Forum-Dimensions Online Newsletter 2019

he FORU T M Integrity. Reliability. Commitment.

Vol. LXXX

The Official University Student Newspaper of West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City

No. 1

August 2019 - October 2019

WVSU intensifies anti-dengue drives

By NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO

As Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. declared a dengue outbreak after reaching close to 4,000 dengue cases in the province for the first half of this year, the University has stepped up its anti-dengue measures.

Within the first semester of academic year 2019-2020, the University signed a contract for the implementation of preventive measures such as fogging and misting.

The provider placed monitoring tools along buildings for a short period of time, composed of containers with larvicide inside.

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PRIDE AND PROUD. Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) community continue to raise their plight for inclusivity as they mark the fourth year of Iloilo Pride March held at SM City Iloilo South Point, October 12. MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO

Admin spends 6M for IUIS upgrade

By RON ELIEZER G. DUHINA

CHECKING THE STATUS. With the rising dengue cases in the region, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque visits the dengue patients admitted at the West Visayas State University Medical Center, July 25. Photo courtesy GMA NEWS ONLINE

DOH chief visits dengue patients at WVSU hospital

By REYNOLD L. SUMIDO JR.

Following his closed door meeting with the local chief executives in Western Visayas, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III visited the 68 dengue patients admitted in West Visayas State University Medical Center, July 25.

Duque also stressed the importance of preventive measures and interventions /WVSU.Forum.Dimensions

in curbing dengue outbreaks during his press conference held at District 21 Hotel.

“An ounce of prevention is better than pounds of cure and nothing is more compelling than this adage,” he said.

He added that local communities in Western Visayas must promote and practice the

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With a total cost of Php 6 million, West Visayas State University (WVSU) upgraded its Integrated University Information System (IUIS), launching it in June.

Introduced in 2009, the IUIS holds all the personal records, the grades, the payment records and the various reports required by the regulatory agencies.

“The IUIS is the centerpiece of the automation sytem of the university. Currently, the main

OPINION , page 4 Leni’s drug czar post: A Trojan horse?

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Is the Vice President being set up by the Administration?

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modules of IUIS are the faculty module, the student module, the registrar module, and the cashier module,” Mr. Julius Undar, University’s chief administrative officer, told The Forum.

The new IUIS had improvements in format and specifications which included enhanced performance in its ability to cater overlapping users especially during the enrollment period.

 page 3 Feature , page 6 Wonders of a forgotten terrain Seeking seredipity in a garden right at the foot of a beautiful ruin INTEGRITYRELIABILITYCOMMITMENT

2 FORUM NEWS CICT’s attendance system to go digital THE

August 2019 - October 2019

By JONAR B. DORADO

Say goodbye to the manual attendance signing system as the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) is set to release their Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card, a digital attendance based system, in November.

This innovation was introduced by Bryan Abesamis, a

second-year Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science student.

According to him, the ID will provide an easier and more convenient way of signing in and out of the college during events.

“Naisipan ko man like what is the faster way nga mag-attendance kay ‘di ba sa NSTP (National Service Training Program), ‘di ba

dugay mag-sign-in, sign-out?

Tapos amo man na sa mga events, dugay man mag-sign-in, sign-out. So amo man na ang naiisipan ko nga (para) mas dasig na lang,” he shared.

Each CICT student will have their personal RFID which will enable them to register during college events while maintaining a paper-free environment.

“We feel proud syempre kay kami gid ang una nga nag-RFID sa WVSU,” Vijay Tangub, CICT Student Council chairperson, said.

Abesamis came up with the idea while doing a project when he was in his Senior High School, and now it will be implemented to further provide a time-friendly and faster way of data-gathering.

Smart now offers 24/7 internet in WVSU

By RON ELIEZER G. DUHINA & MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO

Photo courtesy COLLEGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (CICT) STUDENT

Iloilo City stages 4th Pride March

By RICHARD D. OLANO, JR.

Colors converged as advocates, allies, and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) community gathered in unity at the SM City Iloilo South Point for the fourth Iloilo Pride March staged by the Iloilo Pride Team.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, champion of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill, graced the event.

“Alam niyo po, you have already gone ahead noong pagsulong natin ng SOGIE Equality Bill because dahil sa inyong mga Pride Marches.

Nauna na kayo noong 2018 magkaroon ng anti-discrimination ordinances. At dapat lang magspill over na ‘yang love na ‘yan, ‘yang courage na ‘yan, ‘yang fearlessness na ‘yan beyond the boundaries of the city and the province para sa national, maipasa ‘yung SOGIE Equality Bill into law,” Hontiveros expressed in a speech.

The march aims to raise public awareness on issues and concerns directly affecting the LGBTQ+ community such as

human rights violations against its members, gender inequality, discrimination, and marginalization.

“Our church is one among the inclusive churches here in the Philippines together with the Aglipayan church. Together, we march with the LGBTQIA community as we fight and push for gender equality and gender justice because we believe that all people, even the LGBT, are created in the image of God,” Rev. Alfred Candid Jaropillo, a clergy from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines said in an on-site interview.

Community leaders from different sectors expressed their support to the LGBTQ+ community through the speeches they delivered at the pre-parade program which highlighted the community’s plight and efforts for inclusivity.

Traversing the SM City Iloilo South Point - Donato Pison Intersection-Taft Northback to SM City Iloilo South Point route, the parade ended at around 5:40pm, which was followed by the first-ever Search for Mr. and Ms. Pride Iloilo 2019.

Intended to offer users access to fast and free Wi-Fi in selected public areas nationwide, Smart, a telecommunications company, offered 24/7 internet connection with their Google Wi-Fi Station at West Visayas State University.

The system was put up in July 2017, and changed from Smart WiFi to Google WiFi Station, July this year.

“We are part of the 400 schools nationwide and diri sa city, sa mga major schools, we are among the first to have this

system,” said Julius Undar, chief administrative officer.

The Wi-Fi originally offers 30 minutes of internet connection every day, and further usage requires a purchase of a load card from the University Cooperative Building ranging from 20 to 100 pesos.

Smart offers this connection for free, and in exchange, the University will host and pay for the electric bills of the 5 operating devices in the campus which were originally used for the previous version of the system.

COE grad who waited a year before taking exam tops LET

By ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR.

Taking the exam a year after graduation to condition herself, taga-West Dhaenalene Evangelista ranked 6 in the March 2019 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) for elementary level.

Evagelista graduated Magna Cum Laude in Bachelor

Evangelista

of Special Education – Teaching the Gifted in March 2018.

“I was expected by everyone to take the board exam last September 2018. But I did not. Truth be told, I was unmotivated,” she said on her Facebook post.

She kept reminding herself that “life is not a race” and she does not “have to live up to anyone’s expectations.”

Such decision and preparation made her obtain a 91.80 percentage rating.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 19,659 passed the LET in elementary level (27.28%), while 22,271 examinees passed the LET in secondary level (25.95%).

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NEWS

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Univ `Hometel' undergoes renovation

By KEVEN C. SITJAR

THROUGH THE PEOPLE’S EYES, VOICES. Brought their sentiments and grievances with them, militant organizations hold this year’s United People’s SONA held at Sunburst Park, Iloilo City, July 22. MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO

Militant groups hold United People’s SONA

By JULIE ANNE COLLADO

Hours before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Batasang Pambansa, protesters in the region staged this year’s United People’s SONA at Sunburst Park, Iloilo City, Monday.

Themed with “Ipakigbato ang Soberanya, Pangabuhian, kag Demokrasya,” the SONA rally gathered organizations from different sectors voicing out their sentiments against the Duterte administration.

“Ginapanawagan sa tanan nga mga pamatan-on nga sa subong nga tini-on, wala na kumbaga sang patawad si Duterte sa aton, pati na sa mga pumuluyo nga Pilipino,” Justin Madriaga, Deputy Spokesperson of Anakbayan, on the issue of

contractualization and war on drugs, told The Forum.

Issues like the West Philippine Sea (WPS), TRAIN Law, Rice Tariffication Act, human rights violations, inflation rate, etc. were highlighted in the rally.

“The West Philippine Sea is ours. There is no ifs and buts. It is ours,” Duterte said in his SONA.

However, he said that “we have to temper it with the times and the realities that we face today” because when country’s top marine forces will do the move in the disputed waters, “not one of them will come home alive.”

Despite the pouring rain, groups of people continued to resound these words: “Sobra na. Tama na. Patalsikon ang traidor, paantos, kag diktador!”

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A memorandum on the suspension of the wearing of school uniforms in all levels was also issued by the Office of the President.

“It is encouraged that wearing of appropriate clothing, such as jogging or long pants, should be done as protection against mosquitoes,” the memorandum read.

For the past years, the University has issued memorandums to remind faculty and officials alike to do clean up drives as one of the preventive measures against dengue.

“We have reminded them that they’ll do the habit of making sure that all areas and offices will have to be cleaned and no containers of water will be left within a considerable period of time,” said Mr. Julius B. Undar, University chief administrative officer.

So far, the Administration Division has not received any report from University Physician Dr. Ronalyn Gallinero that a student or faculty and staff has contracted dengue from the school premises.

As part of the new administration’s pioneer projects, the West Visayas State University’s ‘Hometel’ located at the Students’ C e n t e r builing is currently under reconstruction starting mid-October.

In an interview with The Forum, new University President Joselito F. Villaruz said that the renovation “will be for the enhancement of the skills of our students.”

According to Dr. Villaruz, the first floor

renovation of the Hometel Building will provide a space for a hot and cold kitchen, which will be subjected to an ocular inspection by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“We really need a laboratory for our CBM students and as part of my vision for the university, we’re gonna build a hotel,” he added.

With a Php15 million budget grant, the commission will fund the facility’s renovation and its needed equipment.

FD extends advocacies in Iloilo town school

By ELLA HYACINTH GOLEZ & JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA

To uphold reliable journalism in the 21st Century and foster writing capabilities among campus journalists, the University publication, Forum-Dimensions, led this year’s Pentalk 1.0 in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

66 student-journalists from St. Paul School-Barotac Viejo (SPSBV) attended FD’s two-day journalism seminarworkshop, July 6-7.

“We are very thankful that we get to revitalize our school paper, and hopefully participate

in the upcoming journalism competitions,” said Felicres Suacillo, a teacher from SPSBV.

“I’m amazed of the expertise and skills of the journalists from FD. I admire them for being passionate and patient in teaching us,” said Pia Amor De La Peña, a grade 12 student.

Pentalk 1.0 is a community-based outreach and extension activity of the ForumDimensions that aims to hone students’ journalistic skills, and promote campus journalism among the extended schools.

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DOH Chief... from page 1

The upgrade also included the Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) and College of Medicine’s (COM) grade records knowing that in the previous system, they were excluded due to their different grading system.

It is recommended for students and teachers who use the system to regularly change and follow the basic rules of strong passwords.

“The system has a 1-year warranty period with an expected lifetime of 3-5 years before it is recommended for a full version upgrade,” he said.

4S Kontra Dengue, a strategy that the Department of Health (DOH) is launching.

After his dialogue with officials, he announced that the DOH allocated Php 39 million worth of dengue commodities to augment the epidemic in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City.

Moreover, from January to July 13, the region had 18, 834 cases with a staggering increase of 259 percent compared to 5,251 cases in 2018.

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August 2019 - October 2019

opinion

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Leni’s drug czar post: A Trojan horse?

In a war almost ruled by men, a woman has stepped up and accepted the challenge to join the forces and change the system. Who should be ready?

Despite warnings from her allies, Vice President Leni Robredo has accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to be one of the co-chairpersons of the Inter-agency Committee on A n t i - i l l e g a l Drugs (ICAD),she announced on November5.

The biggest question now is: Is she really being set up by the Administration to fail?

Prior to the appointment, Robredo recently said that Duterte’s war on drugs was “obviously, not working,”

saying the President should allow the United Nations for an investigation, but later clarified that the administration should “step back and assess” its campaign.

Robredo’s allies Sen. Leila De Lima and former senator Antonio Trillanes earlier dubbed the ICAD post as a “silly trap” and “political distraction,” ABS-CBN News reported.

“Ang pinakamahalagang konsiderasyon para sa akin ay simple lang: Kung ito ang pagkakataon para matigil ang patayan ng mga inosente at mapanagot ang kailangan managot, papasanin ko ito kaya tinatanggap ko ang trabahong ibinibigay sa akin ng Pangulo,” Robredo said.

JOSUE

Her own supporters’ claims about her being set up to be shamed cannot be taken out of context considering the country’s political climate in the upcoming presidential elections in 2022 – as what the Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that she might use this as a “ladder to presidency.”

However, why would an administration – whose campaign in 2016 deeply promised hard-line campaign to end the country’s drug problem in three to six months – hand over this responsibility to an opposition?

“Kung walang failure, bakit ipapasa sa akin?

‘Di ba?

Kasi ipapasa mo lang ang isang bagay kapag hindi mo na kayang gawin. Kung hindi — Kung successful kasi siya, hindi kailangang ipasa, kasi wala nang ipapasa, eh. Kasi nagawa mo na,” Robredo said.

If this appointment is given to the Vice President to prove her point and ideologies in this campaign, why offer it now when the situation became worse?

According to BBC News, “In December 2018,

the country’s Commission on Human Rights (CHR) estimated the number of drug-war killings could be as high as 27,000,” contrary to the Philippine National Police (PNP) numbers: nearly 7,000 armed drug suspects who resisted arrest were killed, excluding deaths under investigation (DUI).

If a political motivation is behind this ICAD post, Robredo has to take Senator Panfilo Lacson’s, a former PNP chief, advice: “Watch [your] back all the time. Maraming pinapasukan diyan, siyempre. Maraming character, especially ‘yung mga pulis.”

ICAD is headed and under the office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

As what Robredo promised that she would take this campaign in a health-based approach, her job now has to focus not in the numbers of death, but in the numbers of those who will be rehabilitated and reintegrated in the society.

A trap or not? Well, the Vice President has spoken the right amount of words: “I’m ready for the task. Are you ready for me?”

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August 2019 - October 2019

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The ‘batang journo’ inside isn’t dead

This year marks my seventh year in campus journalism. And truth be told, so much changes have happened; so much realities were realized – and worse, slapped in my face.

I admit, as what my fellow writers used to tag ourselves, I am a batang journo, especially in high school.

Every time the school year starts, I would always look forward and strategize on how to slay in our press conferences – DSPC, RSPC, and eventually qualify again in NSPC.

Journalism then was so “cupcakes and rainbows” – mixed of fear and excitement during the awarding ceremony, being able to travel in Iloilo City and go to SM at least twice a year, having a sound sleep in a well air-conditioned room after the seminars, and seasonal press works.

Everything was light and seemed ideal, until I chose to continue that path in college.

And ‘boom!’ – reality strikes.

I am more scared of not being able to finish my school works after the awarding ceremonies.

I usually go home in Capiz twice in two months now. We have more critical audiences and readers. And despite our press works done in a cold room, sleep has become a luxury for us.

Being a college editor is way different from being a high school writer. Sometimes, I would say that my glory days are over. However, despite the moments like I lost my drive, I know – the batang journo inside me is not dead. It’s just tired – human as I am.

College journalism has really challenged me to

ERIC D. MORGUIA JR. Ser Erik expand my horizons and conquer my fears and limits. And I am grateful for that. The right time has come for that batang journo to move on from its ‘glorious’ field and start growing as a fiercer watchdog.

Philosophical wanderings

REYNOLD SUMIDO JR Reynaissance Lately, I found out that there are three things that prompts gratification in the course of my second year college life. It includes making and experimenting kinds of oats every morning, checking the boxes of my to-dolists daily and of course, the one

that l am deeply engrossed with – reading the notable works of philosophers.

Normally, I would binge read on biographical books, contemporary fiction, poetry, or even essays but never did I lay my hands on philosophical books because I tend to have this assumption always that every word written on its pages has a profound meaning that I could never comprehend or relate. The hobby only started during the long summer when a great friend of mine suggested that I should start to read one –even just once, because it can

influence my personal growth .

The secret of reading it actually lies in the way of grasping the words. In my case, to have a better reflection, I read slowly, testing each word on my mouth accompanied by the pull of experiences that shape me as a person. Everything only becomes clear, when you mirror it with the happenings in your life. Philosophical books are our moral compass that guides us in understanding what truly is the essence of true happiness, of living

with a purpose, and of accepting realities.

I encourage that students should start reading philosophical book because it improves our critical thinking in the nature of life. It will aid us in every aspect, especially in college where anxiety and disappointments seems to grapple us wholly, it is important that we always have something to cling on, aside from our faith and family, that whatever pit of despair that we are currently stuck with are just temporary and pertinent in the journey towards success.

Imperfect but harmless

I can still recall one moment when I attended a catholic mass sometime in the past. During the homily, curve lines flocked right in my forehead and left me confused as a logical question was raised by the priest: “Sin-o ang mas maayo, ang tawo nga palasimba pero gapanglibak o ang tawo nga mabuot kag mabinuligon pero wala gasimba?” This might be the most confusing question stoned to me in regards to morals and faith but I’m pretty sure, during that time, I honestly don’t know the answer.

Yet.

I was raised in a family where prayer and sanctity are being valued. When I was a kid, at 7 P.M., my mother would usually invite me to pray the rosary with her. At 3 A.M., my grandmother, who was still strong in the early years, would wake up and recite her gratitude and wishes.

However, even these ‘holy’ things we are devoted to do with, I still believe that we are not the purest and holiest persons in the world. I have flaws. I lie. I feel envy and sometimes cursed my neighbors – enemies, to be precise.

As I come to a realization, I slowly understand

what the priest meant when he asked that question - imperfection. I have a friend who always leads the prayer in the class and recites them like he is used to it - he’s a sadist and a heavy drinker. I have known someone who graduated in a catholic school - he often judges people. I also happen to know someone who religiously attends prayer meetings but gets easily mad.

All of them has dark side but I’m certain, they have their personal faith – believing to the existence of the Divine Creator. In the end, the priest answered his question,

JONAR B. DORADO Indio

“wala!” No one. Neither of the two got the spotlight.

Evilness is indeed a man’s nature. After all, we all are sinners. Holiness won’t define us and religion won’t save the world. If you have your faith, then just have it.

Be moral and just believe to Him.

Seeking serendipity in a garden right at the foot of a beautiful ruin Words by RON ELIEZER G. DUHINA Photos by MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO

An iridescent glow almost blinded our eyes as our vehicle advanced to what is seems a hidden sanctuary of flowers. The trail was steep yet the breathtaking view muffled all our ugly remarks about the road. A couple of seconds later, we stood hairbreadth a giant sunflower, and realized we have reached our serendipitous destination.

WHERE THE LITTLE PARADISE LIES

Known for its “Tatak First Class” tagline, the municipality of Lambunao can be found at the heart of Iloilo’s 3rd district. Visited for its tourist destinations which includes Mariit Wildlife Consevation park and Tinagong dagat to name a few.

In its wide territory lies a majestic landscape, the newly developed Yamato Flower Farm adorned with marigolds, zinnias, globe amaranths, mexican

petunias, cosmos, cocks combs, celusia, and sunflowers.

It has a two hectare wide land which is situated at Brgy. Cayan Oeste and is three kilometers away from the city proper.

The place is owned by Mario Lacuesta, a native of the town.

The booming tourist spot requires an entrance fee of 30 pesos which, according to OIC of Lambunao Municipal Tourism Office, Hon. Ronnie Latanga, is paid to the said owner of the land as rent. Furthermore, he shared that it was the initiative of the Local Government Unit to convert such place into a flower farm. According to Iloilo Metropolotan Times, the idea sparked up on July this year when siblings Analyn Ferrariz, Ailyn Jacinto, Adea Marie Lutero, and Amado Lutero Jr. together with their friend Harriette Girao started to plant flowers in the vacant lot. From then on, the LGU continued to

local stories, it once opened 10 years ago yet it only stayed as such for 2 years.

Entering the building is prohibited because of loose and brittle structures. The MORE ITINERARIES building, being the first The management international school in also plans to add a swimming Lambunao, seemed to still pool in the area which is stand with pride. prospected to be finished before the end of the year. We reached the destination Upon doing so, it is said to one jeepney ride from Ungka be turned into a mini-resort. Terminal. As we arrived at

Although cheaper Lambunao’s so-called corner in terms of entrance fee which is a parking area for compared to other neighboring tricycles and motorcycles, flower farms, it definitely has unfamiliar faces greeted the edge among them as it us. And then we found offers instagram worthy ourselves riding shotgun photos and jaw dropping on a tricycle, enjoying the wondrous sights along the view.

Furthermore, the way.

If there is a place area also bears a unique story since it lies in the foot we wanted to get lost in, of Yamato International then this is it. Because along the School, an abandoned somewhere institution which operated sunflowers and marigolds, for only a short time and was in between zinnias and we have closed for some reasons. Not amaranths, experienced serendipity at its much data is known about the school but according to finest. improve the landscape until it reached the extent of beauty it has now. It was opened to the public last September 28.

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A Chronospheric Art A peek through Iloilo’s future tourist attraction Words by KEVEN RIZZO SITJAR AND REESA AZARRAGA Photo courtesy PANAY NEWS

At the core of Iloilo, the capitol stood where transactions are done, and indispensable decisions are made for the greater tomorrow of its vibrant province and its people. No one ever imagined that upon entering it, one would experience a peak through a “time-turner”, a fictional device that would give a glimpse of yesterday.

A mural referred to be as the “Panaysayon Sang Paranubli-on” stands at the forefront of the capitol building. In a single glance, one could see many portrayals like a galloping horse carrying a significant general, a woman warrior in her traditional courtship dress, the sails on the wavy sea that is being drawn by

It was raining heavily outside. A roaring thunder was supposed to scare her, but nothing scared her more than the deafening news she heard: polio is back again. On that very moment, she almost fainted as if the crippling disease was penetrating her entirety once more, but she knew she will be fine, like how she defied it many years ago.

TRIPPING DOWN MEMORY LANE

Rosalie Ladigohon, 44 years old, is one of the unfortunate victims of the Poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease that quickly spreads from one person to another – eventually resulting in nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a virus (poliovirus) that can lead to irreversible paralysis and even death. On year 1980, Rosalie was diagnosed with polio at the age of 4, the only identified case in Barangay Tubungan, Lambunao,

the wind; and the water buffalo ridden by a farmer. Despite of the metallic shade covering its original glooming shine, the mural look very aesthetic.

TIME-MACHINE DRESSED IN SCULPTURES AND HUES

The markings and carvings and the flexing of shades could make one envision the rich cultures of Iloilo inhabitants from the past.

Measuring 15 meters long and two meters high, distinctive pictures in this modern tableau can be witnessed. Depicted here are people whose skin is as brown as mud: the aetas who are considered to be the real ancestors of Filipinos. Aside from them, what is also

eye-catching is the carving of an animal with long curved horns and big bulk. Agriculture has been a major source of livelihood during that time. Throughout history, the water buffalo has been a friend to every farmer.

The Paraw boats signify the seafaring culture and nature of the Ilonggo people. The waves symbolize the beauty of islands, beaches and aquatic life that are present in the province.

The Architects; Victor Jacinto, Ryan Angelo Braga, Kenneth Torre, and Jorge Cadiao, Jr. were the aces that conceived such masterpiece. Indeed, their individual skills fused together have crafted a collection of beauteous episodes that may halt the movement in the society. Six

month – the time it took for the mural to be perfectly sculpted and painted in gold. It would be unveiled on December 2, 2019, with the goal of bringing the people back in the old times.

METROPOLITAN OF THE PAST The “Panaysayon Sang Paranubli-on” is a quick tap at the back of the people. A reminder that yes, Iloilo today is indeed known for its Dinagyang festival, Spanish colonial churches, La Paz batchoy, pancit Molo, native chicken and seafood cuisines in Villa and homemade delicacies, but they are just one of the chapters of Iloilo’s story for there are many chapters forgotten and untold.

Epidemic resurgence After 19 years of hiatus, polio strikes the country once again

Words by JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO Photo courtesy SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST & TIME

Iloilo. “Indi pa uso kato ang mga vaccines kag wala man sanday nanay nagdumdum nga maagum ko ang sakit nga ja,” she said while staring at her deformed feet – a bitter remnant of the life-threathening epidemic.

Rosalie’s story isn’t unique. On the same year, hundreds of polio cases were recorded around the world particularly in the Philippines.

THE REBIRTH

In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is launched jointly by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO.

Philippines is one of the countries that actively conformed with the said programs. Slowly, vaccination of children showed that it is effective in curbing the spread of the virus.

The last case of wild polio virus infection was reported in Cebu in 1993. Along with other Western Pacific Regions, the country was declared polio-free in the year 2000.

GOOD RIDDANCE

In 2015, during his interview with The Rappler, Dr. Enrique Tayag, Department of Health (DOH) Director of

Bureau of Local Health Systems Development, said that the Philippines remain vulnerable to a possible resurgence because of high migrant population and weak health surveillance system.

Like a recorded prophecy, Tayag’s words came true too early as Department of Health (DOH) declared an outbreak of polio on September 19, 2019.

Three cases have been reported to date, two from Mindanao and one from Laguna Province

Now, the horrors of the past are resounding. For most victims like Rosalie, polio meant life-long exclusion.

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August 2019 - October 2019

BEHIND THE WHEELS How a simple lady conquered mountainous trails

By JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO Photo Credit ARIANNA DORMITORIO

dormitorio

“Mountain

biking is an extreme sport. I’ve had a lot of injuries, scars, and add to that, I am a girl. But I embraced the sport and learned to love my flaws.

I used every defeat as a stepping stone towards my goals,” answered Arianna Dormitorio, Asia’s no. 1 Women’s Elite Mountain Bike Racer when asked about her secret to her impending success as a cyclist.

Dubbed by her local fans as ‘Queen of Trails’, Dormitorio emerged champion during the 2019 Yawatahama International Cross Country race in Japan last June. The proud Ilongga bagged the gold medal for completing the

21.50–kilometer race with the record of one hour, 18 minutes and 18.22 seconds.

Yet, according to the 22-year old Pinay champion whose roots sprouted from Dumagas, Iloilo, there are far a great reasons for her every victory.

DADDY’S QUEEN

A full-time coach, manager, all-out supporter and provider of Team Ariana was Coach Dongie Dormitorio, her dad. He was the queen’s protector as Ariana started to join extreme sport ever since she was 10 and witnessed how her daughter paddled her way to every victory of her race. He kept her going through the rough and steep

course of the race and captured every moment of Ariana as she crossed every finish line.

IRIDESCENT PRIDE OF FILIPINOS

Ariana shared something very dear to her as she would carry the pride being a Filipina, “I always wear my pearl necklace as my statement necklace. It so happened that the Philippines is the pearl of the orient sea so it’s a very great symbolism when I compete,” in describing the pearl necklace she wears in every competition.

Supports from Philippine fans are overflowing as this uniquely gifted and skillful Pinay hopes to drive her way to the next competition

– the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which will be held here in the Philippines on December 19, 2019.

Feet anchored firmly in the ground, Dormitorio hopes to score a twinkill by the second half of the year. “My goal in the SEA Games is to win the gold, and I’m happy that somehow, I am regularly competing against those riders from Southeast Asia.”

As the queen of trails continues to race her way through every trail, support from her family and Filipinos will always serve as a driving force behind the wheels of Ariana to keep her going and to reach the peak of her cycling career.

WVSU Falcons fall short to reach gold

By JOHN AUBREY G. JAMERO

West Visayas State University (WVSU) Main Campus Falcons failed to conquer the raging Calinog Bufallos, 0-1 in a thrilling football championship match during the University Hinampang 2019 held last November 15.

Ending the run of Januiay Campus in a semi-final thriller, the Falcons aimed to kick out the well-rested Bufallos with only 30 minutes of resting time, yet the 5-time champs took advantage ancrushed the underdogs before its home crowd.

“The pressure in both sides was intense, two ka teams

kapoy na katama pero we gave our best gid despite we lack time for proper training, but next year we will try to get that trophy gd na champion,” said John Denzel Sotelo, team captain of Falcons.

In the first couple of minutes of the match, the Bufallos struggled in penetrating through the tremendous defense displayed by Falcons, only letting 2 goal attempts while playing with aggressive offense that pressured the champs.

Yet, with only 5 minutes remaining on the first half, the Bufallos changed the course of the battle as a corner kick was made, leading Sumbre to score a header

goal, ending the shutout and silenced the entire university grandstand.

Almost out of gas getting into the 2nd half, the Falcons was still in pursuit of stealing the crown, with Sotelo leading the team alongside his striker Jose Gabriel Gerardo, the home team generated an offensive assault but the Bufallos built a garrison defense that protected its goalpost until the final whistle.

“Happy gid kami nga magdaog liwat, ika-lima na ni namon, road to Regional SCUAA,” said Dr. Andy Jose Casabuena, coach of Calinog Bufallos.

AGAINST THE GIANTS. With desperation to dethrone the champ, West Falcons exhibit their sharp offense strategies as they try to prevent the attackers from scoring a goal. JONAR B. DORADO