to save this important documents and files, so our webmail also includes OneDrive cloud storage (1TB per User2) and storage for our Outlook Email (50GB Capacity2)
"Cage"
ni Alaiza Ruaya
I am currently sitting in front of my laptop. Have I ever told someone that online classes are boring? I opened my cellphone to see if my online friends had already woken up at this hour, though it is completely understandable if they’re still sleeping. It’s only 6 o’clock in the morning and here I am, listening to my professor lecturing about the evolution of mathematics.
No pandemic can ever hinder our pursuit to attain new knowledge and skills that we need for our improvement and continuous development. This PUP webmail proves that the administrators of our university have and will continue to provide for the needs of its student population. Providing not only a new platform for distance learning, but also delivering its students with the tools and utilities they need to comply with the changing methods of education.
“Bro read the context below the picture. It literally says that if you don’t share this picture then you would go to jail. Easy, it’s just a meme,” Jeremiah said, my first friend whom I met online. The conversation didn't last long as Ray, the guy who I think found the meme kinda offensive, went offline.
“Ya’ll, look at this meme,” one of my friends sent a picture that features a guy behind bars.
“He’s acting weird lately LOL.” I was about to reply when my professor called me and asked a question about the topic she just discussed. I am clueless so I did the wisest thing a student must do in situations like this – to leave the class. I came back to our group chat but they already changed the topic so I just went with the flow.
Another friend replied, “Is this supposed to be funny?” Some of them responded quickly and explained to him what the meme meant.
“What do you think of Ray?” Jeremiah asked me. We were talking on the phone at that moment. “What about him?” I asked back.
DAGLI “Isn’t he weird? Like everything for him is a big deal. I think he’s dangerous since we just met him online.” He replied. I chuckled at his statement and answered, “As if we didn't meet online.” My conversation with Jeremiah made me think about how Ray acts when he’s talking with us. It is strange, indeed. All of a sudden, my phone buzzed. A message from Ray. He sent a picture. I was too stunned to speak when I saw the photo. It is a picture of different types of drugs with our names on each pack. He added, “If you DO share this picture then you will go to jail.”
LITERATURE
Pahinga
TULA
Timeskip
Ralph Joseph Tuazon
Limot ko na ang mga huling linggong inilagi ko sa labas nang walang mask at balita pa lang na maituturing ang corona sa labas ng bansa.
Ang naaalala ko na lang, isang taon ng pamumunong bakuna lang ang nakikita solusyon. Ayudang walang kaayusan sa distribusyon. Mga unipormadong militar, kapulisan sa lungsod at ang takot na hindi makapagdala ng maitatakip sa bibig at ilong. Ang naaalala ko na lang ay kung paanong sa gitna ng pandemya ay mas nauna pang magpasa ng batas kontra sa pagiging kritikal.
Limot na ng aking kaluluwa ang dampi ng init ng araw, ang tumatagaktak na pawis habang papasok sa eskwela, papunta sa mga pagkikita, pagtambay sa mga eskinita, pagliliwaliw sa kalsada.
Ang naaalala ko na lang, ay mga deadline na walang hanggan na sa hindi malamang dahilan silbi'y nawawalan na ng katuturan.
Limot na ng aking kinakalawang nang tuhod ang dati nitong tibay at tatag sa pagmanik-manahog sa overpass mga walang humpay na byahe sa labas mga araw na wala pa sa hinagap ang salitang quarantine pass. Limot na ng naghihingalo kong isipan kung kailan ang huling araw na mayro'n akong natutuhan. Kung kailan ang huling araw na hindi umikot sa mga screen ng telepono o laptop, mga pahina ng modyul ang apat na sulok ng paaralan.
Ang naaalala ko na lang ay kulay ng pula maaaring ang walang katapusang pagbabansag ng estado sa mga makabayan bilang sarili nitong kalaban o maaaring ang kulay ng dugo na dumaloy mula sa bangkay ng mga nagkuyom ng kamao at humakbang patungo sa lipunang mas makatao. Sa mga nakalipas na taon hindi kaya may mas matindi pang sakit ang gumugupo sa lipunan higit sa pandemya?
TULA
MIKAEL JAN AUSTRIA
Magpahinga ka muna sa aking tabi, Hayaan ang puso na sandaling umidlip Maupo ka, kung pwede'y humimbing Ulo mo'y isandal sa akin Pagod ka na rin ba sa mundong ito? Patuloy na nananakit, Nagpapaluha at nanlalait Piling mo sana'y 'wag ipagkait Magpahinga ka sa aking piling Kalimutan ang mundo at pumikit Pigilan munang isipin ang sakit, Ako ang iyong pahinga Ano man ang mangyari Nobelang walang kwento Kanta na walang tono Kambas na walang kulay Punan mo ang patlang ng aking buhay Maaari bang manatili na lang tayo dito? Ayaw ko na sanang lumayo Ikaw ang pahinga mula sa mundo Ikaw ang aking tahanan, ako, iyong mundo.
"Tahi"
DAGLI
Ralph Joseph Tuazon DAGLI
"Sign"
Kailangan nya rin kasi na maghanda para sa gaganaping binyagan ng kanyang pamangkin. Muntik pa nga n’ya itong makalimutan dahil masyado siyang abala sa pakikipag usap sa lalaki. ALAIZA RUAYA
Nakangiting inilagay ni Melinda ang cellphone sa itaas ng kama niya. Bakit nga ba? Eh nakausap lang naman niya ang lalaking nakilala sa isang sikat na app na kung tawagin ay Omegle. Nag-usap lamang sila ng ilang oras ngunit ang pakiramdam niya ay parang nahuhulog na siya. Pinatay niya ang ilaw at masayang natulog habang hinihiling na sana ay mapanaginipan ang lalaki. "’Pag pareho tayong nakakita ng piso, sign yun na tayo talaga ang para sa isa't isa." Malakas na basa ni Melinda sa reply ng lalaki na hanggang ngayon ay nakatago pa rin sa pangalan at mukhang hindi kanya. "Ibig sabihin ba nyan ay gusto mong magkita tayo?" kinikilig na tugon niya. Agad naman na sumagot ang lalaki, “Bakit hindi?” Nagmamadaling tumakbo si Melinda para habulin ang jeep. Nang makasakay ay muli nyang nilabas ang cellphone. Hindi nya nareplyan ang lalaki kanina dahil inubos muna niya ang nararamdaman na kilig sa c.r.
“Miss, bayad mo?” biglang sigaw ng drayber sa unahan ng jeep. Nahihiyang inabot naman niya ang bayad at saka siya sinuklian ng piso. Napangiti s’ya nang maalala ang sinabi ng lalaki sa kanya. Hindi na nagreply pa ang lalaki dahil busy din daw s’ya at may pupuntahan. “Destiny talaga kami,” mahinang bulong ni Melinda sa sarili. Pagdating sa lokasyon kung saan gaganapin ang binyag, narinig ni Melinda ang ingay sa loob. Gusto nya na makisaya kasama ang mga tao doon kaya tumakbo s’ya at sa hindi inaasahan, may nakabungguan siyang lalaki. Naging dahilan ‘yun para mabitawan niya ang cellphone at ang pisong hawak-hawak. Hinabol niya ang gumulong na piso at tumama iyon sa sapatos ng lalaki. Sabay nilang dinampot iyon at nagulat na tiningnan ni Melinda ang lalaki. “Kuya Paulo?” Pinsan nya ito.
“Oo, Beh. Naipasa ko na ‘yong assignment mo. Ite-text na lang kita kapag meron pang bilin si Sir sa mga modyular.” Halos hindi ko maibagsak ang daliri ko sa pagtipa ng ‘send’ sa aking text message kay Joy habang ginugunita ang mga naging huling bahagi ng klase ni Ser. “Sa loob ng dalawang taon, kinaya natin, hindi ba? At balang araw, gan’yang sistema na rin ang ipatutupad ng mga employer – online ang lahat.” Hindi ko masisisi si Ser. Ipinapatupad lang niya ang kahingian ng kursong pinili namin; kursong akala nami’y abot-kayang mairaraos kahit na pinatagal pa, bilang unang produkto ng K12, ang landas namin tungo sa ‘yamang hindi raw mananakaw.’ Ang magagawa ko na lang talaga’y ibaba sa mga modyular ang mga ganap sa online sessions – wala rin namang bukod-tangi sa akin gayong muntik pa akong ibagsak ng dating propesor dahil sa isang mababang pagsusulit. Tumaliwas lang naman ako sa kultura ng pandaraya ng aming seksyon. Ngayong pandemya, hindi man ako napuspos ng kaalamang teknikal sa akademya dahil sa hilaw na pagpapatupad ng klaseng birtwal– tinuruan naman ako nitong maging mas makatao. Kabalintunaang kung kalian tayo pisikal na pinaglayo, doon naman mas hinigpitang tahiin ang ating mga puso.
SPORTS BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPION Just after declaring their championship during Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League- Philippines (MPL-PH) Season 8, Blacklist International (BLCK) once again drew their domination as they defeated ONIC PH in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's M3 World Championship grand finals with a 4-0 score, best-of-seven series, held on Singapore, December 19, 2021. Despite being placed on the lower bracket during the league, Blacklist International still aimed to strengthen their momentum as they swept all teams they faced in the lower bracket to advance in the grand finals, contending the same competitor from the previously happened MPL-PH Season 8 championship, ONIC PH. With the enhanced UBE strategy of BLCK, along with their furious counterplay to ONIC PH, they were able to secure the wins in a 4-game series without a flinch. ONIC PH with their aggressive early-game style allows them to gain an advantage in the mid-phase of game 1, disrupting OHEB and getting objectives as their main goal while split pushing. However, the team found the game very hard to end as Blacklist's Edward with his tank Uranus paved its way to show their signature move and comeback during the 15minute mark, ending the game in favor of Blacklist. OHEB's commendable performance on game 1 also gave the strongest impression. Despite being disrupted by the enemy team, he managed to remain his standing being the MVP with a KDA of 5/5/10.
TULA
John Mark Nacionales Right after that unwanted defeat in game 1, ONIC PH in Game 2 capitalized heroes with high sustainability allowing them to conquer the early game for the second time around.
In the last game, Blacklist together with their fast-paced early game dictated their faith and came to a decisive victory. The best-of-seven game series finally ended with a clean score of 4-0, in favor of BLCK.
"Patience is a virtue," said by shoutcaster Midnight as he observed the plays exhibited by Blacklist, and it became evident during the game as the team tried to find an opening to destroy the enemy's strong tempo in the early game.
With their championship title win, Blacklist International took the $300,000 winning prize.
Indeed, Blacklist was able to get back on top as they won the clash during the lord contest at a 12-minute mark. Along with the right positioning of HADJI's Pharsa and the immense damage given by Filipino sniper- OHEB's Beatrix, the lord's take became successful allowing BLCK to secure their win in Game 2.
During the coronation, Coach Bon Chan took the opportunity to be grateful by saying that their winning prize will also be used to help other Filipino people that were currently affected by Typhoon Odette.
Game 3 brought the most intense team fights as both teams clash who will win in the Land of Dawn. ONIC PH needed to find the groove to continue in the game series, thus, the team stole the hero Pharsa in the 3rd game of the draft pick. The hero choice of ONIC PH almost gave a shot to regain their footing, having them full control of the map and gold while fully destroying the inhibitor turrets of BLCK. In the end, Blacklist was able to stop ONIC PH's rampage and still gained the upper hand during the 19-minute mark because of the sets and initiation given by Edward's Esmeralda also acquiring the MVP title with a KDA of 5/4/7.
The 'Filipino Sniper' OHEB was declared as the MVP and awarded $10,000.
This is the second time that the Philippines' representative took over the MLBB World Championship right after BREN Esports won in M2 World Championship. In this grand finale, Blacklist International created another remarkable event in our history by winning and officially breaking the code.
WORLD HAS BEEN DECODED Ralph Joseph Tuazon Blacklist International crawled all the way 'to the top' sweeping ONIC Philippines in M3 grand finals, 4-0 Despite their nerve-wracking lower bracket run in the playoffs to successfully set up an all-Filipino finale, Blacklist International proves to be the world's strongest after the clean sweep against their fellow countrymen ONIC Philippines in the best-of-seven series grand finals of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship 3 (M3) in Singapore, Sunday night, December 19, 2021. Worlds bowed down to MLBB Professional League Philippines (MPL-PH) as both of its representative contend for the championship title with Blacklist International raising their banner to manifest not just in the country but in the world that they have indeed capable to #BreakTheCode. M3 became an avenue for 11 country-regions like Middle East, Latin America, Russia, North America, Turkey, Brazil— and ASEAN participants from Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines for the 4-day group stage and 9-day playoffs bringing the 16 teams' skills and hope to vie in the most prominent world title in MLBB. While both of the PH teams managed to nail a spot in the upper bracket of the playoffs, BLCK was given an early upset during their first matchup in the playoffs with NA's Blood Thirsty King (BTK) giving them an early series defeat sending the Filipino champ to the lower bracket where failure means elimination. (continue to the next page)
PHOTO SOURCE MPL PHILIPPINES
ESPORTS' DOMINATION
SPORTS PHOTO SOURCE MPL PHILIPPINES
Kate Garcia TULA Esports, or competitive video games, is one of the century's modern generation of sports. It wasn't always known as eSports, but video tournaments have a long history, even if the challenge was merely to see who could get the greatest score or whose character would live the longest. Regardless of the fact that the industry began in the 2000s, it was not until the early part of this decade that the international eSports scene acquired considerable popularity. With the advancement of technology and interconnection, viewers will be able to access games more quickly, and pro players began to participate, as well as the introduction of livestreaming and sponsorship deals In eSports, and, the thrill transcends beyond your comfort room to sports arenas with thousands of enraptured spectators. Up to this point, the Philippine government has been awarding professional licenses to players, and the country has also included it as a medal sport in the 30th 2021 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which took place in November of 2019. And we have actually won many international eSports tournaments. Within and beyond the country, we have Filipino players trying to be the best in the world. There are also world-renowned local gaming organizations. In 2017, the Philippine Gaming and Amusements Board, which reports to the President's Office, granted professional eSports players athletic licenses, providing legitimacy to the industry's professionals. Through funded leagues and tournaments, stakeholders like as game developers and publishers, eSports organizations, and corporate sponsors are providing their support.
On the other hand, ONIC PH—the Filipino runner-up, consecutively demolishes every team on their way maintaining an undefeated stature in the upper bracket proclaiming their win even in the face of champ-slayer BTK in the upper bracket finals. BLCK meanwhile became the lower bracket's 'cleaners' after sending different powerhouse teams on their way back home starting with Indonesian champ Onic Esports, Brazil's champ Vivo Keyd Stars, Indonesian runner-up RRQ Hoshi, and Singaporean pride EVOS SG meeting the first team that made them taste the first M3 defeat, BTK, at the finale of their lower bracket run. But as the hashtag says #PilipinasLangMalakas, BLCK dismantled North America's final hope in M3 in a convincing 3-1 to set up an all-Filipino M3 World Championship grand finals inviting the world to witness the MPL-PH Season 8 finals rematch—this time for the world title. Despite the obvious growth of both Filipino teams all throughout the M3 playoffs, only one team can be hailed as the world champion. Both teams did not hold back in the best-of-seven finals utilizing their win factors as the black-and-yellow team's strategy to lockdown BLCK 'Filipino sniper' and gold laner Oheb, making every game uncertain to whom it will favor but BLCK nailed the 4-straight wins to knockout their countrymen ONIC PH securing the title as the world's strongest. It could've been a historical win for both teams with BLCK to once and for all settle the doubts surrounding them in 'choking' to international titles with MLBB Southeast Asian Cup 2021 (MSC 2021) and MLBB Professional League Invitational 2021 (MPLI 2021) upsets recently.
Meanwhile, this could've been the most-awaited title for ONIC PH's Dlarskie and Baloyskie with their world championship failures during M1. Both teams have special connections to each other as V33Wise tandem were former teammates of Dlarskie and Baloyskie during the debut year of ONIC PH while BLCK Exp laner Edward is the former comrade of now's ONIC PH jungler Kairi in the then-roster of Blacklist International.
And the Philippine eSports community has had a busy year in 2021. BREN eSports was crowned M2 World Champions to kick off the year. TNC Predator won the Asia Predator Shield for DOTA2 in April, whereas Execration was named Southeast Asia Mobile Legends champion. And just this December, Blacklist defeated Onic to win the M3 World Championships. This growth strategy provided competitive video games with an advantage that other sports will find difficult to match, with a tremendous and still expanding number of players and the inherent competitive character of games, eSports has flourished spontaneously.
With Blacklist International and Onic PH finale bout in M3, Philippines managed to be the back-to-back champion of MLBB Worlds with Bren Esports M2 victory who's to be remembered as the lower bracket killer in the M2 as well— but in M3, BLCK managed to #BreakTheCode of the entire world. #MLBBM3 #MLBBWorldChampionship #ToTheTop
Sanshyne Eusebio B. League is worthy than PBA Why wouldn't a Pinoy player accept a boatload of money to play for a league that is more organized and has a developing fan base that is enthusiastic and welcoming? Topnotch player Kobe Paras and the rock-steady Dwight Ramos has signed with Japan B.League team and will be joining other Filipino players like Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Juan and Javi Gomez de Llano, Kenmark Cariño, and Ray Parks Jr. to play in Japan this year was no longer surprising. But money isn't the only factor at play. Players will gladly accept less in exchange for happiness. Regrettably, the PBA is being handled in such a way that only encourages revolt and unhappiness.
Long-time player agent Marvin Espiritu told ESPN5 that he sees the next "three to five years" as a window where more young Filipino players will be tapped to play overseas. The notion that the PBA would be broken by the Japan B League's relentless recruitment is comically naive. Through unreasonable player suspensions, harsh measures, and archaic policies that defy sense, the PBA has already caused irreparable damage to itself. A part of me is saddened by the fact that the league I grew up watching is unable to keep up with the modern game's rapid advancement But on the other hand, I am being devoured and gutted by rage at how the league office has built walls while the basketball community around us is forging bridges.
OPINION
KREDO NG ISKOLAR NG BAYAN Ralph Joseph Tuazon
AN UNFAVORABLE CHANGE Aubrey Tablate
Students’ way of life has changed dramatically over the years because Covid-19 has given a new set of mental health concerns to the way of study, and lives peacefully in our daily lives. Many people, particularly students, are having trouble adjusting to this new way of life, they live in volatile times, and the problem of mental health is not only pertinent but crucial, students’ difficulties in life get worse. While social distance guidelines keep the virus from spreading, it has also resulted in the closure of small businesses, rapid growth of unemployment, and the escalation of financial troubles as a result of layoffs and medical expenses. With the lockdown shuttering thousands of businesses, the government reported that almost 4.5 million Filipinos have lost their jobs this year, with the unemployment rate at 10.4%, the highest in 15 years. The decrease of transportation and decrease of salary due to the reducing number of workdays. Owing to these, students’ eagerness to help their parents has increased. Some of them could not afford the gadgets that would be required for online classes. They were finding public universities to go to, and some are still hoping to be one of the ‘iskolars ng bayan’ or if not, unfortunately, they are planning to stop schooling because of unaffordable tuition fees. Even Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ (PUP) students are remarkably resilient, many are finding it difficult to adjust to the changes. The routines they used to have also changed; their classroom has become computer screens and students no longer interact with their peers. Some are not techy and have different learning competence that makes them irritated, frustrated, or depressed to the point they will either decide to withdraw their enrollment or stop schooling because of the reasons that have been mentioned. Even if online learning may be the best choice that students’ have right now, you can't help but wonder how everyone is adjusting to and dealing with the problems that emerge when taking online classes, particularly synchronous classes. During the consultation of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Quezon City Supreme Student Council (PUP QC SSC), it was said that there were almost exceed 6 meetings, unresponsive professor, and the most depressing one— the discrimination of a professor to the working students. They might be the one who understands students regarding this matter because PUP QC students are working hard just to have something that could support their study despite the hectic and tiring schedule they have. Imagine, professors are teaching and it is part of their work while students are working and it is not a part of studying. Understanding and supporting them are a proud thing to do. The schoolworks that students are doing right now in online classes is very different from face-to-face classes. They have so much workload. The task given to them is simultaneous. The others are having trouble with what to do first; the school works or the household chores. Some schools started their classes in August this year meanwhile; PUP Quezon City’s school year started last October. While PUP QC students are entering the door of carnival with the excitement of the beginning of their school year’s classes, the students in Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio are facing the door of the house of terror, pleading for compassion for those who have been struggling with their academic requirements in the middle of the pandemic. Sad to say, some students didn’t manage to handle their lives, they committed suicide. Because of that, Students of Saint Louis University in Baguio City took to the streets and on social media their call for a break on school work. One of the students in that school posted a screenshot on Twitter showing the Google Classroom’s to-do tasks. Shockingly, it was so much. Students may not be able to do it all so, in the fear of failing their grades, they end their life. Students said that it's not about them being lazy, it's about them running out of mental endurance to stay on top of academic demands while the country is battling in the middle of a pandemic. Eventually, right now amidst pandemic, students don’t really need an academic break— academic ease is. Having empathy really is the key. The change we are facing right now is negatively affecting students mostly in the mental health that’s making their life more difficult. We ought not to ignore this issue. So, if you think you’re not mentally well, talk to someone you trust and do everything that makes you happy. Always remember that it is okay not to be okay for you to take a break. Because we are all human—we get scared, hurt and we struggle sometimes. It will always be valid.
Sa gitna ng samu’t saring isyu sa bansa mula sa kasagsagan ng pandemya, pagbulusok ng empleyo, patuloy na kalunos-lunos na ekonomikong kalagayan, lumalalang tensyong panloob at panlabas, at hindi mamatay-matay na isyu ng korapsyon sa bansa, kiritikal ang magiging paghalal ng susunod na liderato ng pamahalaan– at ang ating kredo sa bayan bilang mga iskolar nito ay mahalagang pyesa para sa katuparan ng lipunang magsisilbi sa masa. Magiging kritikal ang huling bahagi ng 2021 gayong magsisilbi itong tulay sa isa sa pinakamainit na taon sa larangan ng pulitika sa nakalipas na tatlo o anim na taon– ang pambansa at pampangulong Halalan 2022. Maraming rason kung bakit ikaw, bilang isang PUPian, ay nararapat na komprehensibong makilahok sa pagpapanatili na ang demokratikong pagpili na ito na nagaganap lamang sa loob ng anim na taon ay tungo sa mas nakabubuhay na bansa. Una, bilang ang Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (PUP) ay isa sa mga pangunahing state universities and colleges (SUCs) ng bansa kung saan libre ang dekalidad na pagaaral, ang natatanging responsibilidad ng mga iskolar ng bayan ay maging tagapagbitbit ng mga berepikadong impormasyon lalo pa’t nagiging battleground ng pulitika sa panahon ng social media ang mga trolls at misinformation na epektibong humuhulma sa pananaw ng nakararami. Gawi na ng mga tao sa akademya ang masinop at metikulosong pagtrato sa mga datos kung kaya’t malaki ang responsibilidad ng bawat kasapi nito pati ng mga mag-aaral na nagpapakadalubhasa sa kani-kanilang larang na ilapat ang parehong disiplina sa mga kumakalat na impormasyon sa social media na kalauna’y nagiging katotohanan para sa mga taong patuloy na nakatatanggap nito. Ikalawa, inaasahan na sa pagpasok natin sa Sintang Paaralan ay lalabas tayo rito bilang mga propesyunal sa mga napili nating disiplina at tayo ang bubuo ng panibagong lakaspaggawa ng bansa. Napakahalagang gampanin ang gagawin ng mga susunod na administrasyon dahil sa kanya tatapat ang pagpapasya sa mga polisiya sakaling papasukin na natin ang korporal na mundo. Ang mga ekonomikong polisiya na ito ay kritikal kung papaano mahuhulma ang landas natin tungo sa propesyunal na karerang minimithi mula nang mapagpasyahan nating mag-enroll sa Sintang Paaralan. Ikatlo, magiging tulay sa unti-unting pagbangon ng bansa ang susunod na magiging presidente ng Pilipinas. Sa pamamalagi ng COVID-19 pandemic, nalugmok sa pinakamalalang kalagayan ang bansa sa nakalipas na taon. Ayon sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), sumipa mula sa 4.5% unemployment rate noong huling bahagi ng 2019 tungo sa 7.4% sa buwan ng Disyembre 2021. Bahagya na itong bumuti kumpara sa pagputok ng pandemya noong 2020 pero malaking bilang pa rin kung iisipin. Patuloy na dumarami ang mga working students sa gitna ng pandemya, at ang mas malala ay humihinto sa pag-aaral para unahin ang oportunidad na may maihapag para sa pamilya. Habang paliit nang paliit ang oportunidad ng empleyo ay siya namang pagsipa ng mga presyo ng bilihin. Sa katunayan ay naitala rin ng PSA ang inflation rate o ang pagtaas ng mga batayang bilihin– sa pagsasara ng taon sa markang 4.1%, mababa kung titignan pero malayo pa sa taunang target ng pamahalaan na 2.4%. Panghuli, malaki ang gampanin ng magiging susunod na pangulo sa usapin ng papataas na tensyon sa akademikong kalayaan dahil na rin sa matatandaang amba ng kasalukuyang administrasyon na puntiryahin ang PUP-DND accord o mas kilala bilang Prudente Accord na kasunduan ng Sintang Paaralan at ng pamahalaan para masiguro ang pagkatutong layo sa banta ng harassment at intimidasyon mula sa mga unipormadong alagad ng estado. Kasaysayan na ang nagpatunay na maraming beses nang nananatiling banta ang militar sa kalayaan sa akademya– isang halimbawa na lamang ay si Charlie Del Rosario, bahagi noon ng PUP faculty, isang desaparecidos o biglaan na lamang nawala, sa ilalim ng Batas Militar ng diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos. Sa huli, hindi naman masama kung magkakaroon tayo ng magkakaibang pananaw sa kung sino ang ating pupusuan sa halalan ngunit nararapat lamang na nakabase tayo sa mga datos, sa kaangkupan ng plataporma, sa moral na katayuan, sa katapatan sa serbisyo, at malinis na track record. Dahil sa gitna ng samu’t saring pagsubok na may malaking gampanin ang gobyerno, hindi na lamang pansariling kagustuhan ang pagpili ng pangulo kundi isa nang responsibilidad sa bayan na magluklok ng tapat at may kakayahang lider. Bilang mga PUPian, mas malalim ang marka nito sa atin dahil tayo ang frontliner ng akademya – institusyon na nararapat nakabase sa katotohanan – at bilang mga dalubhasa, nagiging utang natin sa bayang nagpapaaral sa atin na isulong na maihalal sa pinakamataas na posisyon ang magsisilbi para sa naghihirap nating bansa. Higit kalian pa man, ito ang panahong nararapat na tayong humiwalay sa showbiz ng pulitika. Magsuri, kumilatis, at tumindig para sa masa – tulad ng sinumpaan nating kredo sa Sintang Paaralan sa ating himno: ‘gagamitin ang karunungan mula sayo, para sa bayan.’
OPINION ‘LIGTAS’ ANG UNANG LETRA SA LBE Ralph Joseph Tuazon Pangamba ang nangibabaw sa mga lider-estudyante pati na rin ng mga tipikal na magaaral ng Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (PUP) nang mapag-usapan ang Ligtas na Balik-Eskwela (LBE) game plan ng Supreme Student Council (SSC) nito, ngunit ang mas nangingibabaw na katanungan ay kung hanggang saan tayo bitbitin ng salat sa kaalamang takot. Naging mainit at puno ng takot at pangamba ang naging diskusyon ng mga liderestudyante ng PUP Quezon City mula sa mga section presidents, year representatives, academic organization, at non-academic organizations presidents, sa pangunguna ng SSC at Council of Leaders (COL) sa inilunsad nitong konsultasyon lalong lalo na nang maungkat ang posibleng pagsasabalik ng unti-unting face-to-face na pamamaraan ng edukasyon. Samu’t saring pag-aalangan ang lumitaw tulad ng papaano ang mga magaaral na sa malayong lugar naka-base, at kung ligtas ba gayong may nagbabadya pa ring variant ng Omicron, ang nagtataasang presyo ng pamasahe, at kung may sapat na pampublikong transportasyong susuporta sa bilang ng mga magbabalik-eskwela. Ngunit may mga paraan para mabawasan ang mga agam-agam. Una, maaaring magkaroon ng task force system na kolaborasyon ng SSC at COL para sa isang kumprehensibong assessment alinsunod sa ibinabang criteria ng Inter-agency Task Force against COVID 19 sa pagpapahintulot ng face-to-face classes kabilang ang katanggap-tanggap na bilang ng mga bakunadong faculty at mag-aaral, retrofitting ang pag-aangkop ng mga pasilidad para masigurong ligtas laban sa virus ang Sintang Paaralan tulad ng akses sa malinis na tubig at alcohol, layo-layong ayos ng mga silya, at mas ventilated na mga silid-aralan, 50% capacity na pagtanggap ng face-to-face classes students, at pahintulot mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Quezon City.
Ikalawa, kritikal na pagtatalaga ng mga asignaturang nararapat isagawa bilang pisikal na klase at i-skedyul ang mga asignaturang maaaring gawing pansamantalang birtwal habang hindi pa bukas ang posibilidad ng lubusang face-to-face classes. Maaari ring isa sa mga maging criteria sa pagpili ng mga mauunang isalang sa face-to-face na paraan ay ang mga pinakamalalapit sa pamantasan, sa gayon, masisigurong hindi magiging hadlang ang kakapusan ng serbisyong pang-transportasyon. Ikatlo, maaaring pansamantalang tignan ang posibilidad ng bichronous o dalawang sabay na sa pagtuturo kung saan ang mga guro’y magtuturo sa klasrum nang may ilang estudyante at sa harap rin ng kamerang magpapadala ng live feed sa mga nasa malalayong lugar o kaya’y nasa probinsiya. Ikatlo, maaaring pansamantalang tignan ang posibilidad ng bichronous o dalawang sabay na pamamaraan sa pagtuturo kung saan ang mga guro’y magtuturo sa klasrum nang may ilang estudyante at sa harap rin ng kamerang magpapadala ng live feed sa mga nasa malalayong lugar o kaya’y nasa probinsiya. Dahil sa ipinagmamalaking wifi access ng pamantasan sa nagdaang taon, magiging posible ito kung paglalaanan ng sapat at angkop na kasanayan ang mga guro sa pagsasagawa ng basic live coverage setup upang mas maging handa sa iskemang bichronous, nariyan ang Vox Nova bilang pangunahing media sa PUP Quezon City at iba pang maaaring ka-partner na bihasa sa nasabing kasanayan. Sa huli, ang pinakamabisang armas sa mga ganitong plano ay ang pagiging bukas ng iba’t ibang panig sa dayalogo, pormulasyon ng paunang plano, mga contingencies at iba pang aksyon sakaling may mga bagay na hindi masunod sa itinakdang hakbang. Panahon ng magkakabahaging responsibilidad ang pandemya. Sinisiguro ng SAFE game plan ng Rise for Education at SSC na hindi buwis-buhay ang LBE na ipatutupad. Hamon hindi lang sa sektor ng mga pormasyon ng mga lider-estudyante, sa gobyerno, sa administrador ng PUP Quezon City at mismong sayo na estudyante na siguruhing ang L sa LBE ay tunay na mangahulugang ligtas.
PRODUCE LEADERS, REDUCE BURDENS Robea Lady Mae Toledo The COVID 19 pandemic created the largest disruption of the education system in human history affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 200 counties including the Philippines. Closure of schools and other learning spaces leads to an online learning approach wherein a lot of students can barely adjust. In spite of this there are still outstanding students and Organizations who were able to pave their ways on adapting to the new normal education. Polytechnic University of the Philippines Quezon City (PUPQC) student organizations proved that the pandemic is not a hindrance in serving the scholars. Transition of classes might not be easy at first glance wherein students struggle and face a lot of uncertainties. PHOTO SOURCE PUPQC SSC'S FB PAGE
Nevertheless as a preparation for the upcoming foreseen events Supreme Student Council (SSC) conducted a consultative meeting with student organizations and class presidents or representatives of PUP Quezon City on November 1st 2021, marking the exact third week of the official start of classes in PUP system. The said event is attended by 50 student leaders who showed support and interest in hearing the voices, sentiments, criticism and ideas of students towards “academic break”. Whereas 65% agreed and 35% half-heartedly disagreed. Upon hearing the raised concerns of scholars the decision comes up that instead of having premature academic break, the organization demands a strict implementation of memorandum order no.6 or ‘the easing of academic requirements due to pandemic limitations’ in PUP Quezon City. An e-report was also launched to show that the voices of scholars matter. The actions of student leaders made a huge impact on the lives of students which in fact reminds us of the essence of having oriented, educated and well developed leaders. By the end of the month of November one flash in a pan event was organized by our student leaders. A 3 day webinar via zoom was launched entitled as “Council of leader virtual strategic planning 2021” with the theme “The leaders digest: positive leadershift amidst pandemic” the fact that this event produced and gave birth to new aspiring leaders of our generation is undeniable. The said event was attended by student leaders, class officers, student organization officers and all Organizations within PUP Quezon City.
The efforts that each organizations have made by participating on the event and not to mention their own tricks to make this academic year full of excitement and learning through set of contests and webinars that lessen the burden of every student may experience, such as Pylon's Top model, esports tournament, slogan making, make up contest, jingle making, and poster making. It was never a hindrance to showcase the talents and creativity of scholars from PUP Quezon City. Amidst pandemic these adjustments, focus on hearing the voices of scholars as well as nurturing leaders and creating a tremendous change by flexibility and resilience. Organizations never fail to create a foundation on each student, however is it still the same after this pandemic? Is this the right solution to the problem that we are facing? Nevertheless whatever the answer is, no words can describe how student leaders and organizations from Polytechnic University of the Philippines Quezon City Branch are passionate and determined to grab the chance to make a change.
COMICS
Guenhana Sarque
ILLUSTRATIONS BY
CODY RECTO
Vox Nova Write to Reform, Publish to Inform
Executive Board Ralph Joseph Tuazon Editor-in-Chief, Vox Nova
Sanshyne Eusebio Internal Associate, EIC
Mae Adrianne Dalmacio External Associate, EIC
John Mark Nacionales Managing Editor
Michelle Delos Reyes Circulation Manager
John Dave Abelado Board Secretary
Editorial Board Mikael Jan Austria News | Literary Editor
John Dave Abelado Feature Editor
Ralph Joseph Tuazon Opinion Editor
Sanshyne Eusebio Deputy Sports Editor
Michelle Delos Reyes Head Broadcaster
Francesca Marie Acosta Head Layout Artist
John Paul Gaton
Head Video Editor
Melrose Delos Reyes Photojournalist
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT ARTISTS Cody Recto Alexandra Marie Senica Francesca Marie Acosta