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OPINION
Cover
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ABOUT THE COVER As fate would have it None of hands are tied And vague future is clear; Some can’t fathom the conflict Others are confident with no fear. Nevertheless, we’re all caterpillars Who hope to survive, fly, and appear. Struggles in its own cocoon, push it bolder As adversity makes strange bedfellows And mundane life is always a draw.
AKAY
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OPINION
Editor’s note
OPINION
Come what may, we have a common goal to pull through. Struggles were fated to happen but none of us wanted to end it poorly. In these mentally and physically trying times, our health, nature, and well-being were challenged. We are all in deep water; trying to swim ourselves out of this danger and as we are about to drown, hoping for someone’s guiding hands is our last resort. But after all these agonies, may we remember how caterpillars survived in its monumental struggle inside its chrysalis. Without the struggle and surviving with the help of nature, butterflies and moths would never have had a chance to spread their wings and fly freely. In the midst of this emotional battle, we keep ourselves sane as we pour our time creating these stories, trying to give light and find silver lining. Thus, we hope that this twoyear edition will remind you that life is neither win nor lose as we all have our own battles. May you enjoy and appreciate every flip of the pages in The LASER Journal. This was made for you, our fellow Laurelians, to make you remember that this pause is not the end but a door for hopes and transformation. After all of these, something beautiful is surely in its way. Above all, glory be to God!
VERNALYN D. MONTERO Editor-in-Chief
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9 OPINION 11
Editorial
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No More Chains
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Influencer wannabes
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Until When?
15
How Deep is your love-Bee Gees
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Can We?
17
No Man is an Island
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Lablled “No Label”
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How Being Civil Served Me
21 NEWS 22
CHED plans to allow limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs in low-risk areas
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DICT, BSU unite to promote Mental Health Awareness amid pandemic
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NEDA obtains nearly 42M Filipinos registered for National ID
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Four volcanoes under close monitoring for ‘abnormal level’ – PHIVOLCS
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COVID-19 Vaccines on the Rise, Sputnik V, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech
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Student-Athletes and coaches to be vaccinated - NCAA
29 FEATURES 30
Dedication: Risking Life and Limbs
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I Can Still Breathe
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ABS-CBN Shutdown left the country in oblivion amid the pandemic
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Obelisk Appearances Draw Theories and 2020 Jesting
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Not All Heroes Wear Capes: The Golden Archive of ‘Rodent’ Magawa
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NEWSMAKER 2020
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Heroes at Home: The Teachers Behind the Virtual Faces
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How I Met the Deity of the Longest Mountain in the Country
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Isle of Exquisiteness: Pala-One of the Most Instagrammable Places in the World
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What to know about some plants when collecting: A Reminder to Platitos and Plantitas
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Make it Safier When Buying Foods: Top online grocery apps delivery platform
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Quarantine Fad: What makes our isolation, a thought-provoking one
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Five Things You Should Know to Survive Online Class
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Blend In With Blended Learning: Ways to Cope with the New Normal Education
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Tips and Tricks for Defending Thesis Online
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Frontliners: Modern Day Heroes for Battle Against COVID-19
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Skylights and Wonders: Mesmerize the beauty of Meteor Showers
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DITO: Country’s Newest Telecom Provider
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Newly Constructed Clark Airport Terminal
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Ameliorating Social Amelioration Program
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Destination to New Beginning
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COVID Kaya: Tracking the Harm
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Save, Alert, and Prolong: Dismantling the WildLife Issues
100
Three Ws of Comeback
102
Spend While Going Green with TreeCard
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A Saint Influencer
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MNP: Keep numbers, Your Number
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Be Vigilant: Avoid Hacking and Phishing
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Adidas’ Loop: World’s First Fully Recyclable Sneaker
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Money at Your Fingertips: A Filipino-made TrashCash Mobile App
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Voice of the Signers
119 SPORTS 120
Hidilyn Diaz made History as the country’s First Olympic Gold Medalist
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Filipino boxer prevails in Tokyo Olympics 2020
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First Ever Sports Academy in the Philippines to open this year
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Legendary Kobe Bryant to be on NBA Logo
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Chooks-to-Go Philippines 3 × 3 President’s Cup Championship: Zamboanga City crowned as new champion
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PBA 2020: Gin Kings secures their historic Bubble victory
133 LITERARY 135
Lies and Conviction
138 GALLERY
Contents
87 DEVCOM
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OPINION
OPINION
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opinion
10 OPINION
OPINION
Country Locked-Down
Q
uarantines, protocols, and impositions here and there have been implemented as the government's confinement of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) cases, but is it just the only plausible means for the country's defense?
As COVID-19 emerged in the Philippines way back in January 2020 with its first case being recorded on the 30th, the initial step of the government was to form the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases. From the internal, the said health crisis was monitored, however, did not lead to the aversion of the crisis. With all probability, the national government should have opted for ascertained prevention of the viral infection's entry in the country’s vicinity, as from the external aspect. Securing the nation must be employed by mandating the restriction in borders amid the prominence of the spread across the globe. Others would argue that it would be inconsiderate and inhumane to close entries, but this would only lead to the containment of the virus outside of the country. No cases or less would have been prevented from which could arise the aversion of medical-related conundrums. The implementations of the government, whether positive or negative in terms of outcomes, are observed in the medical field's advancements and regression. With the Enhanced Community Quarantine, General Community Quarantine, its modified restrictions, and lockdown declarations, hospitals, treatment and aid resources and equipment are greatly and directly influenced. Thus, the field of medicine and healthcare are where the observed results of such protocol and restrictions induced prove the system to be either effective or in need of further development and research. This only then states that the medical field and healthcare system are sectors and services to have been taken into account in the attempt of control and prevention of COVID-19 Cases from the beginning or first case. Are hospitals and medical professionals fully equipped with sufficient apparatus for quality treatment amid the pandemic or prepared with contingency plans for such global events? Nevertheless, the national government should have consulted with the medical practice as the first resort in times of dire need of expertise and knowledge for implementations. Not only does this epoch call for more efficient regulations of constrainment of the virus within a particular hotspot, but it is also a call for a leader of moral judgment and optimistic background for the sake of the Filipino health security.
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12 OPINION
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NO MORE CHAINS H
ow often do we do things because we purely enjoy them? I won’t deny, I was once that person who deprived herself of the freedom to explore because she valued the judgment of others more than her own validation. Irony how this pandemic shaped me into someone I never knew I would become. In the small space in my room, fit for the dream scenarios I keep playing on my mind, I placed a round plywood table and a 10-year-old off-white monoblock chair that were actually for my online classes, but it became more than that that my back pain couldn’t be complained about. In between pauses and plays, I’ve come to realize that no one is pressuring me; I am my pressure. I became too much of a cynic of myself that I had a hard time believing in my capabilities, that the things I produced were not enough, and the people around me would reject and judge every inch of my actions and performance. My self-doubt has eaten me like a sugar candy; once opened, it will slowly melt and will benefit the ants. Ants that I sometimes find in my pants, making me uncomfortable and anxious. My woes caused by this pandemic led me to self-reflection and taught me things I wish I knew before pessimism consumed me. According to the Philippine Death Statistics of Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA) from January to June 2021, registered deaths reached 25 percent higher than the total registered deaths in the same period in 2020. Hearing this kind of news every single day becomes deafening for I am afraid of what could be next. Will I wake in the vastness of heaven? or will I still live the mundane life on Earth? Would I waste my last days here having dead hair and wrinkles due to stress and pressure? This news about death awakens me to live. I find it hard to answer, “How are you?” because, in all honesty, the situation we are in is a game of trying and surviving. The tension I feel to survive is undeniably strong as I haven’t lived my best life yet that I would never, ever experience if I depend on the approval of others and question the quality of everything I do and perform.
I find it hard to answer, “How are you?”
As I spend my days in this corner of my room, I learn to release myself from being shackled by false notions that boxed me from exploring the things I truly enjoy. Change of perception is a strange feeling; there are days I still question myself if I’m doing the right things because I needed to distance myself from some people and I let go of a few things, but if this strange feeling will give me peace and uncover every potential I have, I’ll take the risk, be my own validation, and continue living. I finally unlocked the chain, facing everything, brave and bold.
Over the past years, I have always spoken ill to myself and unending “I should have done better,” when in fact, I wouldn’t be able to see that “better” if I view everything I do as somewhat good; most of the time, not that good. I shouldn't be afraid of rejections and treat constructive criticism as doors for improvement and not pressure. I should’ve not thought negatively prior to the actual result of my actions as it leads to stress. I should’ve not doubted myself. I should’ve not let the negativity treat my brain as room for noxious scenarios; it was poisoned yet revived.
VERNALYN MONTERO Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in Mathematicss
OPINION
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Inf luencer Wannabes Y
eah, right, I’m amused. I’m amused seeing how content creators in their respected platforms are doing the best they can for their dreams; that’s a highly regarded eagerness to thrive they have inside them. But, is it reasonable enough to overlook the fact that they might influence the reasoning of their viewers or followers, erroneously. It’s not like I’m saying that all of them are influencing people the wrong way. In fact, there are content creators I truly respect, just that, those who think that what they’re doing is inappropriate must be reserved from speaking unpleasant words or undertaking unsuitable acts with their contents for there may be minors among their viewers who would think that their morally-unacceptable actions and speech are morally right. Some people would say that it is the responsibility of their parents to guide them, to teach them which one is wrong, and which one’s not. But can they oversee their child when they don’t have control over them 24/7? In this day and age where social media is limited to none; that even a kid who’s supposed to play outside their household with other kids is holding an electronic device, free from doing whatever comes to mind, having no limitations at all; then there’ll be no guarantee for them
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becoming a good nature. Who knows what platforms or websites they’d open, or what videos they’d watch while their parents are away? What if they happen to watch those women who are deliberately showing their mountains on screen or their booties, or those aspirants who haven’t eaten anything at all but chilies that may end up them (the young ones) imitating the language and actions they’re making? Are those children’s loved ones prepared to hear their child say: %@*$#^ to them?
If you plan to become a content creator or you’re already one, you should know first how to respect others
If you plan to become a content creator or you’re already one, you should know first how to respect others and how to be a role model to them; not a fame whore whose only goal is to ruin the field their fellow creators blossomed, to defile the image they built, and make a living as a lowlife, pretentious wannabe. I’d rather not give specific names of those personalities or public figures that probably most of us have enjoyed watching or is supporting, but it is not because I’m afraid of what may be the consequences, but because I know most of you would feel bad knowing that someone you admire, is someone whose conducts shouldn’t be neglected just because they somehow, with their contents, make you feel joy.
JOHN CARLO T. DE OCAMPO
Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting
14 OPINION
Until When? W
ho are we trying to save here?
The Philippines has had the longest duration of lockdown ever since it was announced last March 2020 due to the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which resulted in millions of job losses. Some countries immediately bounced back when they lifted lockdowns, but unexpectedly, there was a second wave due to the negligence in safety protocols. The administration acknowledged the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the National Task Force (NTF) to stand against each other to help curb the Coronavirus from proliferating; the Philippines have these two task forces that are headed by Generals and few medical professionals.
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there is no governance from the very beginning,
The NTF issues quarantine classification every month, but why is it necessary to announce a new quarantine classification every month or two if you can just do that for a quarter or a whole year and just change it if necessary? The administration failed to organize proper solutions to the problem of our country in our conquest against COVID-19. In the context of “someone drops the ball,” this person needs to sign on making a deal for a high efficacy vaccine, there is no governance from the very beginning, the Philippines is still in a sorry state. Miscarried economy, more workers are laid off, ventures are not sustained and many families are starved. We are like warriors who brought knives in a gunfire. Until when?
MIGUEL EDWARD A. ROSAL
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
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How deep is your love Bee Gees E
very Sunday, my father likes to blast Old and classical songs from his stereo which is surely way older than me. At lunch, you can hear inside our house songs like the Beatles, bread, and even Bee Gees. It’s not that I dislike it, I actually really enjoyed hearing those kinds of music on a sunny day. The thing is I have so much respect for my father and that I am truly grateful for everything he provided for us. Even though we are not as rich as his siblings are, I know my dad is different and that he has a genuine heart, love, and care for me. Well, that’s before he shattered my trust. The world evolves in happenings that people did not expect to happen. His job went slow, and almost got kicked out of the company because it needs to shorten their employment to avoid bankruptcy. My father’s job involves going outside and doing transactions to the customers. He has really sensitive skin conditions and should not be exposed in too much sun. Fortunately, the company accepted he’s reason for why he needs to stay in his job even with a minimum compensation and that is simply because I am still at college. I know it is confusing why right now, I am not very fond of him. And that is because he broke my mother’s heart so much that I can’t barely look at him after I saw how my mother cried. You see, if there is one person
OPINION
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the world is not tougher than I thought it would
who has really taken good care of me, it is my mother. She’s the first one that my eyes will search for every recognition ceremony way back when I was still in high school. She knows my favorite food, the clothes I really like to wear, the shoes that I’m into, the subjects that I’m good and bad at. Anything I asked, she mostly had an answer to. The point is my mother is the one who’s always present rather than my dad is. But that did not stop me from loving them both, it’s just that after being the first one to know about his unfaithfulness; I can’t help myself but to prioritize the woman I first look up to. And as if the world is not tougher than I thought it would. Later on, everything spins in a slow but drastic change. At first, many Sunday afternoons are quieter than usual but very loud in the evening not because of the music from the stereo but because of shattered glasses thrown across the room along with screams and crying. After that, my mother changed, she put colors in her hair that she doesn’t usually wear, she changed her style, and doubled her care for us. Meanwhile, my belief in marriage and love shifted. Did I already forgive my father? I’m getting there. But one thing is for sure, that right there is my strong foundation of not settling for less.
MARIE DOMINIQUE OÑA
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
16 OPINION
Can we? S
ocial media is now the most popular trend in this time of the pandemic. All transactions and commitments mainly flow on social media. It is a source of information but also a channel of misinformation. Moreover, making this platform part of intrapersonal and interpersonal life affects and challenges one’s mental health. Furthermore, it tested the quality of education that is being acquired and is also going to gain. According to Advertising firms, We are Social and Hootsuite report, the Philippines ranked first in the world using social media this year. Filipinos tend to spend four hours and fifteen minutes each day. It also tops the usage of the internet, recording an average of ten hours and fifty-six minutes. Even though, Philippines is being left behind in line with the speed and reliability of the internet. At present, what are the roles of social media in disseminating information and misinformation, in mental health, and education? It is undeniable that social media brings information but at the same time spreads misinformation. Meanwhile, people feeling excluded in the latest happenings on social media influences their mental health. On the other hand, it is observable that the quality of online learning is being affected or damaged. According to the report, 57.2% of Filipinos are concerned about misinformation and "fake news," which is somewhat higher than the global average of 56.4%.
When it comes to the misuse of personal data, 38.2 % of Filipinos are concerned about how corporations will utilize the information they share online, which is higher than the global average of 33.1%. A 2018 British study says that social media use is linked to less interrupted and delayed sleep, which has been linked to depression, memory loss, and poor academic performance. Meanwhile, Almaiah et al. (2020) believe that online learning is complicated by a variety of factors, including course design, computer self-efficacy, and financial support. Because of societal inequities in many nations, not all students can benefit from this type of education (UNESCO, 2020).
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Can we enlighten people with the truth instead of unconstructively criticizing them?
On the other hand, social media is indeed a great tool for accessing information. It also gives entertainment or an outlet to those people who are having an anxiety attack or depression. It is also one of the instruments to continue studying or learning in this time of crisis. However, upon knowing the other role of social media in our environment during the pandemic, now, what would be our roles toward social media in this time of pandemic? Can we enlighten people with the truth instead of unconstructively criticizing them? Can we understand people who are dealing with depression instead of judging them? Can we help people who are experiencing difficulties with their academics? Can we?
MONILYN ARAJA
Bachelor of Secondary Education
No Man is an Island
S
tanding on your feet, steady in the notion that you can conquer any challenge as long as you have yourself. I regularly fall into the trap of believing that I can manage my life as long as I am the one in command and that I'm absolutely capable of isolation, as no one has persuaded me to rely on people because I want to mature alone. It's a paradigm that has to shift. Being self-sufficient is excellent; imagine simply thinking about yourself and your family. It was good to have your own serenity to appreciate without relying solely on the people around you. It may sound bizarre and self-centered, yet it's a fact we can't dispute. However, weighing everything to yourself can lead to burnout. Being alone was my comfort zone, but I'm scared I'd be lonely. I may appear to be calm and optimistic, but that does not make me prone to suffering. It was just this recent experience when everything changed in an instant, and my life began to come apart. My family experienced a financial crisis, which made me anxious for months and my only resort was the internet to alleviate my worries, but I later embarked on a social media detox. I recall waiting for someone to send me a message during these times checking about my wellbeing. Despite the fact that I waited weeks, all of my conversations were
filled with academic-related group discussions. And the irony is that after all this time, a high school friend messaged me, asking if I was okay after being inactive on social media, and I just answered, "I'm OK," despite the fact that I've been wanting to say I'm not and express all these suppressed emotions. The weights I've been carrying for months are hidden behind the word I just sent because I continue to believe that I am self-sufficient. Refusing is the best option at that moment, having this idea that these people won’t even understand me, since no one ever did before. It was at this moment where my insomnia came back followed by a series of anxiety attacks and it felt horrible. It made me think of those people who can help me, those shoulders willing to be leaned on. Which already goes against the paradox of me being able to carry-on alone.
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OPINION
17
reaching out is a form of self-care I never realized.
I’ve come to realize that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a spirit that you’re willing to spare yourself to these people to understand you and your struggles. A counterfactual thought came to me, what if I let folks see my innermost thoughts and feelings earlier than this? Now, it became a reminder that reaching out is a form of self-care I never realized. I’m still uncertain but there’s still hope that all these struggles are worth my fight, that this horror will come to end and that peace will be waiting for me on the edge of falling apart as long as there are people willing and waiting for me to sing my song. I was already used to being alone but it’s the reality that hits no man is an island.
I was feeling hopeless until a pair of friends showed up at my place after noticing that all of my social media accounts had gone down. I paused for a moment. But then we struck up a conversation, and I finally opened up about my difficulties, and I burst out crying, something I'd been keeping back for months. I didn't feel as if my anxieties had vanished, but I did feel understood, and knowing that someone was listening to me made me at ease.
JAY CAGUICLA
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
18 OPINION
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Dating is another term to consider as a label for an unlabelled
Labelled "No Label" A
s dynamic as millenia, relationships developed and evolved from certainties to casual forms, thus, the rise of "No Label," but isn't it yet another distinction? It is undeniable that the number of No Label Relationships skyrocketed among the modern-day youth for its 'promising' quality of a commitment-free connection. Uncanny as it may seem, modernization has influenced and transpired even in relationships, inevitably, for unlabelled to be recognized and acknowledged. Once a No Label Relationship flourishes, expectations and labels would then be opened for discussion, notably, its definition and enormity to both parties. Despite the progression of anonymity, I firmly believe that this sort only indicates and initiates a labelled relationship that is reinvented by the new age. Indeed, a No Label is prominent in the current times with its untitled nature, but presents the notion that the relationship is depicted in an even more particular way in comparison to innately-defined relationships. Thus, a No Label is labelled.
It presents a relationship where mutual interest and reciprocity are existent, making a No Label labelled just from the brink of talking. Dating is another term to consider as a label for an unlabelled which deliberately invokes that the individuals see each other. Certainly, the initiation of dating deems a more advanced nature of relationship than talking, but the former and the latter are on par with each other in terms of portraying a No Label being definitely labelled. Neither talking or dating serves as a substitute, but as the actual No Label engagement between individuals who are open to the modern-day reinvention of bonding between humans. Nonetheless, partaking in a No Label relationship as a devoted partner does not undermine your qualities and standards, rather, shows the will to wait and to continue even in an oblivious situationship. At the end of the day, the revolutionary form of relationship entails that communication and clarity are key to healthy engagements even to No Labels which, in nature, are actually, circumstantially labelled.
Talking now serves as an act which constitutes an incognito connection where both parties gather information on each other.
HANNAH VERNICE B. CELESTIAL
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
OPINION
How Being Civil Served Me F
rom the start, I always have trouble with social interactions. I used to be a rude and awful person. There's no sugar coating, I still am. But I have been striving to improve myself in the past year. Looking back, I regret the way I acted in the past. It was immature and came from a place of insecurity. I thought that if I acted confident no one could hurt me again. Unfortunately, I overdid it and it backfired. I learned this the hard way. I made an impulsive mistake because I let my temper get the best of me. The repercussions I received after was a wake up call. I never wanted to experience such guilty embarrassment. So, I decided to do something about it. I have to change before it's too late. It was a rough start let me tell you. There's a few hiccups here and there. During that period, my friends and classmates indirectly helped. In order to get a good grasp on what should be done I let myself be influenced by them. I started to imitate their respectful way of talking. Don't get me wrong, none of them seemed dull since the way they type has its own burst of personality. I never connected this much with a group I never met in real life (except for one of them). That must be why, slowly but
surely there's visible improvements. The more I interacted with them, their mannerisms rubbed off on me that it's already integrated to myself. I'd have trouble if I go back to my old ways. Frankly I wouldn't want to either. So far I'm happy with my decision. Even though it took a lot of my willpower to not talk back because of an unfair circumstance. I successfully held myself back and replied in a calm manner. A few days later I looked back and I was proud of how I handled it.
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being polite is better in the long run.
one. This version is real and unfiltered to you. Some aspects of it may be privy to those closest to you. It's suffocating to always act the same way. Relax and recharge because you're doing it again next time. Never let your public persona consume you.
I believe that being fake is better. Or to clarify, being polite is better in the long run. It's how we foster good rapport with one another. Being too honest and saying the first thing that came to mind is dumb. Don't do it. It lacks social awareness. Especially when it comes to first impressions because it matters. It's important to be the best version of yourself in public. There are a lot of people watching your every move and any perceived mistakes, imagined or otherwise is a blow to your reputation. It shouldn't matter in the first place but not everyone is strong enough to handle others' judgement. The best they can do to avoid it is to pretend. How about a private self? I spent the whole time discussing public self, it would be unhealthy to ignore this
JULLIE ANNE P. BELASCUAIN
Bachelor of Secondary Education
20 OPINION
OPINION
news
21
22 news | campus
CHED plans to allow
limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs in low-risk areas By: Monilyn Araja | Image from: https://www.reportr.world/
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is now looking into the possibility of opening restricted face-to-face classes in all degree programs in places where COVID-19 cases are low and vaccination rates are high. “In addition to limited face-to-face classes by degree program, pinag-aaralan na namin kung pedeng payagan ang mga eskwelahan na mag-limited face-to-face in all degree programs in areas that have very low COVID-19 prevalence and also very high vaccination rate,” said CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III in a Palace briefing on October 11. (In addition to limited face-to-face classes by degree program, we are currently studying if we could allow limited face-toface in all degree programs in areas where COVID-19 prevalence is low and vaccination rates are high.) At first, medicine and allied health sciences degree programs are only permitted in limited face-to-face classes at the tertiary level.
Recently, five other degree programs - Engineering and Technology programs, Hospitality/Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism/Travel Management, Marine Engineering, and Marine Transportation were approved. “Kung papayag ang local government, kung mataas na vaccination rate sa area, mababa naman ang classification nila as far as COVID is concerned, baka papayagan na natin pagdating sa mga susunod na buwan ang mga eskwelahan na maglilimited faceto-face in all their degree programs as long as they abide by the guidelines and they are inspected,” De Vera added. (If the local government agrees, if the vaccination rate in the areas is high, and if their COVID classification is low, we might be able to authorize in the next months the schools to conduct limited face-to-face classes in all their degree programs as long as they abide by the guidelines and they are inspected.)
Campus | news news 2323
DICT, BSU UNITE TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMID PANDEMIC Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) – Luzon Cluster 2 in partnership with Batangas State University (BSU), organized a webinar entitled “Your Mental Health Matters: Self-care during Bad Mental Health Days” to raise awareness via Zoom and was live-streamed on Facebook on November 11. The webinar aims to assess the well-being of Laurelians and provide ways to prevail over bad mental health days thru taking proper self-care. According to the initial result of the Department of Health (DOH) survey in the early part of 2020, 3.6 million Filipinos suffered from mental disorders due to the ongoing pandemic, which was an increase of 50% from the monthly average calls last 2019.
Mr. Ar-jay D. Perez
Program Chair of Psychology Department in BatStateU JPLPC -Malvar
“Slow progress is still progress” Consequently, Ar-jay D. Perez, Program Chair of Psychology Department in BatStateU JPLPC -Malvar, guest speaker, highlighted the importance of validating and acknowledging negative emotions as a natural response of humans to different circumstances in life. Also, factors of poor mental health were discussed to lessen the mental suffering of the students. Perez made remarks towards setting boundaries, reflecting and reframing, staying connected to the loved ones and maintaining physical fitness as a sound body resounds sound mind. “Slow progress is still progress,” said Perez. “Try to always give yourself gratitude and try to thank yourself for this small progress, because those are also accomplishments,” Perez added. However, he emphasized that few might experience heightened symptoms and when those suggested ways to deal with their situation are no longer working, he advised seeking professional help.
24 news | local
NEDA obtains nearly
42M Filipinos registered for National ID By: Mate Granzore
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) collected about 42 million Filipinos registered for national ID from the time it was opened to the public on October 12, last year.
accounts na po sila ay mas mapapadali na rin ang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa susunod. Maaari din pong gamitin and national ID para sa COVID-19 vaccination registration and distribution," he said.
As of September 3, 2021, NEDA Secretary Karl Chua said a total of 41, 970, 083 Filipinos registered in Step 1 of a door-to-door and online collection of demographic information and scheduled for Step 2 registration.
(There are many benefits of a national ID. First, 5.2 million individuals have already signed up for bank accounts, when they have bank accounts it will be easier to provide assistance in the future. It can also use the national ID for COVID-19 vaccination registration and distribution.)
Chua added that a total of 28, 682, 680 Filipinos successfully finished the Step 2 registration, in which individuals are implored to go to the registration centers to get their biometrics information. Meanwhile, people who already received their national ID cards measured to a total of 1, 584,621, Chua stated via online call on the Cabinet briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte. On August 22, 2021, a total of 5.2 million registrants for national ID who do not have a bank account now have access, Chua said. "Marami po ang benipisyo ng national ID. Ang una po 5.2 million individuals na po ang nag-sign-up for bank accounts, kapag may bank
In late December 15, 2020, Duterte approved a 3.52 billion budget for funding 20 million more individuals to register in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) for national ID by the end of 2021. Meanwhile, NEDA and PhilSys share power as political organizations, cooperating in the implementation of national ID cards in the Philippines. NEDA and PhilSys hope that 50 to 70 million Filipinos will register for national ID, which aims to make transactions much easier and faster as it serves as single proof of identity that can be used in both public and private document processing.
local | news
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KANLAON Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
TAAL MAYON
BULUSAN
FOUR VOLCANOES UNDER CLOSE MONITORING FOR ‘ABNORMAL LEVEL’ – PHIVOLCS By: Monilyn Araja| Image from The STAR/Miguel de Guzman, volcano.si.edu, Philippine News Agency Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced it was monitoring four volcanoes deemed to be at “abnormal condition.”
because of pressure and nakita na naming na namamaga ulit. So we have to continuously monitor it,” Solidum expressed.
According to PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum at a Senate hearing, these volcanoes were Taal in Batangas, Mayon in Albay, Bulusan in Sorsogon, and Kanlaon in Negros Island.
“Mayon Volcano also is slightly again inflating from its base,” Solidum added.
“At alert level 1, all the aforementioned volcanoes earlier can actually have a steam-driven explosion,” Solidum stated. After observing a decline in its activity from January to March, PHIVOLCS saw a "slight change" in the Taal volcano, uttered Solidum. “But as of post several weeks, this decline has not continued. We began to see some slight change in its trend from pagbaba po, paghupa po nung pamamaga
In July, PHIVOLCS said that a minor inflammation was observed at the summit of the Mayon Volcano and that white steam continued to emit, suggesting magmatic activity below it. In late June, the agency also stated that hydrothermal or magmatic activity was taking place under the Kanlaon Volcano structure. Meanwhile, under the proposed 2021 budget, the government allocated over P462 million to PHIVOLCS, down by P133 million from the previous year.
26 news | INTERNATIONAL
COVID-19 Vaccines on the Rise
Sputnik V, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech By: Hannah Vernice Celestial | Image from scmp.org
World-renowned incorporations have produced leading vaccinations, namely, Sputnik V, OxfordAstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer/ BioNTech as millions of lives have been affected by the emergence of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The world's first registered vaccine, Sputnik V, instigated the development of further vaccinations by pharmaceutical companies and Oxford University with an efficacy rate of 90% based on interim late-stage trial. Named after the Soviet Satellite that opened the globe to spacial explorations, Sputnik V was developed by the state-run Gamaleya Institution. Administered 21 days apart, the vaccine is injected in two doses and in liquid form which must be stored at -18 degrees Celsius, but at regular fridge temperature in its dry form. Notably, Sputnik V incorporates an approach identical to the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine which is of a viral vector that induces another virus carrying the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Code of necessary immune response into cells. Compared to the Russian vaccine which makes use of human adenovirus
vectors, Oxford-AstraZeneca's is produced from a weakened version of a prominent cold virus that results in infections in chimpanzees. Meanwhile, the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine was deduced to be up to 90% effective which gave public health officials hope in distributing cheaper, but as high-rating vaccination. In relation, AstraZeneca came in as the third major pharmaceutical company to disclose late-stage results for its COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Oxford University, as the developer. However, two other vaccines produced by American and German pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna, were reported to be at 95% for its efficacy rate as preliminary results from late-stage trials. In contrast to these, the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine only requires regular fridge temperature for storage purposes, further simplifying its transportation for distribution and allocation in countries. Results have shown that half a dose of the vaccine succeeded by
a full dose in a month proved to be 90% effective as an initial approach to Oxford-AstraZeneca's inoculation. On the other hand, the second approach which was injecting patients with two full doses, one month apart, was determined to be at a 62% efficacy. In the aftermath of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccination, the spike protein from the combination of a weakened version of cold virus and COVID-19's genetic material for its spikes familiarizes the immune system. Moreover, on December 11, 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine became the first to obtain an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prior to the U.S. FDA, United Kingdom regulators granted EUA to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on December 2, 2020 after just seven months of ongoing clinical trials. British frontliners and healthcare workers including care-home staff and residents were highly prioritized for primary vaccination in consonance with a hierarchy devised by the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization.
INTERNATIONAL | news
During Phase III Trials, 170 people were infected by COVID-19 in which eight were vaccinated and the rest received the placebo which is in place of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The determined efficacy rate was 95% by which the World Health Organization (WHO) was flabbergasted, and exclaimed it was a "healthy number." In terms of technology, the vaccine makes use of messenger RNA (mRNA) to carry instructions to make the virus's spike proteins for the immune system to become accustomed to for immediate attack. The Moderna vaccine, named mRNA-1273, is an mRNA vaccine authorized for EUA by US Health Officials on December 17, 2020, similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Just after 25 days the gene was sequenced, the first batch was developed and furnished in early February scheduled for clinical trial injections of Phase I by March 2020. The developer of the vaccine, an American Biotechnology Company, Moderna, began researching and formulating as early as January 2020 in cooperation with National Institute of Health (NIH). Although Moderna became ahead of developing a vaccine which was expected in 18 months, this indicated that further tests could be conducted and millions of doses could be distributed earlier. The U.S. government had requested 100 million doses of the vaccine in August 2020 prior to the publishing of its Phase I clinical trial results in September. With the continuous spread of the viral infection, prominent pharmaceutical companies produced a vast array of vaccines in line with the globe's defense against the spread of the viral infection.
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28 news | campus
STUDENT-ATHLETES AND COACHES
TO BE VACCINATED - NCAA
By: Jay C. Caguicla
Dylan Reyes De La Salle University student and taekwondo jin (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) plans to provide vaccinations to its student-athletes and coaches, as the league expected to collaborate with Unilab through Dr. Jose Paolo Campos of Emilio Aguinaldo College on a forum, March 23. Campos who owns a portion of the pharmaceutical firm, which recently struck an arrangement with Faberco Life Sciences, Inc., the country's distributor of Covavax vaccines will have its said partnership with NCAA. “Our meeting with the company was pretty good,” said NCAA Management Committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of Colegio de San Juan de Letran during an appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) meeting.
Calvo did not disclose the specifics of the vaccination budget, but he did say they are now in negotiations with Unilab about purchasing the coronavirus vaccine Covovax. "According to Unilab, the Covavax will be available in May. Other schools, in fact, also did order. The terms seemed good because of EAC as a member of the NCAA," Calvo continued. "We will order vaccines for all of the schools for events like volleyball and basketball, at the very least if they are accessible," he added. "We need an interface with the CHED so we can agree on how far we can go," Calvo explained. Meanwhile, the NCAA originally had the "no vaccination, no tournament" stance, but it now plans to
begin its 96th season in the first week of May. Due to restrictions on the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA will not host a full range of events. Instead, it intends to hold virtual chess and Poomsae competition, as well as basketball and volleyball skill tournaments. Calvo said they plan to organize an awareness campaign about the COVID-19 vaccinations after a census of member schools found "hesitancy" about the vaccine. He also stated that there were long and different responses from athletes and coaches and mentioned that it is necessary to have a vaccination information campaign.
OPINION
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Feature
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Dedication: Risking Life and Limb By: Vernalyn D. Montero Every human brain is wired differently. Life seems to be unfair for everybody as we perceive various circumstances uniquely. Some are lucky enough to live without having the responsibility of shouldering most of the family expenses. Some hit the pillow under the same ceiling. Some people are excitedly going back home after an exhausting day. How pleasant it would be if none of us is incapable of these. As students, social media devours our lives during these mentally trying times. We are eager to bring everything back to normal as we miss the undying murmurs along the university's hallways. We had this extreme impatience to step our feet outside the doors of our home while the university guards chose to embrace the life of being away from their homes. It will never be easy for them, but if being away from home supplies the needs of their family, they will sacrifice.
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Despite Resistance
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“Wala, eh. Wala namang byahe.” After a quick break from the trauma brought by the eruption of the Taal volcano, another heartbreaking news broke the normal life of everybody. The COVID-19 outbreak was quickly escalated in the Philippines. That pushed the university guards to stay on the campus since the means of public transport had nowhere to be found and emergency shuttles are only for those who were classified as essential workers and sadly, they did not belong, neither in hazard pays. Just like a human, Batangas State University JPLPC-Malvar needs good care and security. Mr. Gil C. Penalosa from Brgy. Makiling, Calamba City, Laguna, a 57-year-old university guard for 16 years; Mr. JR M. Manuel from Sta. Maria, Sto. Tomas City, a 29-year-old university guard for 3 years; and Mr. Juanito Atienza from Marawoy, Lipa City, a 43-year-old university guard for one year and two months, shared their experiences and how they cope with the odds. The LASER: How long was your stay here in BatStateU when quarantine and lockdown were imposed? Mr. Gil Penalosa: “Simula March 17 hanggang June.” Mr. JR Manuel: “Three months. Kailangan ng travel pass bago makauwi.” Mr. Juanito Atienza: “More than two months.” TL: What about your allowance and food po? GP: “Hindi naman ako nawawalan ng budget. Nakakabili tayo sa labas ng bigas. Noong panahon ng pandemic namigay sina Sir Acorda.” JM: “Sama-sama, share kapag mayroon.” JA: “Tuwing sumuwesweldo kami sa agency namin, bumubili na kami ng pang 15 days na kakainin namin dito.” Hands up to these people as they took the risk versus this microscopic virus that neither of us can see. Given the fact that they are less protected due to their exposure to people who are coming in and out of the campus during these trying days, they stayed and faced the situation hand in hand. TL: How was the experience of being away from your family in this time of pandemic? GP: “Nakakamiss talaga gusto mong makita ang asawa mo, anak mo, apo mo. Nagkukumustahan na lang kami. Hindi natin maiwasan ang lungkot.” JM: “Iniisip mo yung pamilya, yung mga alalahanin lalo’t may anak na three years old. May kalungkutang nararamdaman, tao lang tayo, nagaalala sa pamilya, e minsan masaya, minsan syempre nalulungkot din kapag malayo sa pamilya.” JA: “Nalulungkot din sila pero wala naman ako magagawa dahil wala naman masasakyan pauwi, e. Medyo nalulungkot pero ginagawan ko nalang na nandito ako kasi wala rin naman akong choice kasi wala naman akong masasakyan. Kung anong protocol susundin. ”
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TL: How did you communicate with them? GP: “Pasalamat pa rin tayo at may internet, video call nang video call na lang kung ano nangyayari sa isa’t isa.” It’s undoubtedly agonizing to experience being away from your loved ones in this uncertainty. Imagine waking in the morning with chirping birds instead of the laughter of your kids. Amid your morning stretch, you randomly realize that you have no idea if all the members of your family are safe. Communication just happened over the screen. Still, it somehow eased the sad circumstance. TL: Mind if I ask po about your salary? Is it enough to sustain the needs of your family? Do you have an additional pay for staying here? GP: “Wala po kaming hazard pay. Minsan, ‘pag may babayaran, ‘pag talagang may utang ka… minsan binabudget talaga kaya kapos talaga tayo. Unang-una mababa ang rate natin dito hindi kagaya ng mga rate natin d’yan sa iba, kasi ang rate namin dito ay 347 ang 8 hours. Sa iba, 376. Eh ako bilang isang head guard, mahigit 500 ang aking rate.” JM: “Para sa akin, e sapat naman pero kung tutuusin sa rate medyo kulang pero pinagkakasya naman sa pamilya.” Some people put their one foot in the grave in exchange for the minimum wage. That’s the braveness possessed by our mighty security guards. As long as they can provide for their family, they will surely endure every difficulty. TL: What did you do when you were bored here in campus? JA: “Habang walang tao, nagraroundS sa buong campus. Kapag nakaupo lang, nakikinig sa sounds at nag-feFacebook.” Technology is of great help to every one of us. During this new normal, it becomes our buddy. Millions have been affected. Security guards, like health workers, risk their lives too. With that, they deserve not only a “thank you” note and recognition but an additional wage for the dedication they have to their work.
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34 feature | local
I Can Still
Breathe By: Jullie Anne P. Belascuain | Images from Alexia Cano
"I have a breathing problem! My doctor would not let me wear a mask!” a loud, shrill woman's voice suddenly erupted from my phone. That was enough to startle me awake for I was YouTube-binging while half asleep. A Karen then, I scoffed. Honestly, moments like these make me glad that Filipinos are much more sensible.
as runny nose and coughing but it could easily lead to serious respiratory problems. The Department of Health (DOH) recommends wearing a facemask to avoid being subjected to ashes. Most of us assumed that that would be the end of it after the eruption, who would have thought that it was only a test run for something bigger.
It all started on January 12, 2020, the day when Taal Volcano erupted after staying dormant for 43 years. It didn't take long for volcanic ash and dust to start collecting on every surface. It forms sheet-like layers with whoknows how thick it is. But it's dangerous to your health if you accidentally inhaled these fine particles. In the short term, you could experience breathing difficulties such
Ever since the recent pandemic outbreak, the mandatory wearing of a facemask was issued following home quarantine and social distancing. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles implored citizens on the importance of wearing protective equipment such as face masks when leaving one's house to buy essential items. Violators who were caught violating will be arrested or charged.
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What I don't get is why others don't like to wear it (I mean, I can, but...). Firstly, facemasks come in many different designs; you can pick and choose whatever you want to fit your aesthetic. Secondly, as someone awkward around strangers, having something that covers two-thirds of my face is convenient. I could also make funny faces at someone without them knowing which is amusing. I can't deny that it took some time for people to get used to it, because it's a bit difficult to breathe in, foggy glasses and ear pain. It eventually became the norm. Filipinos got used to wearing it once the possibility of not getting infected is more important than comfort. With the general consensus like this, it came to no surprise why we don't think too highly of others complaining about having to wear it. We feel as if those people are just too fastidious or exaggerating. I can fully understand why. We all have to wear it because it's required by the law and it's for our protection. So, what makes them so special? However, as I mentioned before, it was uncomfortable inhaling when you're wearing a mask. What more is it like for people with genuine breathing difficulties? I bet it's hard having to put in more effort to breathe. Imagine sucking in the air but it can never be enough as if something is blocking it from within. The more you force it, the more it would only result in wheezing and mucus increasing. According to the data of the World Health Organisation (WHO), 5-10% of the world's population is diagnosed with asthma with the Philippines ranking 32nd on "self-reported asthma". So, to have a clearer understanding I interviewed my previous classmate, named Patricia Mae Pederoso who has asthma. I asked what she feels about having to wear a mask. She admits that she finds it hard to breathe that's why she always had her inhaler on her. And like the rest of us, she understands that wearing a facemask is helpful but be mindful of which kind to use. I also questioned her about what is her thought relating to those people who refused to wear masks. At first, she seems confused because she doesn't understand why some disobey the rules. For her, it is for their own good, and she can't see the reason they don't want to. In the end, the facemask is a part of what we're dealing with in this pandemic. I know that it's annoying yet for the sake of protecting myself from this deadly virus, I swallowed any misgivings I have and adjusted. We’re all in this together and efforts to keep ourselves safe can definitely keep others safe, too. Besides, I'm not going to throw a temper tantrum because of a piece of cloth.
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36 feature | national
ABS-CBN's Shutdown Left the Country in Oblivion Amid the Pandemic Article by: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial | Images from ABS-CBN, Philstar
A
BS-CBN, the Philippines' Leading Network known to be often critical of President Duterte, had been shut down as its 25-year congressional franchise came to an end. Criticized for its news coverage and deliverance to the public, President Duterte wasn't always fond of the leading network in the country that resulted in the abrupt halt of its operations. In relation, a Philippine Government Agency ordered its absolute shutdown after its congressional franchise expired which indicated the potential denial of the network's application for a new contract, as well.
In just hours, this news had sparked shock over the loss of a paramount news provider in such a crucial time brought by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-2019) Pandemic. Precisely, the disappearance of prominent news sources in these trying times is unacceptable for the people of the Philippines to rely on and depend on the network for relevant information. When compared to the past, President Duterte was not the first leader to have clashed with the network as Former President Ferdinand Marcos first ordered its closure in 1972 while simultaneously declaring Martial
Law. This was acknowledged as an act of suppressing Press Freedom, similar to the recent shutdown of ABS-CBN, whereas the network was able to resume operation months after Marcos was overthrown in 1986. Even before, the country's leading broadcaster faced conflict in its service to the public for controversial, foul news coverage as the leaders would have called it. Does this serve as proof that the network is truly effective in poking its audience in all the right places with its content? The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) was the agency that had directed ABS-CBN Corporation to cease its operations
national | feature following the expiration of the 25year congressional franchise. As a result, over 11,000 employees of the network lost their jobs to the Cease-and-Desist Order by NTC as the Metro Manila area remained under lockdown to prevent the spread of the viral infection. However, ABS-CBN's application for renewal had been pending in Congress, which is in connection with the administration of President Duterte. Its hearings have been, notably, delayed and postponed in certainty due to unlikely timing caused by the Community Quarantine Imposition to prevent the spread of the virus. With all the negativity the channel had received, still, it progressed and thrived to provide news proving its reign in the long run and influence on the Filipino people. The network persevered and persisted to broadcast on Television and Radio for the last time on May 5, 2020, in compliance with the Cease-and-Desist Order issued on the same day. Despite the influence and the impact ABS-CBN has on the public, especially, at the time of the pandemic, the NTC pushed through with the issuance of the order. After 74 years of service to the Filipino people beginning from 1946, the news provision of the giant network came to an end following the expiration of its franchise, saddening and disappointing netizens who expressed their dismay in social media platforms. “We shall hold perpetrators of tyranny accountable for their atrocities against the nation’s democracy,” tweeted UST Artlets Student Council (ABSC) with the Hashtags “NoToABSCBNShutdown” and “NoToABSCBNFranchiseDenial.” Many users have also joined the Twitter movement in support of ABS-CBN's continuance in the industry for information dissemination and defense of Press Freedom. The Media Giant indicated in a released statement, “Millions of Filipinos will lose their source of news and entertainment … when
people need crucial and timely information as the nation deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.” Through online and cable operations, ABS-CBN would continue to be in service of the Filipino as these platforms were not included in the criteria of the stoppage order to ensure the public's welfare despite the unjust issuance. Afterward, President Duterte had been accused by media spectators of gagging independent media and news providers, in reference to the ABS-CBN Cease-and-Desist Order, which has covered unfiltered news in the country. These unfiltered and raw news coverage include that of the President's controversial War on Drugs that resulted in massive killings in less fortunate communities which were alarming for the administration. In response to the closure of the network being an issue of Press Freedom, Solicitor-General Jose Calida exclaimed that everyone must comply with the law.
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The Solicitor-General of NTC also expressed that ABS-CBN's franchise denial that led to the channel signing off was to be blamed on the Congress's failure to address the application. In contrast, Mike Navallo, one of the network's journalists, reported that there was evidence in the documents pertaining to Calida’s instigation of the issuance of the Cease-and-Desist Order on April 30 which pressured NTC to immediately shut down the network. Apparently, if ever citizens felt left in the dark in the aftermath of ABSCBN's Shutdown, the said order is, undeniably, on Calida, not to mention, who also tried to play hypocrite as he turned out to have insisted on pursuing the stoppage order. On a political aspect, two congressmen alleged House Speaker Alan Cayetano, a Duterte confederate, as responsible for the slowpoke progress of the bill as the Congress stalled the franchise renewal.
38 feature | national
Cayetano once called out ABSCBN for unfair election coverage, hence, was accused of postponing hearings on the franchise renewal and for falsely declaring the network to be able to operate from May 4 onwards. This only indicates that Cayetano may be more than just a Duterte ally, but an avenger, as well, who desires to get even with Duterte's nemesis, who had also become his nemesis. The President had also expressed anger towards ABS-CBN and the wellknown family that owns the network in which he described ABS-CBN as rude, dating back in March 2017, and spit out the words, “Karma will come.” The network was also purported by the President as “Swindlers” for the company did not air the political campaign advertisements he had paid for in full. In recent times, President Duterte iterated a threat to the network's license operation and franchise, “If you expect it to be renewed, I’m sorry.” He assured the network that he will do whatever it takes to ensure the company is out of the media coverage industry in December 2019. ABS-CBN had released an apology and addressed the issue of the advertisement ordeal which the leader had come to accept, but with animosity and indifference growing toward the network. Could this be the epitome of a situation where the quote “Forgive, but never forget,” is observed considering President Duterte can't necessitate “Water under the bridge?” Shawn Crispin, a Bangkok-based representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, stated, “The order to shut ABS-CBN effectively unplugs one of the Philippines’ most trusted, independent sources of news. It is a crushing blow to press freedom, one that was ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte to silence critical reporting on his government.” “If he can shut down a media outfit as influential and powerful as ABS-CBN, then no independent media group is safe. The message is clear,” He added.
Unfortunately, the Ceaseand-Desist Order truly endangers independent media organizations and outlets for, with a single stoppage order, all operations are to be put in prohibition. In the perspective of Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros, it was unnerving that ABS-CBN was prohibited to operate in the emergence and rise of a global health crisis which is an absolute regime to report news and keep the public informed. “The delivery of timely and correct information is essential to our COVID-19 response. This shutdown order goes against public welfare,” stated Hontiveros. Countless households in the rural areas of the Philippines were acknowledged to be reliant on the leading network, and defined it as the only available and fast-reaching news channel in their respective locations, especially, during the health crisis. NTC's Elite Officials then granted a temporary operating license to the network while the Congress weighed its application for franchise renewal which sparked shock and confusion among the lawmakers for the issuance of the order prior to the temporary grant of operation. The Head of the Congressional
Committee on Legislative Franchises, Representative Franz Alvarez, told ABS-CBN of his surprise and shock at the retraction of the pledge of the telecommunications commission. Accordingly, The Department of Justice Secretary, Secretary Menardo Guevarra, and senators were on the same page on granting the broadcaster a temporary operating license following the final decision on its franchise renewal. All hopes have not been lost for the network would continue to exert effort on its application for the renewal of its franchise and for its reopening to assure the Filipino of their channel's return in the media as assured by Alvarez. The company declared, “ABSCBN remains committed to being in the service of the Filipino and we will find ways to continue providing meaningful service to them.” Two other media organizations of Press Freedom, including the newspaper counterpart of ABS-CBN, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, have also been targeted by President Duterte for critical content. Rappler, an online news organization, was not spared as the government accused it of deliberately violating a constitutional ban on
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foreign ownership and title, and sought its shutdown. Despite the allegations made by the government, Rappler strived to operate and to serve as a news provider to the Filipinos while denying the said accusations. As the order was issued abruptly, television screens across the country went to static along with the liveliness in the ABS-CBN Newsroom. It was an “emotional night,” and with the ongoing pandemic situation, it was the worst and unacceptable as expressed by Jeff Canoy, a journalist, through shared images and clips on Twitter.
He tweeted in a tacit, unspoken, and heartfelt manner, to which any supporter and watcher could relate, “We can’t even hug each other.” The news of the Cease-andDesist Order against ABS-CBN, nevertheless, shocked and left Filipinos in a state of oblivion as occupations and a major news provider have been lost in this time of the pandemic. Not only was a large broadcaster and leading network brought to annihilation, but a huge part of Filipino identity and representation through news deliverance was also eliminated, marking an era of oblivion.
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40 feature | international
OBELISK APPEARANCES DRAW THEORIES AND 2020 JESTING By: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial | Images from: AFP, Atownreporter,Utah Department of Public Safety
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As witnesses and onlookers call it, an enigmatic 'Obelisk,' discovered in a remote American Desert, piqued the interest of conspiracists and theorists as another one appeared in Romania.
one would be distracted from his task by a 12-foot obelisk with luster. Additionally, the humungous object protrudes approximately 3.6 metres or 12 feet as reported by respondent-authorities.
With all the uncertainty aroused by the phenomena, the imaginations of Unidentified Flying Object-Spectators, Conspiracy Theorists, and Film Director, Stanley Kubrick, fanatics have been fueled by the appearance of the pillar. Could this be another one of 2020's surprises for humankind or just a complex teaser for an upcoming movie directed by the veteran?
The Utah Department of Safety Crew Members found the metallic monolith attached to the ground, but with no inconspicuous indications of whoever might have placed the monolith or their motives in doing so.
The metallic, triangular pillar was spotted in the red rocks of Southern Utah by baffled and perplexed locals on the 25th of November in the middle of counting bighorn sheep from the air. Precisely, no
The agency then warned the public in a tonguein-cheek press release, “It is illegal to install structures or art without authorization on federally managed public lands, no matter what planet you’re from," which serves as a reminder that it is illicit to conduct activities as such whether you're from Earth or not.
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The news of the discovery of the Obelisk went viral in a matter of seconds for it had a similarity to Kubrick's 2001 Sci-Fi Movie, A Space Odyssey, where an alien monolith appears in humankind's progress and advancement on the planet. The pillar's every appearance in the classic movie entails man's attainment, transition into an advanced epoch alike to video game difficulties. It is also notable that Obelisk Installation in the red rocks of Southern Utah resembles that of a plot in the video game including Genshin Impact. Simply put, A Space Odyssey pertains to the evolution of man symbolised by the Obelisk. Back to reality, does the appearance of the Monolith signify yet another conclusion of an era of mankind on Earth in the year 2020? If I were to be asked, faithfully, hopefully, and firmly, I believe the Obelisk is a symbol of humankind surpassing the unlikely events of 2020, and 2020 alone, not a whole centennial. Kidding aside, should its appearance on Earth be genuine, humankind must have then become prepared for a more innovative timeline, claiming the past is in the past and history's history. However the Utah object was placed in the red rocks, one thing’s for sure - the creative minds of conspiracy theorists and fanatics intrigued. These undeniably 'shookt' and anticipating netizens never failed to express their own insights into the phenomenon in a comedic way on social media platforms. A Twitter User from Calgary, Alberta, Dwight Jackson, wrote, "Finally someone gets it!" He also added in a Retweet, "This is the 2020 reset we’ve been waiting for! Where is the mothership…?” Indeed, who wouldn't hope for a 2020 Reset Button that would prevent all of this global chaos brought about by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-2019) Emergence? An Instagram user posted a photograph of the Obelisk, and in a jester manner, captioned, “This is the ‘reset’ button for 2020. Can someone please press it quickly?” A race had begun afterward the report of the appearance of the pillar to geo-locate the object with rock formations which triggered local authorities not to disclose its coordinates aside from the anticipation of hordes of curious sightseers who are willing to explore the remote wilderness for a selfie. The pilot who has flown over the object, Bret Hutchings, speculated that the Obelisk had been installed by an unknown wave artist.
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Observers of the image of the Monolith noticed the object's resemblance to the avantgarde piece of John McCracken, an American artist who lived nearby New Mexico and died in 2011. A Spokeswoman for his representative, David Zwirner, responded in an interview of AFP News Agency that the pillar is not of the American artist's works, but of a fellow artist paying homage to McCracken for his talent and passion in his art creations. Nonetheless, Hutchings admitted that the monolith was about the strangest object he has come across within all of his years flying in the scorching field. He told News Channel KSLTV, "We were kind of joking around that if one of us suddenly disappears, then the rest of us make a run for it." Surely, the monolith may not represent a reset button for 2020, at all, but maybe a portal that would engulf a whole person, and rob him of his existence on Earth. However, with all the excitement and mystery brought about by the Obelisk's appearance came dismay and distraught over its disappearance. On the 26th of November, shortly after the Obelisk was reported missing and could no longer be located, a similar structure was discovered in Romania! This means that even the Obelisk makes a Comeback, a Comeback to shock and to intrigue the people who were left in oblivion once more. On the flip side, the question about the appearance of another object in another location is, "Is it the same Monolith that was first discovered in Utah?" Theorists expressed their confusion on the object of absolute enigma's transportation from one place to another on various social media platforms. Discovered on top of a small hill near an ancient Dacian Fortress, the newly-uncovered Obelisk's structure was described as hastier than the first one which means there's a difference. Thus, this second Obelisk found in Romania is not the exact, same initial Obelisk located in Utah. Although the appearance of a new Obelisk took the minds of many off the mystery of the first one, further mysteries were to be unleashed to which theorists have become more confused of. After making a brief appearance or gaining attention, the second Obelisk was suddenly nowhere to be found which means another puzzle for spectators to solve. Unfortunately, not too many travelers were able to take a selfie with the mysterious pillar for its eventual vanishing like it was a particle, easily faded into thin air. Because there exist the possibilities of an alien lifeforce taking control over the pillars, and peculiar
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artists who want to be recognized as the visual and creative counterparts of the Anonymous, another Obelisk appeared to the surprise of many. Days after the second's disappearance, the third and uncertain last of the Obelisks was confirmed at Pine Mountains in Atascadero, California where many enthusiasts of the phenomenon have come to pay a visit. The Atascadero News reported, “The threesided obelisk appeared to be made of stainless steel, 10-feet tall and 18 inches wide. The object was welded together at each corner, with rivets attaching the side panels to a likely steel frame inside." The most recent discovered Monolith was deemed too similar to the ones discovered in Utah and Romania prior which was three-sided, and had a reflective texture made of stainless steel. However, what makes it deviant from the two is the fact that it can be easily pushed, moved, and uninstalled from the ground. Should this be taken to Human Resources for a probable human error and dysfunction in its installation which resulted in the horrid placement, or was it intended to pose significance? Days later, just like the two disappeared Obelisks, the third one also vanished like it ran from Child Support Payment as it brought confusion to the conspiracy theorists for the nth time, confirmed by Ray Johnson, a local hiker. On a positive note, the appearances and finding of the Obelisks, Monoliths, or Pillars, whichsoever these may be referred to, indicated consistency which is a must among humans. In a span of 15 days, a lot of speculation, conclusion, and assumption in regard to the phenomena had been garnered which mostly pertains to the Obelisks as works of either humans or extra-terrestrial entities. Various Internet-based theories and conspiracies circulate and trend in social media platforms with users claiming the Obelisks as symbols of incoming alien invasion, a work of art, and merely a worldwide prank. Whatever may be its origin and the motive behind the phenomena induced by the Obelisks, these pillars only justify that the imagination and creativity of Earthly individuals go beyond when unprecedented events take place on the planet.
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‘Not All HEREOS Wear Capes’: The Golden Archive of ‘Rodent’ Magawa Article By: Nicole Ann L. Dela Cueva
Are you also afraid of having the presence of rats someplace in your home? Seeing how they sniff around, play along with their kind, or worse, hopping anywhere it would like till it hits you right onto your face. *internally screaming*. Rats (rodents), as what most of us know, are hated in most countries to such a point that their existence was treated as a vermin, knowing that they are most often mentioned as the notorious root cause of most recorded outbreaks in history and even in this day and age. However, it is different in Cambodia, wherein, they are not treated as mere pests that bring misfortune to humankind; instead, they are considered one of their heroes for helping people find hidden landmines belowground their vicinity and are way faster than using conventional tools such as metal detectors.
Magawa: One of the Smallest Landmine Detectors Magawa, an African giant pouched rat, was the first successful rat to be awarded the first time in history equivalent to George Cross who is known for his courage in Cambodia for finding and hunting unexploded landmines. As part of a cohort of rats bred by the AntiPersonnel Landmines Detection Product Production (APOPO), Magawa was born in Tanzania in 2014. He began to be taught to scent explosive explosives by Belgian NGO APOPO and detect landmines from just ten-weeks old, then transferred to Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2016 to begin his bomb-sniffing career which gives him the privilege to receive the prestigious PDSA Gold Medal after discovering 39 landmines and 28 items of unexploded ordnance in the past four years, clearing more than 141,000 square meters of land and continuously saving countless lives in the country. “Magawa has been one of our best rats who has been in Cambodia for four years and has found a lot of landmines. It is quite an honor for us and especially our team in Tanzania to win this prize,” said Christophe Cox. Since Magawa and other trained rats like him don’t ignore metals and other scraps found on the minefields, they are considered the fastest “tools” in the bomb-sniffing arsenal. Their noses are 96 times more effective than standard identification approaches. His lightweight body can also not detonate pressureplate land mines, aside from Magawa’s discriminating sense of smell that is unmatched among humans; APOPO utilizes a clicker device to teach the rats that reward good behavior with banana and peanut for it is Magawa’s favorite food to consume. Magawa had to pass a blind examination before graduation and serve in the field, where a variety of improvised landmines are concealed in an area of 400m2. The rats can only qualify as a hero rat once they have discovered all the landmines in the field, making no more than one false indication.
Magawa versus Metal Detectors Having an average weight of about 1 kg, rats are too light to set off mines. Compared to 50 square meters a day for a person using a metal detector, rats like Magawa can scurry around and scan for 200 square meters of land in 20 minutes. APOPO dispatches trained rats to areas of land identified or suspected of being mined and which, because of the danger of setting off a mine, cannot be farmed or lived upon. “APOPO started after an analysis of the landmine problem showed that the detection of landmines was the most expensive and tedious part of the problem. That’s why we came up with the idea of using rats because rats are fast and they can screen an area of 200 square meters in half an hour; something which would take a manual de-miner four days.”, said co-founder Christophe Cox. Magawa, who is described as a ‘bundle of energy’ and a ‘real character with a steely determination,’ can sniff out explosives ninety six times faster than conventional solutions. He can search for an area the size of a tennis court in 30 minutes, which could take a metal detector for up to four days. Over time, the removal of landmines and UXOs has become safer and more refined. Back in the initial days, it was trial and error but now with the advent of better detection technology and skills, there is considerably fewer demining personnel being injured or killed. They have also decided to employ the aid of the animal kingdom to locate and destroy mines safely in one demining program. These fuzzy little warriors have sniffed out more than 4,500 mines and more than 36,000 rockets, grenades, and bullets as of August 2017. It’s not unquestionably part of why Magawa found a silent impression as the fastest detector than a metal one!
The Unfortunate Pleading Faces of Cambodia relief by Life Saving Bravery of Magawa
To see people living in a devastated state was like pushing away for the betterment of life. I can't imagine waking up in danger and realizing that every step can lead me to death. As landmines are built mainly to refuse access to land and its services,
International | feature creating scarcity and social issues among the impacted communities, we should still be more vigilant. It is also a scary thing to see a lot of stuff including warnings about scams and hazards that the unwitting traveler might be exposed to. There were also warnings about the number of beggars on the Cambodian side of the border – mostly children and landmine victims. They were unsympathetically portrayed as merely another nuisance to be dealt with on a tough journey. Aside from farmers, most beggars also suffered from landmines. I feel sad after seeing some photos of children on the internet who were missing a foot or a lower leg. Some had lost both legs, usually below the knee. Many were without a hand or an entire forearm. I wondered how an arm injury could have been caused by a landmine. I can't figure out how many of these people were originally from the Siem Reap area, and how many had come to the town to take advantage of the many western tourists who come to visit the temples and popular places in town. Cambodia isn't the only country with these problems. There are an estimated 3 million mines still active in the ground in Cambodia. There are probably more than 80 million mines worldwide in 80 different nations. They can be deployed 25 times faster than they can be cleared. Recent estimates say that in Cambodia every day, as many as two or three people are blown up on average. Globally, every 22 minutes, the number works out at one. One-third is teenagers, and 80% are civilians.
Cambodians Had Magawa Spirit as a Survivor
Faced with the fact that thousands of innocent people are maimed each year, and half of the children are victims, training families on landmine knowledge at times appears fruitless. This problem, which stems from an unfortunate by-product of civil strife and conflict, unrest faces of war. At some point, I would claim that Cambodians, with Magawa's wonderful encouragement and inspiration, can even regard themselves as rats. It's not about getting to a filthy place and stealing food, but looking into the bravery of this rat was also seen in the people living in Cambodia.
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Imagine, Magawa risked everything to be able to get meals just like people who faced such dangers around to have money and bring food to support the needs of their families. Like rats, people are working hard to have everything they need even putting themselves on the line and fighting for their right to have it which makes them brave, adventurous, and even reckless. They are not afraid to get their hands dirty to do what needs to be done and to accomplish their goals same as Magawa’s did and the farmers which mainly affected having land mines on their land. After Magawa's successful lifetaking risks, removing landmines helps people to get back on their previous life. Some have already planted their lands with vegetables and fruits. Families are able to support themselves, their wives, and their children. I figured out who'd had the opportunity to lead a normal, simple life taken from them whilst they'd innocently been trying to make sure that there is enough food on their families' tables. Also, some organizations run a relief center that provides education and shelter to local children who have suffered from the impacts of landmines and illness. They also have a farm project which assists and educates locals with growing crops and a demining initiative that focuses on removing mines around small villages and in other provinces. Being able to reliably foresee challenges makes the entire journey much easier than you felt possible, because if you can meet your final objectives without meeting so many challenges at the end of the day, then life will indeed feel substantially better. Rats are remarkably robust. When they have a purpose in mind, there is not much that thwarts them from getting to their end-game. Whether protecting their family or themselves for survival – you can bet a rat will do whatever it takes to live another day. That's a big lesson for humans. The harsh reality of life does not affect your drive to succeed. If anything, it just pushes you to try harder. In a very insecure and aggressive world, you can find ways to survive, adapt, and flourish. Magawa proves that looks can be deceiving, and that size does not matter.
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NEWS 2020
MAKER By: John Carlo T. De Ocampo
The moment we all expressed our best wishes to the year 2020: evenly-smiling, formally-dressed, having oranges, rounded chocolates, or whatever we think might give a fortune to us organized around our tables, hoping for the year to not be worse than the recent. Still, as expected, we were all disheartened to witness how everything went in a split second – ‘twas devastating, time after time. But hey, let me raise you these: Can you still remember most of which have made the flashiest talk of the town that flooded even the mainstream media, or are you the kind of person who would rather listen to rumours than become rationally aware of these issues? If not, then, I guess, you might consider freshening it up by skim-reading all these.
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‘ABRAKADABRA’: The Fifteen Billion Peso Fund Anomaly ft. PhilHealth You would’ve thought they were the second coming of Harry Houdini – the greatest magician of all time – not only because they have the ability to make something large disappear, but also because they have escaped unscathed in a grave and life-threatening situation thereafter.
Image from CNN Ph
Allegedly, about ₱15-billion of the Phillippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds nourished the wallets of a “syndicate” in 2019 alone, involving the former PhilHealth Executives, according to a former antifraud officer of the Corporation, Lawyer Thorrsson Montes Keith. “My primary job as antifraud legal officer of PhilHealth is to spy corrupt personnel…What I have discovered in PhilHealth may be called ‘crime of the year,’” said Keith, who quits his post on July 23. “I believe, based on my investigation, that the (public) money that had been wasted or stolen was more or less ₱15-billion,” he said, likening the rampant questionable transactions in PhilHealth to a pandemic. However, PhilHealth contended that 95% or an estimated ₱14.21-billion Interim Reimbursement Mechanism or IRM funds have already been accounted for and were used to 711 hospitals nationwide for their COVID-19 response. “Hindi nawawala ang P15B. Napunta ito sa 711 ospital sa bansa bilang ayuda sa pandemya at para mapanatili silang bukas para sa mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng gamutan. Properly accounted po ito. Sa katunayan ay P14.21 bilyon o 95% na ang na-liquidate o naisulit na ng mga ospital, katunayang pinakinabangan ito ng mga pasyente at hindi naibulsa ng sinoman.” PhilHealth stated on their official page.
Taal Volcano Eruption It has been more than a year now since Taal Volcano erupted on January 12, 2020. On the exact, same day of the eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) suddenly escalated the alert level from level 2 to level 4, which they didn’t foresee happening sooner. The unexpected change of alert level made people be in a state of confusion and disorder, as everyone in its vicinity beheld how the volcano produced earthquakes, lava, volcanic thunderstorms, and ash clouds successively. Image from newsweek.com
The eruption disgorged ashes to Calabarzon, Metro Manila, some parts of Central Luzon, and Pangasinan in Ilocos Region, which made all school activities, work schedules, and flights, to be suspended. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the total agricultural damage done by the eruption in Batangas, Laguna, and Cavite has reached P3,215,788,882; while the number of affected individuals has reached 348,563 or an estimated 90,533 families. However, the report may have only recorded 39 deaths as of February 14, 2020. The trauma imprinted on everyone’s mind still lingers deep within their hearts, especially to the ones who depended most of their lives on the livelihood they have had worked hard upon on the residential island where the Taal Volcano is situated.
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‘ILL-PREPARED’ Philippines over COVID-19 COVID-19 was first identified in the Philippines on January 30, 2020, concerning a 38-year-old female Chinese national who traveled from Wuhan – the City in China where the coronavirus outbreak originated, to the Philippines, said Department of Health (DOH).
Image from https://www.fda.gov/
Despite the impending outbreak, President Rodrigue Duterte still allowed foreigners, most particularly Chinese nationals, and overseas Filipino workers (OFW), from entering the country. "Mahirap 'yang ano, sabihin mong (it is hard to say that) you suspend everything because they are not also suspending theirs and they continue to respect the freedom flights that we enjoy," Duterte said in a chance interview on January 29. Thus, the aftermath that trails the negligence made by yours truly was later on recognized after getting a report of the first case of death caused by the COVID-19 which has then prompted the viral disease from spreading in the Philippines.
Image from PAGASA
Super Typhoon Rolly At the end of October, people were alerted of the imminent landfall of Typhoon Rolly in the vicinity of the Philippines on November 1. It was said to be considerably stronger than the typhoon Yolanda, having a maximum sustained wind of 315 km/h (195 miles). Super Typhoon Rolly has made four landfalls. The first and most devastating one was its landfall in Catanduanes. Next was when it made its way to Albay, then a few hours before weakening into a typhoon, it made another landfall in Quezon, and lastly, in Batangas. The death toll due to Super Typhoon Rolly was raised to 22; thirteen of which were recorded in Albay, five in Catanduanes, one in Camarines Sur, and three in Batangas, Mark Timbal, spokesman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) told CNN Philippines in an interview.
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ABS-CBN Franchise Renewal Controversy
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Images from ABS-CBN News
On May 4, 2020, as the Philippines was dealing with the effects of COVID-19, the franchise expiration concerning one of the biggest networks, ABS-CBN, ensued, but after requesting its renewal, it was denied for alleged multiple violations. Arguments between the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and ABS-CBN regarding the terms and conditions of the franchise restitution followed. Issuing the dual citizenship of Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, the ABS-CBN TV Plus and Sky Direct (KBO pay-per-view), failure to regularize employees, tax issues, issuance of PDRs (62% foreign ownership in ABSCBN), and its alleged biased reporting (meddling in politics). The misfortune or rather, the orchestrated scheme to knock down one of the biggest networks in the Philippines have transpired and was invigorated due to the anonymous voting of 70 congressmen contrary to the authorization of the franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation, 11 of which favors the application for a new franchise, 2 inhibited, and 1 abstained.
Tarlac Shooting "I don't care eh eh eh eh eh—" These were the last few words, the mother, sang/spoken, before she and her son were shot dead in Paniqui, Tarlac, Philippines. On December 20, 2020, a shooting onslaught involving an off-duty police officer, Jonel Nuezca, the assailant, and his two unarmed neighbors, Sonya Gregorio and Frank Anthony Gregorio, following an argument over an improvised noise-maker locally known as "boga" and their pre-existing conflicts over the Right of Way. The incident triggered nationwide outrage entailing the government's acts over the impunity and human rights abuses in recent years which further made everyone revolt over the system the government has established, most particularly to the policemen. That they should not side to any of those who are as clear as daylight, have had done something they should have not done as they were the protector of our country, unless, their lives are at stake. Despite the number of evidence: Nuezca's apology for what he did, several witnesses who saw the close-range killings, and even a recorded video of the incident, Sinas still insist that a much further investigation must be complied to prove if the video before it was posted on the internet was genuine or not, and thus warned everyone to not take pictures or videos of the line incident for that may endanger their lives.
Images from GMA network
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Alleged ‘Rape-Slay’ Case of Christine Dacera Misogyny has long been an unobserved crime made by a handful of men who muses that women were only meant to satisfy their cardinal desire. Similar to the issue, the death of a 23-year-old flight attendant, Christine Dacera, that happened in the early hours of New Year’s Day of 2021 in a hotel in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines became an issue that reached many people as they all seem to have turned detectives, Conan-wannabes. Her death made people formulate their inferences as to what happened to her. Some say it was rape, while some believe that it was a natural cause due to overly usage of party drugs, or ecstasy, to be more specific. There are even people who flamed the latter, Dacera, for boldly kissing her friend, Valentine Rosales, in the hallway before they both went inside room 2207 which, for them (the detective-wannabes), indicates that she was head over heels to her friend who just happens to be a..gay? The shameful cycle of her death became a trend that some people even made fun of her, saying, she was a partygoer who couldn’t contain herself from intaking alcohol and alleged drugs. For some, or maybe most, this is a severe case of rape and was similar to what happened to the unjust case of Pepsi Paloma which could’ve or should’ve been given justice like Maggie de la Riva’s. But just how I say so before, there is indeed mischief happening in her case. Dacera’s death was clouded not only of mystery..but also of deceit. Our country’s law frequently just works for rich people– to those who have the power to control it. Images from: https://7news.com.au/
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Image from Rappler.com
Anti-Terror Law: ‘Not solely a counter-terrorism, but of activism, as well’ Terror campaigns have long been our country's topmost concern aside from poverty and corruption, most likely involving the CPP-NPA. It is due to this why many people: civilians, soldiers, and intermediaries have died and suffered. However, the public considers that this issued Anti-terror bill is just a string tactic of the government to defile the country and its countrymen to not detest the actions that are, or may seem unlawful to them. “The Anti-Terrorism Act is a human rights disaster in the making,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The law will open the door to arbitrary arrest and long prison sentences for people or representatives of organizations that have displeased the president.” While many believe that dictatorship is a crucial approach to stop terrorism in the Philippines, there’s more than a handful who believes that it’s not, and were roused enough to not make the autocracy that happened before in Marcos’s regime, happen again in the present, or even in the future. So stir up your mind! We are no mere hays to get rushed off with those horses. And by the time you’re reading this, hope that that time before any flippy-floppy things happen ― we’re all wrong with all our allegations; that all was really meant for the benefit of our country, NOT OF OTHER COUNTRY.
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Heroes at Home: The Teachers Behind the Virtual Faces by: Nicole Ann L. Dela Cueva
Freezing at a loud place before is the worst, but an absence happened today rather than staying longer in a refrigerator. Even sunny days are cold and the night is passing by in its blank space of emotion. You couldn't hear any noise. The street was empty, with the kind of ghostly dimness that seems to embrace sleeping houses. Fears shaded the braveness of many Filipino families, and they also changed norms for the sake of everyone. But there is one person who stood up, a hero at home fighting packed with the whole character in undefended determination to continue his cursed career despite this crucial situation, and they probably called the teacher.
There is much more than what a dictionary can define A simple word can not define a noble hero, as it has a broad definition by considering one person. Defining them was not only about how they save people in need but to protect, and teach some lessons through actions. Considering teachers as a hero is probably alike where they can't just be into teaching but as a parent too. It always tells us that the most powerful method to be knowledgeable is by using a pen rather than a sword. It reminds me of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal who used his ability in writing to fight conquerors rather than to be a dare in the harness's use. But what if those pens wouldn't be used by a soldier to fight? Most of us students and educators are handed a sword that may be considered technology. Learning comes in just one click, a quick process that leads a student to their limitations and breaks their abilities into pieces, they can't even fight using a pen with true learning but leads their mindset to win the battle most quickly. Our tradition is already being demonstrated by broadly progressive development in times of pandemic and strikes waves into the different path of learning where teachers also strive into deeper understanding on their profession that a simple definition of a teacher coming from dictionary was not enough- 'a person who teaches in school' into their real situation in life.
The Mindset of Teaching: Learning Through The Shadow of Global Pandemic The nation's attempt to move from the offline classroom to the interactive space and its supporting systems triggered a paradigm change in the formal education systems. Batangas State University moved forward into online digital teaching, which is democratic and can be accessed even beyond geographical obstacles. It edges over the conventional classroom in times of the nationwide lockdown catastrophe, particularly in aspects of promoting learners' home-based learning opportunities. It now plays a key role in developing critical life skills and offering learning opportunities for young adolescents at home. "Malaki ang mga hamon at pagsubok na hinarap ko sa pagtuturo sa panahon ng pandemya: una, ang paggamit ng medyum na online kinakailangan na malakas ang data or Wi-Fi na gagamitin para maipaabot ang epektibo na pagtuturo. Hamon din sa ilang mga mag aaral sapagkat may ilan na kulang ang kanilang salapi para makapagpa load ng kanilang celfone para makasali sa google meet. Ikalawa, sa pagbibigay ng eksam hindi ko maseguro kung naging tapat ang mga mag aaral sa kanilang pagsagot sa mga katanungan na nakasaad sa eksam. Ikatlo, sa paggawa ng mga modyul na syang pinaglaanan ng panahon kaalinsabay ng pagtuturo. Sa kabila ng nga hamon na ito dapat magkaron ng kasagutan o 'initiative' upang maisagawa ng may kalidad ang pagtuturo." said Sir Cloyd C. Ramos, my teacher in Rizal. Through his words, I sensed their hardship in teaching and I can't imagine being in their situation, but it seems very difficult to be in that role. The multimedia platform is something new for both teachers and students because there is no training intervention to provide teachers with technical capabilities before or immediately after the escalated nationwide lockdown. In certain ways, the government's decisions were so hasty that teachers had less than a day's notice to gather up their possessions and start working out systems to keep children studying at home. So, teachers who have parallel teaching skills in the face-to-face classroom are unfortunately crippled in this process of ongoing remote transition. Remote learning brought new stressors for them as weeks turned to months. Used to work on their feet, educators had a crash course all day working on a computer, and even tried to build up a routine working from home and agonized about having to cope with their situations with students. Those challenges have been exacerbated by the atmosphere of uncertainty and the news that most, if
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56 feature | culture not all, schools will remain closed this school year. It leaves many teachers wondering how they'll avoid burning out, especially without the face-to-face interactions with students that keep them passionate about the job. But going into the initial transition, there was a little relaxation because they no longer had to wait for the other shoe to drop, the brief break from routine may be a much-needed one.
Almost Before It Began…the thought was ended. It calls for diagnostic testing when students return, as though educators have never dealt with new and returning students. It scolds schools for not having "prepared to immediately shift to online learning," forgetting that the rest of society had similarly not prepared. And in an especially troubling passage, it disparages online learning based on a study, which compares virtual charter schools with traditional schools, apparently unaware that virtual charter schools are not the same as online learning. Some teachers struggled in a purely interactive format to meet their pupils, several students did not adapt well to learning from a screen, and working parents were stuck in the middle of two worlds. On the other hand, they also wanted to be active, but since their kids were under the same roof and possibly coping with the new instructional format, this was not a simple feat. As teachers approach the new set-up of teaching, I asked my two teachers how they come prepared and balance their time between school and at home. "Bilang isang guro sa panahon ng pandemya tunay na kayhirap balansehin ng oras, ako simple lamang tuwing araw ng lunes hanggang biyernes ito ay dedekasyon ko na, na ang oras ko ay nakalaan sa aking pagtuturo at ang sabado, linggo naman ay oras ko sa aking pamilya at sa Panginoon." said Sir Kenneth H. Lube, my teacher in Filipino. I figured out how Sir Kenneth talks and simply describes his life on this pandemic as a single man. I felt pain in how he emphasizes balancing his time between his school works and family activity. But despite curved faces, Mr. Lube didn't forget to spend his time with God after everything happened to him as he leaves a meaningful message for us. "Ngunit sa ganitong mga panahon rin mas lalong dapat ay nagiging alerto ang bawat isa, lagi nating tatandaan na ano man ang maging pagsubok/kalamidad ang ating kabakahin dapat ay marunong tayong magbalanse ng ating oras, lagi tayo dapat ay naglalaan ng panahon lalong higit sa ating mga pamilya" he added. In recent years, in both scholarly and political discussions, there has been a growing emphasis on how to reconcile work and life obligations. Homeworking is one program marketed to enhance the balance between work and life. Even certain non-parents aren’t completely sold on a remote workflow move. Children or not, it can be quite difficult to "compartmentalize" your life if your workplace and your home base are the same. Some people like to keep their personal life apart from their professional lives, and when your workplace is simply stepped away from the dining table, the TV, and other members of your family, this can be almost impossible. There is often a greater urge to respond to one more e-mail or get pulled into another fire drill that needs urgent attention without a clear-cut start and finish time. Physical space provides more of an obstacle, and while it can solve this difficulty, as there is no "leaving the office for the day," it requires a great deal of effort. "Sa panahon ngayon na lahat ng tao ay abala sa mga trabaho at gawain, isang malaking hamon para sa aming mga magulang ang mapag balanse ang pagtuturo at pamilya. Sa akin bilang isang 'family man' sinisikap ko na mabigyan ng tamang panahon o oras ang mga anak sapagkat ito ang magpapatibay ng aming relasyon. Tinuturuan ko sila sa mga gawaing bahay gaya ng paghuhugas ng plato, paglalaba at paglilinis ng bahay upang makatuwang namin sila sa kaayusan ng bahay at matutunan nila ang pangunahing gawain nila. Sa kanilang mga asignatura o homework sinisikap namin sila na maturuan sa mga bagay na d nila alam. Sa panahong ito ng lockdown ay nagabayan ko sila habang ako ay nasa 'work from home'. Pagkahatid ko sa aking asawa sa hospital na kanyang pinagtatrabahuhan bilang chief medtech ng laboratory, ay magkaklase na ako sa aking mga estudyante kasabay ng aking 3 anak na nag aaral sa pamamagitan ng online. Sila ay mga kapwa responsable sa kanilang mga pag aaral, katuwang kami. Ipinamumulat din namin sa kanila ang pananalig sa Maykapal na sa kabila ng mga pagsubok ay may nais na ipahatid sa atin na leksyon ang Diyos." said Sir Cloyd Ramos. In the meantime, school-age kids were now trapped at home, too, causing a logistical nightmare like Sir Cloyd for many working parents. Everyone understands it should not leave young children alone at home, so many working adults will now be tempted to stay home unless they can guarantee childcare. And has taught us about the last three months of the school year, which is that keeping kids at home is not conducive to a productive work environment. The pandemic has created some serious disruptions of its own, near and constant exposure to family members and an imminent interruption to a predictable schedule, whereas working from home might have fewer workplace distractions. At some point, multi-tasking as a husband, father, and teacher seems to be the difficult one, as Mr. Ramos pertains to how he manages his time for his students, family, and our Lord.
culture | feature If we dig into the actual state, the pandemic will affect no exception. Nobody is exempt whether you're a single or a married man, it seems no path is easy to step in. Everyone has a story and that comes to an end --- we're all affected. But being a teacher or not just a teacher as we all so-called, we knew that behind their profession there are a lot of people dependent on them. To be a parent not just in his family but for their students is quite uneasy going. There's so much struggle to face which starts in trials and driving to plenty of errors. But a teacher is a hero, the one who did a lot of hard work in society to shape everyone's learning and attitudes in society.
Try And Try Until No Learning is Left Behind Rapid shifts in how educators and students work and interact are not the rule, and it complicates the present situation for some students to deal with. Students with intellectual difficulties, in particular, appear to cannot accept the transition and respond to alternative systems while preserving their success. The modern way of schooling has been distance and mixed styles, and they're not perfect. It is possible to restrict hands-on and differentiated experiences. It has been difficult to work out ways to preserve continuity, structure, and teamwork. Yet our emphasis has stayed stable on student progress. "Maraming mga pagsubok ang talagang mas lalong nagpatibay sa aking propesyon, gaya na lamang ng ating tinatawag na online class, dahil ito nga ay online class kayhirap hagilapin ng mga mag-aaral, mayroong kani kaniyang mga dahilan kapag hindi nakakaattend ng talakayan, ngunit ano nga ba ang magagawa naming mga guro kundi ang unawain at pakinggan ang mga rason ng bawat isa, maraming mga dahilan ang mga mag-aaral ngunit dahil tayo nga ay humaharap sa matinding pagsubok, lagi ko na lamang isinasaisip na, lahat ay gagawin ko para mabigyan ng tamang kaalaman ang mga mag-aaral, kung ang iba ay ayaw umattend ng klase at marami silang mga kadahilanan iyon ay nasasa kanila na, ika nga sa isang kasabihan, "Kung gusto may paraan, at kung ayaw maraming dahilan." Lagi nating tatandaan hindi lamang sa paaralan manggaling ang ating mga kaalaman sa lahat ng aspeto ng ating buhay marami tayong mga kaalamang matututunan bastat maging bukas lamang tayo sa pagtanggap ng ating mga kahinaan at mga kalakasan." said Sir Kenneth Lube. The teaching process is changing a lot as instead of teaching what to think and learn to students, they must be taught how to think and learn. Presently, the role of teachers is not only to educate students but also to advise them. To remain grounded in this tough moment, teachers teaching from home/school online must be well versed and trained with online teaching devices and teaching materials. They have to listen and take care of students’ concerns about learning difficulties, learning pressure, lack of facilities, lack of time, and many more that students share with them during the online teaching process. But we must put in mind that they are also suffering from high workloads, lack of work-life balance, a perceived lack of resources, and, sometimes, a perceived lack of support from senior managers, especially in managing pupils' behavior. Often they believe the profession does not get the recognition it deserves. Those who are fascinated with the learning process of classroom instruction have to deal with excellent and extremely innovative teachers who provide techniques as quickly as the challenges during online education have arisen.
The Builders Of The Dazzling Future: Win, Win, Never Lose Filipino teachers have remained resilient and inspired to pursue their careers for the sake of the future of their pupils, considering such obstacles. Teaching will not hold up in this moment of crisis, which allows teachers not only to duplicate their lessons in another medium but to discover radically unique solutions to what people learn, how people learn, where and when people learn. "Kung mayroon man akong natutunan sa naging set up ng klaseng ito sa taong panuruang ito, yun ay ang laging maging bukas ang aking isip sa lahat, bakit? Sapagkat hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na tayong mga tao ay hindi ipinanganak na pantay-pantay, may mayaman at may mahirap, ngunit lagi nating tatandaan sa ating mga sarili, hindi estado sa buhay ang magdidikta ng iyong kapalaran yun ay ang iyong sariling determinasyon at dedekasyon sa isang bagay, walang bagay na madali lahat ay mahirap ngunit kung tayo'y magsusumikap lahat ng bagay na mahirap ay magiging madali, wag tayong basta basta susuko sa buhay, maraming pagsubok ang dumarating ngunit lahat ng iyan ay ating malalampasan bastat tayo'y may pananalig sa Dyos at tayoy determinado na magtagumpay hindi lamang para sa ating mga sarili kundi pati narin sa ating mga mahal sa buhay." said Sir Kenneth Lube upon his ended conversation. Teachers may struggle to undertake an arduous task in difficult circumstances, but so are we all right now. Yeah, online instruction is imperfect. Yes, disadvantaged students become even more disadvantaged and no matter how resilient, students will need to make up some work. Yet millions of students want to and continue to learn to light their flames through teachers' perseverance. The double duty job of being a parent and a teacher is something that someone cannot even come to comprehend until they have experienced it themselves. People say, 'Teachers aren't working.' They are working harder than ever.
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58 feature | culture campus
HOW I MET THE DEITY OF THE LONGEST MOUNTAIN IN THE COUNTRY By: Marie Dominique Oña
When I was a kid, I thought the longest mountain that I could ever know is Mt. Makiling. I used to stay every afternoon at our balcony to just stare at the beauty of it while reminiscing the fairytales and legends about the mountain I used to believe, the longest. As I draw the pattern of what I believe is the mountain’s face, silly questions pop out inside my head like “If a mountain can talk, what are the possible things it would say? Would they cry
for protection? Would they please us to stop the things that may harm them?” Mountains are great protectors from calamities and we should treasure every inch of them. With my admiration for the mountain’s beauty, I imagine myself that maybe, someday, I could meet every deity who protects the mountain.
Shaking hands Turns out that the longest mountain range in the Philippines is the Sierra Madre wherein it is called the “backbone of Luzon.” Its body can be seen in 10 different provinces including Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Nueva Ecijia, Aurora, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Quezon. The trademark of it fits accurately to what it has done throughout the north because it saves three regions and 50 million lives from typhoons of the Pacific Ocean as it lies all the way to the northeast coast of Luzon island. Inside of it resides 20 protected areas and forests such as the La Mesa Watershed Reservation and the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscapes. From that it also has 14 major river systems, 11 of them are drained into the Philippine Sea and the other three are in Rio Grande de Cagayan as a side stream of the Ilagan River.
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Acquaintance The 1.4 million hectares contain 40% of the country’s forest cover that is now facing a state of danger. Most common threats are involved in the environmental damage of it such as Illegal – and legal – mining, deforestation, and construction on its land. If you are going to ask, of course, there is an environmental law for it but it cannot really do any good if there is only one forest guard who protects it, do they? Former senator and staunch environmentalist Loren Legarda once said that “unchecked illegal logging remains the main culprit” for deforestation, and “government negligence has prompted the devastation of forests.” “Philippine forestry laws passed since 1930 have failed to provide adequate security provisions for virgin and second-growth forests, thus the forests had virtually no protection at all. For instance, there is only one forest guard for every 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) of forests,” said Legarda to the Eurasia Review.
Photo by: Klienneeco
A friend You know, I’m really curious about what a mountain deity looks like. Do they really have long hair? Is their skin fair, good, and glowing? And are they wearing long gowns while casting their powerful spells for the richness of the land? One of the most controversial threats to the Sierra Madre is the building of the Kaliwa Dam. Dams are used for irrigation, energy, and water supply needs but then it also sacrifices many relocations of indigenous people living in the area and yet again deforestation. It will be located by the foot of Sierra Madre. It will affect many communities in the Rizal and Quezon provinces. They will also create roads that will lead to the dam. This China-funded project is supposed to “reduce flooding” and serves as an answer to the metro’s water crisis. Even though the making of this dam will make profits and advantages regarding water conservation, we cannot deny the fact of the much bigger sacrifice here which is one of the biological sites of the country where its Spanish name means “mother mountain range” or being the “Western mother mountain range.” I remembered that whenever I stared deeply until sunset in a mountain, I never found a face, just a body of land that withstands throughout centuries.
60 feature | reviews
ISLE OF EXQUISITENESS: Pala-One of the Most ‘Intagrammable’ Islands in the World Words By: Maycel Villanueva I Images from: www.lightfoottravel.com In this digital age, beauty and perfection outline all the logic in the world, especially for most women; yet in actuality, it is what everyone has dreamt of having – a grand, ecstatic, and relaxing life. However, all these would be for nothing if you weren’t with your loved ones, or if you don’t have enough money to support such dream travel. But worry less, because in Palawan; all you’ve been looking for will surely be sufficed. Check out these stunning destinations at the most ‘instagrammable’ Palawan attractions you can feature on your next social media feed.
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Image from www.elnidoparadise.com
PALAWAN
Underground River
Marked as the longest underground river in the world that outlays directly to the sea, Palawan UndergroundRiver or Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the 7 Wonders of Nature and a protected area in the Philippines. You will find yourself mystified by its mysterious and enchanting rock formations inside this beauty – the reason which made this breathtaking tourist destination be loved by local and foreign travelers.
HONDA
Bay Island
This island offers a day tour that would allow you to explore diving sites and hidden gems all around Puerto Princesa. It also has island hopping to witness the stunning islands and white sand beaches leaving you with glimpses and memories of the beauty of Palawan’s landscape. If you also enjoy being surrounded by corals and marine wildlife, then this island would fit perfectly on your taste.
Images from www.kkday.com
COWRIE
Island
While island hopping in Honda Bay Island, you’ll certainly stopover on one of the best Palawan attractions, Cowrie Island. This charming island pulls Instagram lovers looking for an exciting vacation to enjoy a day at the beach. You can try here activities like swimming, riding the banana boat, snorkeling, and other water activities that are perfect for adventure seekers.
Image from tourism.puertoprincesa.ph
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Images from Ala Amid Bed & Breakfast
NAGTABON
Island
Keep calm and be relaxed at this ultimate destination as you feel the summer breeze with these palm trees at Nagtabon beach. A quiet place that is the complete opposite of the chaos in Underground River and Honda Bay Islands. You can easily spend the day enjoying the relaxing tropical atmosphere and simply eat delicious foods.
LULI
Island
Luli Island is famous among tourists for its sandbars and mangrove forests. You can take pictures and relax under the sun on its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect place to grab a beer with some of your friends. This island is also unique for it sinks and rises depending on the tide.
Image from: Chantelle Flores
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SABANG
Waterfall
You’ll be surprised by this stunning and majestic waterfall that faces directly to the sea and is muchloved by local and foreign travelers. Sabang waterfall is over 50ft high and most impressive for it is situated right on the beach. A great spot to relax underneath the waterfalls is on its rock pool and at the bottom of the pool is a view, looking out over the ocean towards the layers of mountains on the horizon.
Image from seatosummit.blogspot.com
SABANG
Beach
A walk from Sabang Waterfalls is another beautiful place in a small village in Puerto Princesa City. Sabang Beach is surrounded by white sand, palm trees, and mountainous views. A perfect place for some downtime, whether it be swimming or just soaking up the sun because it’s not yet discovered by the mainstream crowd.
Palawan is a piece of paradise that is simply perfect that is miles away from the hectic bustle of loads of work, school, and just a utopia to breathe and vibe the wonders of nature. Image from: palawanwedding.com
64 feature | Lifestyle
What to Know About Some Plants When Collecting: A Reminder to
‘Plantitos and Plantitas’ By: Maycel Villanueva
With all the quarantine activities, some people we know are either fur-parent or plant-parent cultivating plants in their garden. Being a plant-parent or a plant-tita seems easier because plants aren’t as high-maintenance as animals, no matter how small they are. Even celebrities have joined the bandwagon—and honestly, who wouldn’t, right? Plants can transform any indoor or outdoor space and give it an oasis-like feel. They clean and purify the air we breathe and they also serve as inexpensive and attractive decor. However, fantasizing about your dream garden, the reality is stranger than fiction as it is truer than yours. Like a bolt of lightning from a clear blue sky, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise to know that behind those beautiful ornamental plants in your garden lies a killer – something that could be the cause of you or your loved one’s demise. Feast your eyes, and get to know some of the most famous plants and their poisons you ought to watch out for, or risk being buried 6-foot underground. Yes, definitely, not alive.
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Dieffenbachia A native of tropical America (now widely distributed), the dumb cane is a very homely plant indeed. Wait till you hear every portion of the plant harbor the needle-like calcium oxalate crystals. If by accident, the plant gets chewed, these crystals are released to the system of the unfortunate individual causing intense pain and painful swelling of the mouth. In fact, native Amazonian people used the juice of the plants as poison in their arrows. Well, the story of how they retract the poison out of those hunted animals shall be limited only to them. If you want any further information, ask them personally, that is if you have the courage to do so.
Photo by: farmlifenursery
Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
Wolfsbane Don’t let beauty fool you. Yes, this lovely and fascinating plant is deceiving, and you’ll see them as a sensation in the Philippines. Many “plantitos & plantitas” like the aesthetic it gives, but as the name implies, the extract of this plant is used to kill wolves. This plant belongs to the buttercup family, wolfsbane or devil’s helmet contains large quantities of poison known as alkaloid pseudaconitine. Once ingested, a burning sensation in the limbs and abdomen follows. And if by any chance large doses have been consumed, death could follow in as little as 2-3 hours.
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English Yew Endemic to Europe, Northern Africa, and southwest Asia, this tree has soft, bright-red berries that are palatable, enjoyed by a lot of birds. Many Philippine gardens have been adorned by this breed but careful, be careful. Right off the bat, this is one of the most dangerous plants on Planet Earth. If you are out to redecorate your garden, chances are your decorator may suggest using the English yew bush as a foundation plant for hedges. Don’t be fooled by the aesthetic value. The English yew, like all the yews, contains highly poisonous berries that can be fatal to humans if they are ingested without removing the seeds. Symptoms include muscle tremors, difficulty in breathing, convulsion, and worst—collapse. Photos from : Purple Angel Trumpet Tree Photos from: David Trinklein, University of Missouri, Division of Plant Sciences
Trompeta The flowers of this plant look beautiful and many have been captivated by its alluring beauty. Enough to call it Angel’s Trumpet. But behind the charming form lies a killer. The Trompeta is home to dangerous alkaloids. Overdose of any of these alkaloids can lead to poisoning. And worse, the enchanting plant can be deadly as it can accelerate the heart rate and cause cardiac rhythmic disturbances, which is fatal. Just to give you an idea, as little as 4 grams of Trompeta leaves can be fatal to a young child. Photo from: allyriane
Oleander Described by Pliny the Elder in Ancient Rome, oleander is a beautiful plant known for its striking flowers. Though commonly grown as a hedge and ornamental, all parts of the oleander plant are deadly and contain lethal cardiac glycosides known as oleandrin and nerine. If eaten, oleander can cause vomiting, diarrhea, erratic pulse, seizures, coma, and death, and contact with the leaves and sap is known to be a skin irritant to some people.
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Pothos or Devil’s Ivy Much like oleander, it’s easy for a pothos plant to capture the eyes of a ‘plantita’. It is one of the most popular indoor plants these days, as it works best at purifying the air we breathe. However, as beautiful as they seem, the pothos plant is dangerous to you and your furry friends. If a human accidentally ingests it, they may experience irritation, swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Photo from: Myimagine / Shutterstock
Elephant Ear Elephant ear plants trended these days—and for a good reason. But if you have one of these in your home, you have to take extra precautions. Indeed, elephant ear plants are undoubtedly pretty. However, it is one of the most toxic plants for cats and dogs. It also causes swelling, burning of the mouth and tongue, and vomiting if they accidentally ingest it.
Photo from Karl Thomas Moore
Croton Plant While its colors are super pretty—bright red to pink to yellow and orange—these plants can be dangerous for your pets. When ingested, a croton plant may cause drooling, vomiting, and/or diarrhea among animals. Its sap, when exposed to the skin, may also irritate. They may look harmless enough, but plants can harbor some of the deadliest poisons known. So seeing these plants growing in your neighborhood is certainly no reason to be happy!
68 feature | lifestyle
Make It Safer When Buying Foods:
Top Online Grocery Apps Delivery Platform
Words by: Nicole Ann Dela Cueva | Images from Google Play
Do you have an experience of thinking twice or thrice every time you go outside to buy food? During the pandemic, it sounds too dangerous to have contact with other people, but often you can just disregard your fears, and more than that, supplies are out-of-stock. Then, when you buy things in supermarkets, you have no choice but to stay vigilant. And it seems like you’ll be the next host of the virus at any moment. At some point, I know, some of you have sluggish days when what you want to do is lie down in bed, watch series or movies, and don't care about going out for food but still crave your favorite dishes so much you just want to teleport in certain restaurants. Fortunately, in the play store, there are applications you can download to prevent the case. So, here are the online platforms that offer and deliver goods from the marketplace to help you ease the process and grant your wishes food magically appear on your doorsteps! Note: Please notice that your order will not push through due to the number of incoming orders
that these sites accommodate. Some have also introduced a block timetable for orders so that clients can know where their deliveries are going to arrive. We encourage you to consider another food distribution site on the list instead, in case you need groceries ASAP.
ManganPH ManganPH claims to be the country’s first locally developed food delivery service app that caters to the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, Pampanga. Mangan.PH is a Kapampangan word that means ‘eat’. The vast selection of cafes and restaurants in Angeles City is predictably impressive. There’s always something new to try, whether you’re a local or a tourist, and they could all wish we had enough time and resources to visit all the restaurants in the city! Mangan.PH is very easy to use. People from all age groups and walks of life will find it very hasslefree. They also have an option to place orders via phone call for the ones who aren’t too techie or for when you are offline or you can do payment by cash on delivery or credit card.
Waltermart WalterMart, one of the Philippines’ supermarket chains, stepped up its customer service game by introducing its shopping app that helps guests to shop for food in the comfort of their homes. The product catalog can be searched by type for the products you need. Before checking out, scan all your goods on your ‘My list tab’. You can either pick up your food products or bring them to your door. Note that WalterMart has a minimum order threshold of PHP 2.000. Users have the choice of paying through Delivery Cash, Grab Pay, Swipe on Delivery, choosing Credit and Debit Cards and GCash,
Food Panda Foodpanda is probably one of the nation’s most successful smartphone apps for food distribution service aggregators. It has a vast range of affiliate restaurants, ensuring they will get you the food you crave and “lust after” straight to your door from your local favorite restaurants. It is accessible via their foodpanda.ph website or via their applications for Android and iOS and guarantees safe
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payment through credit card, Paypal, or cash on sale transactions (COD).
Grab Food and Grab Mart GrabFood can be reached via its holding company Grab, which mostly provides ride-hailing services. The business works in eight countries in Southeast Asia, meaning you can find this app outside the Philippines as well. It has food delivery via GrabFood for food-related services, and supermarket delivery via GrabMart where you can pick from the roster of merchants from Grab, then see and choose their goods available. GrabMart will find you a cab, much as with their other facilities, who will pick up and distribute the things you have purchased from the merchant!
Metro Mart If you need someone to do your groceries, then you might want to take a look at MetroMart. MetroMart Technology, Inc. operates an online and on-demand grocery and shop delivery service. Via its online and smartphone site, the company sells products including groceries, bakeries, appliances, and pet care. They have ties with a range of convenience stores and supermarkets, including S&R, Rustan’s, Robinsons, Shopwise, and more. A scheduled distribution system is used by Metro Mart, so customers know when their groceries will arrive. You have the option of cash on arrival, or by credit/debit cards, for payment. Please remember that Metro Mart has a minimum buying order of PHP 1,000.
LalaFood & LalaMove LalaFood boasts a variety of restaurants from which you can put many ongoing orders. There is no minimum limit for bills and they can be sent from one town to another. To decide nearby restaurants and delivery place availability, you will be asked to include your location/ address details. LalaFood currently
runs from 7 am to 8 pm regularly. You may also use LalaMove to pick up the supplies and send them to you and take orders online.
LazMart Lazada, one of LazMart’s most popular online shopping applications, expands its offerings to grocery shopping and distribution. Just go to the Lazada app to navigate it and search for the green LazMart symbol by swiping right under the moving ads on the menu to the left. To quickly spot the supermarket items you need, just search through the goods by type. By checking “On”, you will even get deals and promotions. By testing the “On Sale” button, you will even get deals and promos. Users have the option to pay through their Lazada Wallet, Credit/ Debit Card, Cash On Arrival, BDO Installment, and GCash for payment.
Boozy. ph If you want to show up at home on the weekends, you can have alcoholic drinks shipped with Boozy to your doorstep. Boozy, which is owned and run by BoozyLife Inc., supplies alcoholic beverages, sodas, syrups, chips, and mixers. They have a minimum order of PHP 500, and via PayMaya, credit cards (via PayMaya), and cash on arrival, users can pay. Via their official website, Android, and iOS, you can put your order.
Session Groceries With the emerging pandemic, we have more opportunities to consume nutritious food! The Session Grocery app at your door delivers new fruits and vegetables! The app ties local farmers to customers much better, encouraging a sustainable and healthier lifestyle for people while also helping local farmers raise money! Although the app launched its services in Baguio in 2018, Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Benguet can currently
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be supplied by Session Groceries. The minimum order is PHP 300, and through Cash on Request, Bank Transfer, and GCash, users can pay.
Homegrown Organics Looking for new fruits and vegetables that are pesticide-free for home delivery? Through Homegrown Organics shipped directly to your doorstep, you can now order farmers’ harvest online. As part of its “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” initiative initiated in 2019, partnered by the Department of Agriculture. Deliveries of fruits and vegetables, chicken, fish, and eggs, as well as ready-to-eat food, groceries, personal care items, and even plants are available on this online shopping platform. Items with loss and spoilage will earn substitutes. For orders over PHP 450, they have a 1-2 day delivery, no minimum order, and free delivery. Cash on arrival and bank transactions are approved by Homegrown Organics for payment. A call or SMS confirming the delivery would be sent to customers. We will truly stay healthy in our homes with these supportive organizations and programs without thinking too much about going out. Trying out different stores with unique items might be worth it so you can find the things you need when you need them. Staying at home and keeping ourselves safe and balanced is the only way we can curb the flu! So try to be safe and keep yourself safe!
70 feature | lifestyle
Quarantine Fad:
What makes our isolation, a thought-provoking one By: Maycel C. Villanueva
Quarantine forces people into a lot of strange situations: one of which is the amusing way people are fighting off boredom. The trademark of 2020 invariably lies in technology and the ingenious ways in which people are utilizing it. As quarantine rages on, it seems some trends have appeared out of thin air. In what will be remembered as the oddest spring and summer – and oh god, please not fall – of our lives, things have surged in popularity. Everything from basic needs to entertainment and socialization is now just a click of a button away for those of us fortunate enough to be at home. In an attempt to understand the hype, many people tried a few of these ‘quarantrends’ trademark pending. At a time as strange as this, listed down below are some of the funniest, zaniest, most amusing things people have been doing to keep themselves occupied over the Internet online throughout quarantine thus far.
DIY Samgyupsal For many families and barkadas, dining out in ‘samgyupsal’ restaurants after a long week was a bonding activity and cause for celebration. With the popularity of Korean TV shows, people need a way to get their ‘samgyupsal’ fix, which has resulted in many restos offering DIY ‘samgyupsal’ home kits for delivery. There’s really something festive about chowing down on unlimited slices of pork and beef with an array of Korean side dishes. By buying slices of plain and marinated meats from local meat shops, and cooking up their own side dishes such as kimchi, you can replicate the KBBQ experience without having to go out.
Facebook Groups With the growing popularity of very niche Facebook groups comes the advent of a whole new use for these social media tools. Facebook groups are now being used as a way to entertain, to connect with others, to grow passions, even to date. Mostly, it’s a way for people of similar interests or cultural backgrounds to connect over relatable memes, images, and content. Sometimes, it’s a useful tool for people who share the same hobbies: culinary enthusiasts sharing recipes online, bookworms offering literary recommendations, and music lovers posting personal playlists.
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TikTok TikTok’s always been a little polarising. I’ll cut my pointing finger if you haven’t yet tried this craze. With a mixed bag of reviews — you either love it or you hate it — it has undoubtedly become a social media giant. Let me share a big fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has partnered up with them to create a public page that provides people with trustworthy information during the COVID-19 pandemic. This only goes to show the versatility of this video platform and its millions of users. From content that ranges from interactive dances to duets to — now — news reports, it’s not surprising that TikTok has thrived during a time of quarantine.
E-Parties Have you seen a birthday celebration online? From Netflix parties to Zoom meetings, this quarantine has proven that social distancing does not mean social isolation. Some people have chosen to participate in online “e-numan” sessions, taking sips of wine or beer while talking to friends from further away. Whereas others simply spend time talking online or watch movies.
Instagram Live Lives have also been a great way for people to enjoy music and add some fun to their quarantine routines. While almost everyone got on abroad, going Live might seem like a good opportunity for celebrities to connect with fans, but it almost always bites them in the butt later. However, the pandemic has been truly isolating for some, thus the explosion of IG Lives.
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Dalgona Coffee Cooking is the Internet’s latest flex during the quarantine. If you haven't tried your hand at baking bread, you've probably attempted to make dalgona coffee, the whipped South Korean treat made popular by ‘TikTokers’. Dalgona coffee is made from just three ingredients — instant coffee, sugar, and water. Combine equal parts of each ingredient in a bowl, then using a hand mixer, mix until you get a caramel-colored frothy mixture. (If you don’t have a hand mixer, it can be whipped by hand but just know the process takes a little bit longer.) Once it’s ready, pour on top of your milk of choice, and voilà! Don’t forget to take a picture to include in your stories.
Zoom
Living through a pandemic means virtual meetings, hangouts, happy hours, and reunions. Precoronavirus, many would FaceTime, Skype, or hop on Google Hangouts, but Zoom has exclusively taken over 2020 — and we have mixed feelings about that. Love it or hate it, Zoom has become a part of life and it will be interesting to see if it remains that way, or if becomes a word/service we'll never want to use again once the pandemic is finally over.
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Kpop Fans There's one fandom that reigns supreme above all fandoms and that is Kpop fans. The online army has primarily supported Kpop groups, like BTS and Blackpink, but more recently shifted its presence to politics. The fans flooded white supremacist hashtags, matched a $1 million donation from BTS to Black Lives Matter groups, and even took credit for tanking President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which Trump's camp denied.
Among Us While many have experienced a hike in anxiety and depression during the health crisis, millions are hooked on this multiplayer game where crewmates on an alien spaceship have to find an impostor. At its core, Among Us is a game about teamwork, where you work together to figure out who can and can't be trusted within the group of players. This can be a benefit as it helps hone kids' logic and social skills, especially during a time when kids may be stuck at home and in need of socialization. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez famously streamed it in October to encourage voter registration. On the other hand, just to be fair, the game as it actually is encourages the player to lie if one is an impostor, which is technologically, not appropriate for the kids. In total, it’s an interesting online community of sorts that brings together people that have — in one way or another — some kind of shared experience, safe and enjoying their lives in the midst of crisis.
74 feature | tips campus
5 Things You Have To Know
TO SURVIVE ONLINE CLASSES By: Jullie Anne P. Belascuain Easily
Right after the first semester ended on December 23, 2020, where schooldays are more difficult than the traditional ones because it made us all feel unmotivated. No amount of foreknowledge could've prepared us since we have this habit of ignoring what we don't like, even if it is right in front of us. Yet, we got by the skin of our teeth which is not really surprising considering that Filipinos are known for being resilient. But you shouldn’t be worried, for these [tips] may help you from getting rid of your frustration, wondering if you would do better in the upcoming, bloody semester:
1. Create a study space Let's be real, most of us do not prefer online learning [coming from a person with social anxiety]. However, due to an ongoing pandemic, we have to adapt to how we are to gain knowledge. Here's the thing, home is for recreational activities and spending time with our families, it's ingrained in our minds that a school is a place of education. This makes the former an unsuitable learning environment. So to compensate, we need to have a personalized spot where we can organize our school supplies such as notebooks, pens, planners, and gadgets in order to focus on doing our schoolworks to study in peace. Just having a study table can do wonders even if it's a flimsy imitation of a classroom setting.
2. Time management Truth be told, I am a lazy person, but never have I ever missed a deadline, if anything, I always make it a goal to finish what needs to be done way before. My desire to laze around and do absolutely nothing overpowers the impulse to procrastinate. I admit it gives me a sense of sick satisfaction seeing my classmates cramming, knowing that I already did mine weeks ago. Still managing my time effectively didn't come naturally. Life happens and we're all humans, not machines. Sometimes, we feel like not doing it. That's why it took so many tries before I found what system works for me. One of those is creating a to-do list and accomplishing tasks which helped with the struggle of online learning and staying on track.
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3. Be disciplined Essentially, it starts as a conscious effort, then it becomes a routine and before you know it, it's a part of who you are. This goes without saying, rules are what we need to stay efficient and effective. It won't matter how perfect your self-imposed schedule if you don't have the willpower to go through it. Be your own critic since there’re almost no watchful eyes at home and your conscience could be a good motivator. Remember to not overdo it because having a sense of balance is important.
4. Self-care The definition varies from person to person but it all comes down to leave some time for your own self. If the stress gets too much, it's ok to stop, and take a breather. Don't force your limits. It's ok to care a little bit more about ourselves, everything else can wait. Don't spend your time concentrating on school. While it's important, there's more to life than that. Read a good book or binge-watch cringe movies.
5. Be optimistic This is ironic to include for I'm a pessimist. I only tend to see the worst out of any situation. So, it surprised me that others are still positive despite everything. For ages, I wondered what kind of mental gymnastics they perform for I cannot wrap my head around it. Yet, I also admire their tenacity to stay on the ground (I meant to be hopeful). If I had their ability, maybe, this whole affair wouldn't have been that terrible. If you're like me, try to look at the bright side, you're still alive and reading this. That should count for something.
Learning from home is indeed a challenge. It was intimidating at first but still, we survived the term. History repeats itself, we’ve done it before, and we can do it again. I hope that my methods can help you survive the next round, the next stage that we all have to overcome.
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Blend in with Blended Learning: Ways to Cope with the New Normal Education By: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial
We all are evenly surprised as to how the pandemic affected our usual subsistence: from socializing with others [friends] to acquiring major knowledge for our future selves. Having such a sentiment has made us all feel, unwell. Though, with the Coronavirus Disease emergence also arise innovative and flexible modes of teaching which are introduced through Blended Learning for the sake of educational continuity and sustenance in the country.
Providing the best for the worst Following the outbreak of COVID-19, implementations of Community Quarantine in many areas of the Philippines have been imposed. As industries, livelihoods, and economies have been gravely and enormously affected including the education sector, notably and inconspicuously. After months of not participating in a face-toface classroom environment, students dealt with and faced the reality brought about by the current and tedious situation with the introduction of the effects of the viral infection in their routine and their duties in the form of the so-called New Normal. Several colleges and universities in the nation have resorted to online classes a month after the suspension of physical classes with the aid of applications and digital platforms intended for scholarly work and technologymediated communication to conclude the school year of 2019-2020 and in light of academic preparedness for Blended Learning for the succeeding calendar. With the situation at hand, the Department of Education formulated a new scheme that shall guide and lead teachers and students into the New Normal scene of Education that is ensured to be effective and efficient even in distance - Blended Learning. The
Department held the virtual launch of a campaign on flexible modes of education preparedness on August 24, 2020, with the theme - "Handang Isip, Handa Bukas." This program furthered and instilled the significance of learning through whichever means, and proved that even without a physical presence, education is still as attainable and within reach even for Academic Year 2020-2021 amid COVID-19. However, institutions are not the only representatives or bodies that have to be prepared for the engagement in the New Normal Education, but students, as well. In this critical and crucial stage, students are expected to be oriented and mentally prepared for the coming and the actuality of the new age of digital education to blend in with Blended Learning through either personal efforts or participation in engaging webinars organized by institutions or both activities. Taking online classes and furnishing requirements are major stressors, but these do not hinder cognitive development and knowledge apprehension with numerous ways of coping with the pandemic at disposal.
tips | feature Here are several ways to cope with the New Normal setting of Blended Learning:
Staying disciplined Online learning may pertain to the comfort of homes as it is conducted indoors, but it does not permit you to be as settled as you are in terms of furnishing tasks and submitting assignments. Knowing your priorities at school is as important at home, hence, take control of your activities and schedule. This then leads to the second step which is;
Scheduling It is always reliable to create an academic calendar for you to keep track of deadlines and accomplishments at a certain pace. With scheduling, you are always up-to-date with your tasks and other priorities of reading materials or attending online classes on time. You may notice you are flexible with the new setting as you have the necessary resources, but if ever there were collaborative work between you and your classmates, cut them some slack.
Be considerate and kind to everyone Take into consideration the availability of resources in their areas, and be as assistive and as supportive as you can be to one another in order for all students to cope effectively. Fourth, be kind to yourself, also. Give yourself a break if you ever feel exhausted and drained by activities and assignments. It never killed anyone to have a little moment to be motivated and revitalized once in a while.
Keep in touch with your instructors and fellow students Being alert of online announcements is a must for every student for each to be informed and to prevent the spread of misinformation among students and teachers. The occurrence of COVID-19 thus affected education, but, with various feasible and viable alternative modes, its continuity and sustainability are assured, for, with preparedness and mental stability, education never stops within institutions and its students even in blended or distant learning.
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Tips and Tricks
for Defending Virtual Thesis Online By: Maycel C. Villanueva During these unprecedented times, students are learning to adapt common experiences of complying with requirements into an online format. Thesis defense and gathering necessary information online process proved to be a surprising transition for many. However, there are many resources and tricks available to make this change as seamless as possible.
1. Take time to prepare for the event.
2. Set up a predefense meeting & troubleshoot with your committee.
3. Assign co-hosts, and ask for help when you need it.
4. Don’t stress about how to give a virtual presentation
Check-in with everyone when you start the meeting, read all the defense rules. Make sure everyone can see and hear you, know how Zoom works, and know who will be in the Zoom room. If someone has trouble, encourage them to speak up. Remember to lay any ground rules: Who should be allowed to ask questions, and should those be held until the end? Should questions be asked only utilizing the chat feature, the raise your hand feature, or will you open the floor, so to speak? Remember to be patient with questions. There may be a lag, or people may be formulating their thoughts.
Have back-up plans in case the technology fails to work and you will have to, for example, deliver your defense without being able to do a screen share. Practice the technology with a friend at least once before the defense, and not just the day/night before. For example, I figured out two weeks in advance that Presenter View didn’t work over Zoom on a single monitor on my laptop, which allowed me time to find a second monitor to borrow.
Whoever hosts the meeting, be sure that the presenter is assigned as a co-host, so they can share their screen and control video and microphone muting as needed. It would help lessen the pressure you might encounter during your presentation.
Fortunately, you don’t have to relearn how to give a presentation, the same principles still apply! Everything you can do in an in-person presentation, you can do virtually. Have your PowerPoint in Presenter View, better use a second monitor to make the screen sharing smoother, and use the laser pointer feature in PowerPoint to help your audience follow along. Be advised of some changes due to application settings and internet standards.
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5. Practice, practice, practice your defense!
6. Check your surroundings.
7. Have a clock in the room!
They said, “Practice makes perfect.” And so the more secure you feel with the material and the technology, the less you have to worry about it. Keep your visual presentation simple, in case you have to explain it verbally without access to visual aids.
Have a quiet space, where you are comfortable and won’t be interrupted or distracted. Consider what to do with your pets, if you have any. You do not want them to bark or howl next to you during your defense!
The clock on the laptop or phone would not always be visible when you’re in a meeting. Better have it so you could manage your time presenting.
8. Take notes.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
10. Have someone in hand.
Keep some paper close by, to jot down some notes, as needed. It also serves as concrete evidence you can easily rely on when in need.
You didn’t want to prolong the Q&A portion, right? At times, better to ask to repeat the questions before answering them to make sure you did understand them correctly. When you answer satisfy them, the higher grade the lower the pressure.
Don’t underestimate how important emotional support is. Bringing one person with you or even have a process observer who can watch your defense and support you is of great significance. Have someone around nearby so that when it’s all over you can celebrate/distress! It felt odd and anticlimactic just signing off the computer, rather than having the opportunity to chat and wind down with the committee members afterward.
In one way or another, remember to enjoy the experience as it helped you throughout your growing process into success.
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FRONTLINERS:
Recognized by Leaders as Modern-Day Heroes for Battle against COVID-19 Words By: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial | Images from www.wtcmanila.com.ph
people | feature In light of National Heroes’ Day, Frontliners were hailed and honoured as the modern-day heroes of the country as they faced a constant battle against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic.
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response force as the “countless others” who continue to fight off the virus and its further spread.
In order to deepen the gratitude the nation harbours toward the newly-crowned heroes, President Rodrigo Duterte addressed their heroism and patriotism in the fight against the “different kind of enemy.”
She shared her advice in an uplifting message, “Love those beyond your immediate circle, and expand these circles to go beyond family or friends; care for the community, care for the country. Do this, despite fear and uncertainty. Fight, if necessary; do not shrink from struggle or sacrifice. Be kind and be brave.”
The proud President praised the dedicated Frontliners in a virtual message, “Present-day challenges posed by the current public health crisis [have] given rise to modern-day heroes: the countless Filipino frontliners here and abroad who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic.”
If her message were to be summarized into three simple words, it would then be in certainty - “Love conquers all.” Evidently, when one fights with love and fire in his heart, he would become unstoppable and would not get frightened easily, not even of a viral infection.
Indeed, even in the most unfavorable and undesirable scenery, the Filipino heroes strived and continued to thrive in service of their fellow Filipinos which makes their bravery inspiring and them becoming daily lifesavers. In line with this, the President in awe expressed hopes that the Filipino youth and community would look up to the courage the Frontliners have showcased, and would also follow in their footsteps.
The President and Vice President were not the only ones who have expressed their bliss for the very existence of Frontliners for Former President Fidel Ramos joined. He praised and commended the health workers, military, police force, and other frontliners for their hard work amid the pandemic which he defined as one of Philippine History’s Dark Ages.
In the meantime, the National Task Force assigned to contradicting the viral infection acknowledged the heroic qualities of the frontliners and their heroic act of sacrificing to ensure Filipino welfare despite their own in these trying times. “As we commemorate National Heroes’ Day, the National Task Force against COVID-19 honors our modern-day heroes, our medical frontliners, who have made every conceivable sacrifice to ensure the health and safety of the Filipino people,” the National Task Force exclaimed in a released statement. They also added that the selflessness, dedication, and bravery shown in their undying fidelity to serving the Filipino people put them on the same battlefield as the national heroes at a constant pace. “You are all heroes in the truest sense of the word,” concluded the Task Force. Truly, the outstanding individuals serve as a reminder of the existence of Filipinos with a good heart who are willing to risk their own welfare for the sake of others’ regardless of the situation they are already in. The National Task Force praised the members of the non-medical frontliners who participate in the battle against COVID-19, as well. These contributors of the non-medical profession include police personnel, military, and janitors whose efforts have been recognized by the Task Force as commemorable and honourable. Madam Vice President Leni Robredo also delivered her fair share of appreciation towards the Frontliners as she commended their contributions and efforts in making those contributions. In addition, she also stated in her National Heroes’ Day Address that the pandemic response in which frontliners partook on a major level proves that the spirit of the heroes “lives within each of us.” The Vice President also made use of her time to honour and to declare the said pandemic
The Former President stated during the virtual book launch of Twilight Glory, “Our collective resolve as Filipinos seems to be tested once again by this COVID-19 pandemic. But as what our forebearers have proven to us already through their feats of heroism, the Filipino spirit is indomitable.” Not only did the heroic Frontliners serve as health workers or pandemic response enforcers, but they also took on the role of becoming forebearers which proves the Filipino care and hospitability is undisputed even during difficult times. He also added in awe of the Frontliners, “We see that same spirit is being embodied by our medical frontliners, uniformed and military personnel, government staff, and countless other Filipinos who literally risk their lives daily in this pandemic... Let us remember and celebrate all the Filipino heroes and veterans who sacrificed so much in the pursuit of freedom and independence.” Supported by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Twilight Glory, a coffee-table book, discusses and entails 500 years of Philippine history while commemorating war veterans and local heroes. Book authors of the coffee-table book regarded Frontliners including the Private Sector for their contributions to the COVID-19 battle. In connection, SMC had already contributed Php 3 Billion to the pandemic response and constant fight in support of the Frontliners’ defense and offense. Chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who directed the wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, reiterated the officials’ messages, and encouraged Filipinos to continuously and boundlessly exude heroism in their respective means for it “manifests in different ways.”
It is undeniable that heroism exists in different
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ways of which are interconnected by acts of kindness which the Frontliners constantly provide to those who are in dire need of treatment and service. Hence, it is also undeniable, tacit, and unspoken that Frontliners are genuine role models to be motivated by as they constantly present heroism in varying ways through varying roles in the community or institutions. On the other hand, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan instructed the Department of Health to reimburse the Frontliners with releases of daily hazard pay and more benefits to honour them, specially, on such a magnificent and relevant occasion. “Ang dami nang sakripisyo ng ating mga frontliner,” Pangilinan said in a statement. “Mano bang suklian natin ang kanilang serbisyo ng binibigay naman ng ating mga batas? Let’s honor our heroes not just with rhetoric but with substance,” expressed Pangilinan in an uplifting and pursuant tone. Not only are the modern-day heroes to be paid for in appraisal, but they are to be included in discussions in textbooks and future references. Exceptional Historian Ambeth Ocampa indicated that COVID-19 Frontliners must be acknowledged in history textbooks to look back on their crucial works and contributions in defeating the health crisis. Ocampo furthered the Frontliners’ outstanding performance in an interview by Rico Hizon of CNN Philippines, “We’re facing an enemy that we cannot see and that we do not know and that these people are still working in hospitals and caring for the sick makes their task more than ordinary, makes it heroic.” He also noted that the Filipinos’ sense of patriotism was not affected amid the uncertain and unprecedented COVID-19 regime. “Another ordinary day because normally it comes and goes,” described the Historian as the National Heroes’ Day is still celebrated despite physical distancing and community quarantine.
To date, the country has recorded over 400,000 COVID-19 cases with thousands of healthcare workers and frontliners potentially getting infected by the virus more and more as each day passes. If it weren’t for the Frontliners’ hard work and perseverance through these tiring times, the number of cases would have been higher, and would continuously proliferate at an alarming rate. Whether it is a question of love of country or love of the Filipino, the Frontliners being hailed and crowned as the modern-day heroes for their dedicated service only regards National Heroes’ Day 2020 as the most memorable despite the health crisis. Nevertheless, it is of utmost substance and gravity to salute the Frontliners as recognition of their unconditional works, and to support them by staying safe and healthy as ever.
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Skylights and Wonders:
Mesmerize the Beauty of Meteor Showers By: Marie Dominique Oña | Image from popsugar.com
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It is a spectacle once you happen to see how awe-inspiring meteor showers lit up the sky, the luminous stream of dust as it pierces through the horizon. Not until it hits the place you’re living in and all the people including you were reduced to nothingness, that the only remains were the memories of your existence as it lingers purposelessly. It does ring a bell to most of us for it was a renowned film which once aired on Philippine television, the Japanese anime movie “Kimi No Na wa” or most commonly known in the Philippines as “Your Name." If you've watched it, you’ll know that one of the key factors that hooked everyone who watched the movie was the magical feeling it showed, witnessing many cosmic, astronomical events, and skylights that were portrayed in the story.
Calendar of Cosmic Events According to National Geographic, nearly fifty tons of debris fall down on the Earth’s surface every day. They say some just fall into tiny pieces and become ashes while other rocks were actually huge. A meteor shower happens by having the Earth cross trials of debris every year known as Meteoroid Streams. Whenever it happens, the planet gets sprinkled with rocky materials. So, the seething debris that races towards the earth quickly creates friction with air particles and generates a vast amount of heat. This heat vaporizes and illuminates the sky as the falling of those debris creates streaks of light in the sky, commonly known as shooting stars. Comet tails tend to follow the same path as the comet itself which means it is consistent around each year. NASA said that the constellation for which a meteor shower is named only serves to aid
viewers in determining which shower they are viewing on a given night. The year 2020 is the best year to witness this kind of activity. Here is a calendar of meteor showers so that you wouldn’t have to research it for yourself.
January At the start of the year, The Quadrantids happen around the beginning of January. Its constellation lies in the northern sky called Boötes. The "Quads" can deliver at least 1 meteor per minute under excellent sky conditions. Under perfect conditions, between 60 – 200 meteors can be seen per hour, according to NASA. The peak lasts just six hours.
April Oh Spring, it looks like it is a good day to watch and relax while witnessing April's Lyrid but just a friendly reminder to be present on time because they perform really quick. The annual Lyrid meteor shower always brings an end to the meteor drought, which happens each year between January and mid-April. It is located in the constellation Lyra, near the brightest star, Vega.
May This one is associated with Hailey’s Comet. The Eta Aquarids' radiant point is the constellation Aquarius. The Eta Aquarids peak during early May each year and 30 Eta Aquarid meteors can be seen per hour during their peak.
July If you want to witness long and rambling meteor showers, Southern Delta Aquariids is the one you are looking for. They can be caught anytime from July 12 to August 23 each year.
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August The Perseids is a very popular one for it can deliver at least one meteor per minute under pleasant summer skies. Its radiant is the Constellation Perseus and is active between July 14 and August 24. According to NASA, this one is very fast and bright where it leaves long “wakes” of light and color. They are also known as Fireballs and can persist longer than any other average meteor streak.
October Two meteor showers are involved in this season of the year. They are the Draconids which are best in the evening, instead of before dawn, because the winged Dragon, the shower’s radiant point, flies highest in the October sky at nightfall. And then we also have the Orionids which are extremely fast meteors.
November As of November, we have the Southern Taurids which appear to originate in the constellation Taurus; the bull. The other one is called the Leonids that radiate from the constellation of Leo.
December Another popular meteor shower is in the season of the holiday which is The Geminids which are radiant from the constellation of Gemini. They are bright and fast meteors that tend to be yellow. Lastly, The Ursids which radiate from the direction of the constellation Ursa Minor in the sky. I remember when I was around 8 years old, I waited for this meteor shower to happen because, at that time, I really wanted to wish for something important. It’s funny how humans tend to look at the sky, whisper, and believe that magical things would happen.
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COUNTRY’S NEWEST TELECOM PROVIDER By: Vernalyn D. Montero
These days are no longer ordinary as we face a world where the internet and technologies are high-priority. Survive might be the word that repeatedly runs in our minds in this time of tribulation. Our pessimist selves were unconsciously born; there's no way to surpass them if we do not communicate with others, verbal or not. Communication is indeed one of the most essential factors a community, including a family, must have to survive. As of the moment, we usually connect with people over the screen of our gadgets
due to the health crisis that we are all experiencing. With that, internet and mobile data connection play a major role in our daily lives, especially for students as they deal with online learning. Since the internet in the Philippines is quite slow, we really need a game changer. Fortunately, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) welcomes DITO Telecommunity, the third major telecommunications provider in the Philippines.
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Dilly-dally No More Last March 2021, DITO Telecom finally kicked off its service with 4G and 5G SIM cards in the selected areas in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. That was after President Rodrigo Duterte granted their 25-year franchise. Two years of fighting for their franchise was never easy and such a roller-coaster one for DITO. It was officially launched as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc. or Mislatel back in 2019 as an agreement of Davao businessman Dennis Uy's Udenna Corporation and Chelsea Logistics Company, Inc. and Chinese state-owned China Telecommunications Corporation. It was rebranded as DITO Telecommunity in 2021. As stated by the PCC chair Arsenio Balisacan, DITO’s launching plays a major development in the sector that has been ruled by only two companies, PLDT and Globe, for the past long years. We are on the same page if you also want a good internet speed. A poor connectivity can hinder us from participating in synchronous classes and we don’t want that to happen. Well, DITO has said to boost internet speed starting at 27Mbps and level up to 55 Mbps by 2025. Surprisingly, Ookla’s Speed Test Index in January proved that DITO’s average broadband speeds were 85.9 Mbps for 4G and 507.5 Mbps for 5G. Those were way better than what we expected. Months after its launch, DITO covered 300 cities and municipalities nationwide and reached over 3 million subscribers as the service is uninterrupted and hassle-free. DITO is really a game changer. According to the recent test made by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), DITO's network covered 37.48% of the national population. That’s higher compared to their pledge of 37.03 in 2018. DITO Telecom undoubtedly reached its target to provide affordable yet fast services to every Filipino. It continuously improves the promo that will be beneficial to its customers. No wonder if they will be prominent in the field of telecommunications.
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Newly-Constructed Clark International Airport Terminal By: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial | Images From Clark International Airport
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With the latest Clark International Airport Passenger Terminal, a "smooth transition" to improved and revolutionary flight accommodation is yet to be uncovered as the opening of the new facility is set in January 2021. The announcement made by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) divulged the completion of the construction of the latest passenger terminal, located about 100 kilometers north of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). In relation, if NAIA is of Manileño property, the Clark International Airport is of Pampanga's. Travellers from the province would not have to rely on NAIA in terms of farther international or domestic aerial transportation then for the very existence of an as prestigious passenger terminal in the Clark which has completed its construction. The project is capable of accommodating eight million passengers each annum as it was developed, established, and built by GMR Infrastructure and Megawide Construction Corporation. However, additional work has to be accomplished in the interior aspect of the new passenger terminal to ensure construction preparedness before the occupation of passengers, according to the Assistant Transportation Secretary, Goddes Hope Libiran. She stated, “There is a need to ensure operational readiness and transfer." Nonetheless, the latest terminal is ready to be in the service of the passengers for their security in transportation. The existing facility of the passenger terminal, which has a capacity of over four million passengers each year, would be withdrawn from operations as mandated by the government whereas the newly-constructed terminal has a capacity of eight million passengers. Due to the imposition of lockdown concerning the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the country, the recently-furnished terminal, at the
time, was grounded and robbed of its operation in compliance with travel bans, either domestic or international. Even then, the facility would have been in full preparation for operational system and function, but the number of flights and flight schedules would have also depended on the airlines' and airbuses' commercial considerations which are also affected by areas under Community Quarantine as Libiran exclaimed. Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, the accomplishment of the latest passenger terminal indicates the progress in and development of public and private infrastructure breakthroughs in the country. Truly, innovations as such are still proceeding despite crisis threats. The DOTr pinpointed in a released statement, "Despite the current challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Transportation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority and GMR Megawide ensured the accelerated construction works." Additionally, the Clark Airport is sought to be the administration's single completed hybrid public-private project based on agreement and partnership. Its construction was arranged by Megawide-GMR, which, its operations and maintenance were later awarded to Filinvest Development Corporation's JG Summit Holdings consortium, an association of several businesses, together with Singaporean Changi Unit under a 25-year concession which is their response to flight demand in the aftermath of Enhanced Community Quarantine Impositions in several regions of the country. The Corporation which assumed operations of the Clark International Airport on the 16th of August 2019 was the venture called Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation, organized by the companies, for effective, functional, and secure management of the airport, which is also the same venture to be assigned for the management of the new terminal.
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The 9,450-hectare New Clark City is anchored by the Clark Airport which includes its government and districts for commercial and business hotspots. The DOTr also informed the public of a railway line construction which would link the Clark Freeport Zone and Manila for fast, reliable, and convenient travel by train aside from the improved aerial transportation and accommodation offered by the advanced new Clark Airport Terminal. The San Miguel Corporation (SMC), a conglomerate corporation, had also arranged to establish a Bulaceño massive international airport complex, besides the latest Clark Airport Passenger Terminal. The Caviteño government seeks to build its groundbreaking gateway in Sangley Point, Cavite, as well, after the triumphant construction of the new Clark Airport Terminal. To upgrade, rehabilitate, and operate NAIA are also aimed toward by the Megawide-GMR tandem, the corporation-tandem behind the construction of Clark Airport's new terminal and operator of the Mactan Cebu International Airport, which is in discussion with the government. This only indicates further projects which deduce that the New Clark International Airport Terminal is a starter for the incorporations and companies in partnerships who envision innovative transit and transport service to passengers. Thus, as the year begins to turn, the New Clark International Airport would be set for domestic and international flights accommodating double the number of passengers for its groundbreaking construction, provided this project shall instigate more and have established yet another quality or standard for the next infrastructures to follow through.
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Ameliorating Social Amelioration Program by: Maycel Villanueva
Have you eaten? Or are you already eaten by this horrible catastrophe that’s happening in the world? Thousands are dying and we seem like counting mortality and poverty. Due to this current public health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, all aspects of society, particularly income and employment have been disrupted. The unemployment rate rose to 17.7% in April, leaving 7.3 million Filipinos jobless. Due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that was extended until April 30 and still, with no definite end in sight, many Filipinos are counting on the government for financial help. The Philippine government didn’t keep a blind eye to the increment of the poverty rate and decided to implement cash transfer programs to support the displaced and the poor. The allocation of P199.975 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to fund its
Social Amelioration Program (SAP) was among the most substantial features of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Social Amelioration Program (SAP) is the Philippine government’s emergency subsidy program sought to assist 18 million Filipino families with low-income and most vulnerable sectors – those that are severely affected by COVID-19. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, single parents, repatriated overseas Filipino workers, indigenous peoples, the homeless, farmers, fisher-folk, and those working under “no work no pay” arrangements are the target beneficiaries of the said program. With the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series 2020, signed by the implementing departments, headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
national | devcom Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) states that each qualified family can receive an assistance for at least Php5,000 up to Php8,000 per month for two months. SAP can be used for basic food, medicine, and toiletries. The amount varies, depending on the prevailing regional minimum wage rates and takes into account the other subsidy programs in cash or in-kind, under the DSWD. For example, in the National Capital Region (NCR), the highest amount a family can receive is Php8,000 while in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), it's Php5,500. Qualified families in CALABARZON or Region IV-A can receive as high as Php6,500 and in Region 5 or the Bicol Region, the highest amount a household can get is Php5,000. According to the DSWD, 4.4 Million households who are enlisted as beneficiaries of the Expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will receive top-up assistance from their existing payouts to complete the P5,000-P8,000 monthly SAP grants for two months during the Enhanced Community Quarantine Period while the non-4Ps beneficiaries of the SAP will receive the full P5,000-P8,000 grant depending on the area of residence. SAP is not individually given, it’s a per family or household basis. The government gave emphasis that the families who are in dire need of cash assistance will be the priority of SAP, especially those who belong to the informal sector whose livelihood has been affected by the quarantine. Even if your family checks more than one qualifying factor (you have a senior citizen and a pregnant member), it does not mean you get two cash aids. Families that live in one house or compound can apply separately. On the other hand, presenting both the inclusion and exclusion criteria and publishing lists of recipients in public offices and official LGU websites will promote transparency and avoid suspicions of corruption and favoritism. These transparency measures will also allow the public to participate and report instances of double counting and corruption. Most importantly, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major public health issue, the promotion of health programs can be added during the roll-out of the cash transfer to improve the public’s safety and well-being. The distribution of cash transfers may also be an avenue to make vulnerable populations insist to do their part to beat COVID-19. It’s interesting that the etymology of the words social amelioration gives us a clear vision to undertake this path: social from socialis meaning united, and amelioration from ameliorare meaning to improve. Indeed, it takes a whole-of-society and whole-ofgovernment approach to address the current issues brought about by COVID-19. At its core, it is high time for us to take a united stand to improve our current state of affairs to reduce persisting inequities.
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Destination to new beginnings By: Marie Dominique Oña
Did you ever have a cramp for sitting too long on your seats while going to your dream vacation? Well, I did. I mean who did not? Unless you took an airplane. We live in one of the stated third world countries where poverty and traffic are just one of the many common expectations you will receive. The hot weather every morning and vehicles that seem like they will be stock there forever are what every Filipino person has to bear. Still, the same people are ones who are known to be very resilient. One of the Duterte Administration programs in the ambitious infrastructure development plan is popularly known as the “Build, Build, Build,” and Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) is one of those projects.
In line with the Fastest route in the north The overall 30 kilometers new CLLEX implemented by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) – Road Management Cluster 1 will solve the common length of travel from 70 minutes between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City to 20 minutes. The four-lane expressway project systematically go like this; The first 18-kilometer section starts at the Subic – Clark – Tarlac Expressway (SCETEX) / Tarlac – Pangasinan – La Union Expressway (TPLEX) connecting in Tarlac City up to the Intersection of Aliaga – Guimba Road in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Other than solving the traffic, they guarantee a fast, safe, comfortable and reliable means of transportation from Metro Manila to various destinations in Central Luzon. It is said to benefit 11, 000 motorists and commuters daily. DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar expresses with confidence that the CLLEX will be an efficient alternate route for the motoring public going to Nueva Ecija when it opens. He also added that in spite of pause in work due to the pandemic, motorists would be happy to know that the first 18-kilometer segment of CLLEX will be of service to them from SCTEX/TPLEX connection in Tarlac City up to the intersection of Aliaga – Guimba Road in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija this July 2021.
Building the hopes and dream of Filipino commuters The project cost P11.811 billion and the fund was secured through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Its section is covered by three contract packages. During an Inspection, Villar said that contract packages 1 and 2 which covers Tarlac Section and Rio Chico River Bridge Section were already complete. However, the package 3 which is the Aliaga Section is 87 percent finished. “Secretary Villar together with Undersecretary for UPMO Operations Emil K. Sadain and Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino personally checked on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 the project’s progress which already has an overall accomplishment of 94 percent, making sure that the road is built with quality construction materials and specifications,” DPWH said. “In his report to Secretary Villar, Undersecretary Sadain said that the delivery of right of way (ROW) requirements are being fast-tracked, with the assistance of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for expropriation complaints and other ROW-related cases,” the department added. If you really think about it, one of the most important factors in the world is time. The shorter you get to your destination, the better as you can stay for a longer period of time. How many young aspirants of this country have missed their opportunity because of the lack of resources and the challenges to their daily routine? Not just for vacation, work, schools but also for important events and memories that will never happen again. I say, countless already. According to dpwh.gov.ph, there are four objectives of the project, two of them are to provide a linkage between the existing SCTEX and PPH at some latitude above the cities of Cabanatuan and San Jose and to also provide a highway of international standards with limited number of intersections. Let us hope that this path replaces the numerous broken dreams, destinations, and hopes of many people so they can also start to build a new one on their own or with their loved ones.
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TRACKING THE HARM Has anyone ever narrated a scene to you where everyone is terrified about their lives? It usually happens in a movie, so can we say that we are now the actors of this unwanted scene and the critical thing we should do is to protect ourselves from others? In early March, we were surely inside our houses when the media aired the news that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared CoronaVirus Disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic. Given the fact that the virus is really contagious, the immediate action was really needed and the key concern in those early weeks was contract tracing. Philippine Government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) had come to a decision to adopt the convergent epidemiological surveillance system for COVID-19 in all healthcare and testing facilities under Resolution No. 43 last 3rd of June – the COVID-KAYA application. COVID-KAYA app was developed by the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau which includes lab accreditation, quality assurance management, and health personnel training and development. It was funded by the European Union who supported several WHO initiatives since the virus outbreak started. “As the country expands testing, contact tracing in order to track, isolate and treat is an important step in reducing the impact of COVID-19 to secure a healthy future and building back our society and economy. COVIDKAYA is a helpful tool for the government and public health workforce to quickly collect, analyze and share information – we need to empower our front liners and help them make decisions efficiently,” said Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, acting WHO Representative in the Philippines. We are combating an unseen opponent and we will never know whether it is just around or out of our area. Registered health workers in our country are using COVID-KAYA app as a real-time reporting platform to track all COVID-19 cases and contacts.
Stepping to New Concept
Even before the pandemic was declared, WHO Philippines together with software developers were already on its way to make an application for monitoring and recording Tuberculosis (TB) cases.
Thus, they began to explore doing a digital platform for the COVID-19 response that would address information management and other needs. Technical experts from WHO Philippines presented the concept of the COVID-KAYA app to DOH and they were eager to support its development. The revamped tracker features additional information on the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the country COVID-19 testing, health facilities, and availability of personal protective equipment (PPEs). Through this app, DOH Epidemiology Bureau can easily report and interview those who may have come in contact with infected individuals. This could lead to quick case investigation to avoid the possible spread of the virus. “The availability of timely and complete information from health facilities for suspected, probable, and confirmed COVID-19 cases and tracking down of their close contacts is crucial to saving lives and contact tracing is an essential part of the COVID-19 response to trace, test, isolate, and quarantine,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during a consultation with WHO on COVID-KAYA last May 2020. News articles are all over the different media platforms and we are commanded to follow different safety protocols, but even if we are strictly obeying the orders, we are not still safe because the virus is out of our control. The two main priorities of the app are boosting the efficient data entry and data management of COVID-19 cases and their contacts, as well as simplifying real-time data entry in COVID-KAYA. I know we are kind of worried with the increment of the foods, things, and even the transportation and it would be an additional expense if we will use the COVID-KAYA since it is a mobile application but with the partnership of the DOH, WHO, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to PLDT Enterprise, incurring mobile data charges is not something to be worried. COVID-KAYA stores data from all confirmed COVID-19 cases and their close contacts, which meant around two million individual reports. It is already being recommended for further improvement and transitioned into a more general surveillance system that could be useful for other diseases and in readiness of everyone in future epidemics. We’ll never know where the virus is and when it will stop.
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Save, Alert, and Prolong: Dismantling the Wildlife Issues By: Gualberto F. Gimongala Jr
“Who will protect them … when they themselves are left behind?” In a world where cruelty dwells, we humans and animals have co-existed until our descendants left their legacy unto us, as it symbolizes historical sacredness on the flow of our generation. In fact, the interaction and integration of humans with animals had long taken place in various forms of parasitism and rapacity of companionship, which had also lived with our race over a hundred of millions in years. However, going back to the current timeline, have you seen bizarre changes by the factor of modernization and industrialization? Well, it’s blatantly depicting the causes of outrage and destruction towards our environment. Ironically, the survival of the fittest made its senseHumans are insatiably hungry for possessions such as raw materials, renewable resources, etc.; these demands and desires of society have never dissipated.
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Spitefulness to animals for the sake of one’s prosperity Wildlife crime is considered the fourth most lucrative and unsightly illegal business on the planet, after narcotics, human trafficking, and firearms, according to the World Bank’s Global Wildlife Program; and that must have our country be wary of. For millions of people depending on their foods and shelter in the environment, it’s undoubtedly possible that varieties of animals would have gone down, killed outright, or illegally traded.
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According to the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), our country has been experiencing a rapid loss of animals roughly estimated at 50 billion pesos a year. Though, Law enforcement and forest rangers
have already made their appearance to fend off the traffickers and wildlife syndicates who are responsible for the gradual loss of animals in the biosystem. It’s unlikely to stop this kind of illegal activity in the environment yet. Likewise, along with the help of the other agencies, The DENR has also made their precautions on how to save and retrieve smuggled animals and make them return safely either to the forest or in their respective habitat. Formerly, they have unveiled and administered an application that has some incredible features that will surely play a great role in protecting our biodiversity.
The precautionary app to fend off wildlife traffickers The mobile application “WildAlert ‘’ was developed by Filipino Scientist Fheter John Calanday through a partnership between the DENR and Biodiversity Management Bureau and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). WildAlert is a system made up of a mobile interface, specializes a species library, and an account management platform that will aid users in identifying wildlife species, online reporting wildlife crimes, and managing reports submitted from the fields, so if ever encountered and caught some odd, specifically, when animals are in threat, we can easily come in handy. The app is an easily accessible offline digital reference for DENR personnel and law enforcers to help them correctly identify various species of wildlife. WildAlert categorized 480 species in its library which is easily searchable using the app’s filtering tool and search tab. In addition, the features of the app give more clarity to users;
it has geotagging which can be easily accessed, login as a personal account or log in as a guest, update species, report visibility, can take photos, and do offline reporting. They have publicly announced its availability on an online web, as we can now fully access it at WildAlert. ph. It is expected to be more essential now that our environment is on the verge of extinction. The government has to filter opportunities and more cooperation from our concerned community in accordance with authorities’ orders. Supporting and protecting our country’s supposedly vulnerable guards of nature is something we must standoff and meddle with. Simply providing endangered animals with a safe sanctuary, a care-free environment, and crueltyfree living would greatly benefit us and we could probably balance the collapsing state of our biodiversity. Big or small Let’s save them all!
Photo by: WildJunket Ltd
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Three W’s of Comeback By: Marie Dominique Oña | Images from Engineers Rule
Last time it was the DIWATA-1 who launched April 2016 and came back four years after. As they continue to send satellites to space, the Philippines celebrates another victorious comeback of another spacecraft and this time it is a nanosatellite called Maya-1. Have you ever wondered about the purpose of those metal boxes floating around space? It turns out that they are very useful for many aeronautics activities and to researchers who study and collect data in the vastness of the universe. They provide information regarding the weather, climate, and environmental monitoring applications including precipitation, sea surface temperatures, atmospheric temperature and humidity, sea ice extent, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, global vegetation analysis, as well as search and rescue.
WHERE IT ALL BEGINS? Indeed, Filipinos are one of the greatest scientists as Maya-1, first nanosatellite of the Philippines, was created by two Filipino graduate students named Adrian Salces and Joven Javier. It is one of the three cube satellites under the help of the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) on their BIRDS-2 project that aims to help countries to build their first satellite. It was developed in the Philippines under the program Stamina4Space (formerly known as PHL-Microsoft) that was implemented by the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). They named it after the country’s former national birth which is the Maya (Chestnut munia). Its rocket launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United states. It was the SpaceX Falcon 9 that went off last June 29, 2018 and came back successfully November 23, 2020 a total of two years and four months in Low Earth orbit. Within those spans of time, researchers are able to produce worthy satellite images and information outside of the planet which is really beneficial in providing efficient facts for the development of our system and the knowledge that it can add to our planet.
WHO WILL TAKE THE PRIDE?
The development of this space station takes pride in the Philippines. As the UP takes place in implementing it; the STep-UP which is a graduate program with a nanosatellite engineering track housed within the University of the Philippines Diliman Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UPD EEEI) made it possible.
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Paul Jason Co., the project leader of Space Science and Technology Proliferation through University Partnerships (STeP-UP) said that aside from the technical aspects of developing CubeSats, they have learned the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to solving problems. Most importantly, they have learned that we can build our own CubeSats.
The cube metal works this way. As it weighs over a kilo, it is also furnished with helpful logical instruments, for example, two cameras -one wide-angle and one narrow-angle installed on each CubeSat that can take photographs of the Earth. One of its missions was a store-and-forward framework, where it would gather information from ground sensor terminals in its impression. It would save the information and forward it to a part ground station. It additionally has a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a magnetometer, which quantifies the attractive field in space. This method helps a lot in identifying the right information which will be passed on to the Earth. They also used Automatic Packet Reporting System Digipeater (APRS-DP) which receives text messages from amateur radio operators here on Earth, and can broadcast the messages within the coverage area of the CubeSat. Salces said that Maya-1 and the experiences therein specifically served as a model for utilizing CubeSat as a relatively more cost-effective platform for university-based space education and research in the Philippines.
WHEN IS THE ACTUAL COMEBACK? The progress of technology regarding space machines is such exemplary work and knowing that the country where we lived is part of that growth is such an inspirational thing that should be really proud of.
The launch of the Diwata-1 microsatellite – which is bigger and more expensive to develop than a nanosatellite – and returned to earth in April 2020 has its Diwata-2 launched in October 2018, following Maya1 as it re enters Earth after staying in orbit for more than two years.
Furthermore, the successor of Maya-1 which is Maya-2 has recently been completed and turned over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) last September 24, 2020 and there are also a batch of developments still from the STep-UP project that leads to Maya -3 until 6.
As the day goes by and people discover new things or information, they believe that humans, everything around us, and the earth is just a small part of this humongous mass that contains the universe. Researchers and Scientists emerge from this kind of forecast to at least understand that small part we lived in and as the generation passes by, may we come to the idea of knowing all above us – the stars, galaxy, and every entity of it.
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Spend while going Greenwith By: Hannah Vernice Celestial
We used to dig in the school garden every Friday or whenever our teachers told us to do so. Dirty hands, stained shirts, and muddy shoes? Well, it’s not a big problem back then because we really enjoyed it, especially when we saw grown eggplants. I’m afraid that most of us are too lazy to do it now and choose to buy more goods over the counter using cash or even cards. Since many of us don’t have time for planting which is very essential to nature, why don’t we try to associate banking and financial technology with the climate crisis? Sounds great, right? Well, wish no more because the world’s first wooden debit card that plants trees with every purchase is now open for registration for those people who wish to have one - the TreeCard. It was just from the daydream of a mom who wished to attach her bank cards to
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Wood for the World
A single tree can produce more than 300,000 cards. Through those cards, that single tree could be replaced with hundreds or thousands of trees. Why not use trees as an alternative even in debit cards? Let’s say goodbye to plastics, I don’t want plastics either.
However, the mission of TreeCard goes deeper and futuristic in which the company empowers the wooden debit card to raise awareness on climate crisis, protection of trees, and reforestation in affected areas of the globe in order to provide means
Ecosia, a search engine that works on reforestation projects around the world, then his son, Jamie Cox from London decided to pursue that idea by partnering with Ecosia. As per Ecosia, monetary currency doesn’t grow on trees but it can pave the way to innovations for tree-planting in relation to cashless transactions with electronic cards. With this revolutionary concept, the company agreed with Cox to incorporate nature in man’s daily routine which includes payment via debit cards, and came up with their latest creation of the TreeCard. This card is guaranteed to be 100% free but with every purchase made through it, a standard transaction fee would be wired to the company for the execution of their reforestation projects. Hence, paying more with TreeCard equates to planting more trees!
for a greener life for future generations.
In today’s situation, TreeCard can also do its job as one of the ways to have a contactless payment. Notably, it can also be used without a physical card through Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay for online transactions. It is made of sustainable cherry wood that makes each card distinct and unique. Nevertheless, every wooden debit card is certified as environmentally-friendly and innovative.
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TreeCard also comes with a developed application that lists down all your transactions, thus, you can track your payments and the trees you’ve planted with your cashless purchases. Splitting a bill is also attainable with the app, ensuring each payment of yours is counted and equals to a tree to be planted. For instance, if you lost your card or it has been stolen, you will be able to freeze your card in a matter of seconds - convenient and secure in one. Through TreeCard initiatives, trees would be planted across 38 areas of the reforestation projects of Ecosia which are to be subject to the same standards as all previously planted Ecosia trees in biodiversity hotspots for wildlife preservation and in collaboration with the administration of the locality. Unfortunately, Philippines is out of the list as of now but who knows when?
Photo from: Shutterstock
Furthermore, the trees planted are monitored and observed closely with the use of satellite technology and plantation visits, and are only to be counted if their lifespan exceeds more than three years of survival and growth. If TreeCard were also to gain enough interest from industries, ethical differences would be initiated, especially in those which are in need of political reform such as funding fossil fuels for the pursuit of large profit, which induces risk of environmental health. Together with the TreeCard’s founder, Ecosia looks forward to the environmental-friendly and effective card’s domination in industrial development which would be boosted by utmost support of the people. As of now, they will release it in the United States and some markets in the United Kingdom in 2021. This would be absolutely great if the TreeCard and reforestation project could reach the Philippines knowing that we are prone to natural calamities, not to mention that Filipinos are really fond of buying online and in the market. TreeCard serves as a simple alternative for your daily routine, but with an addition of tree planting in every transaction. It could even plant 360 million extra trees to fully restore and to bring back the life of the forests that would make a huge difference considering today’s giant industries. Therefore, why not ask your friends or relatives in the US or UK to join the movement, and take interest in the free wooden debit card with no hidden fees nor additional shipping fees, only planting more trees. Might as well, let’s plant on our own here in the Philippines just like what we did when we were young.
Photo from: TreeCard / Ecosia
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A SAINT INFLUENCER Words By: Jullie Anne P. Belascuain | Images from cbcpnews.net
In modern times, the moniker "Internet Saint" assigned to someone deserving should be expected given history but it still caught most of us off guard. It makes sense because the situation is absurd to the point that others made fun of it. But who is him, really; and what made him be recognized – a Saint?
The Young Saint Carlo Acutis, a computer whiz who died from fighting acute leukemia at the young age of 15, was beatified (the second to last step to Sainthood) on October 10, 2020, at a special Mass in the city of Assisi by Cardinal Agostino Vallini. He went from being called "Venerable" to "Blessed". Back when he was alive, he was a devout Catholic, most likely influenced by the teachings of his nanny named Beata since his family of believers is ironically not that religious. His mother, Antonia Acutis said, “Beata was one of the first people to speak to Carlo about God." His faith was so strong that he attended mass not only on Sundays but daily. And as mentioned earlier, he's into computers. One of the most notable things he did was to create a webpage to spread Eucharist miracles and gospels online. He also strived to do good deeds by applying the virtues of his learning in his everyday life. His story was shared online, specifically via live stream on Facebook; this resulted in many people, both believers, and non-believers knowing him. For the first time, there's a literal viral Saint. Who would've thought? Pope Francis of the Vatican approved of his path to Sainthood after an undeniable miracle was credited to Acutis. It was claimed that a seven-yearold Brazilian boy was cured of his rare pancreatic disorder after being exposed to one of his relics, the Saint's t-shirts. It will only take one more miracle before being declared as an official Saint. However, many townsfolk attributed miracles to his intercession. So, as of now, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints is reviewing his case to start the process of his canonization which is the last step.
Recognizing the good and bad side Unsurprisingly, there are mixed reactions regarding this. On the positive side, they (I assume they're all Catholics) view this as a good thing because the newer generations are lacklustre in their faith, preferring their own choices when it comes to ethics and morality, that's why they're hopeful that this could be a turning point for their religious belief instead of the previous fear that it's deteriorating. It could signify a religious evolution by incorporating technology and traditional beliefs together. On the other hand, some people think it's ridiculous and weird. Most of my Catholic friends are just as equally confused. I admit it seems so unreal when I first saw the link; it's the kind of thing that The Onion will come up with. When we think of saints, we don't think of a young teen in sweatshirts and sneakers, we think of a middleage or people in white/brown robes fervently praying. It's an unexpected change that makes it hard for some to accept. It could be why they can't wrap their heads around the idea that there's a so-called "Internet saint". But here's the thing, Blessed Carlos Acutis isn't the only one who gained the moniker of "Patron Saint of the internet", St. Isidore of Seville is also considered as one since he proposed that all knowledge must be recorded and kept in one place which is an obvious precursor to Google. So, are they both Internet Saints? Well, yes but also no. In his short life, Acutis had done more than people twice his age and no one can deny that he lived a life with a purpose. What makes this particular saint so unique is that young people can find him relatable.
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MNP: Keep Numbers, Your Number By: Vernalyn D. Montero | Image by rawpixel.com / Freepik
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Admit it or not, remembering lyrics of a song is surprisingly easier than memorizing an 11-digit mobile number. It will really pains someone if you loaded a wrong number but to think that you blessed a random person is kind of a relief. We usually change our mobile numbers when we switch to another network since we prefer a provider that offers a good service. The universe heard our plea as the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act under Republic Act 11202 will start its commercial roll-out on September 30. Under the MNP Act, mobile phone users can shift network providers without sacrificing their memorized phone numbers. This is also applicable to both postpaid and prepaid subscribers for free. You’ve read it right, free! This will be possible through the Philippines’ three major telecommunication companies as they formed a consortium through Telecommunications Connectivity Inc., (TCI) which will look after all the activities under MNP. These telcos; DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom and PLDT's Smart Communications, have a common goal of enabling the porting services for the MNP and guarantee its well-ordered implementation. Nowadays, our mobile phones have dual sim features and we tend to buy two sims as the performance of a network’s signal often changes depending on the location. It would be a nice idea but having two sims is a little bit hard to memorize. It would be better if we only changed the network provider but not the numbers itself.
How does MNP work? Through MNP, mobile phone users will have the freedom to choose what provider is suitable for them without inconvenience. Before directing to another network provider, an applicant who wishes to apply for either a new plan or a different provider, must first submit a request to the current provider to get a Unique Subscriber Code (USC). Patience is a virtue on this one since an applicant needs to wait for 24 to 48 hours to activate the transfer. If an applicant wants another provider again, a 60-day period before changing must be applied. It doesn’t have a limit, anyway. See to it that the mobile phone users who wished to change its provider, do not have any existing court prohibitions, no pending transfer of ownership, and no liabilities from the previous plan. As individuals who used their phone numbers as alternatives for emails on social media and also as a security trusted number, this MNP Act is extremely helpful. You can have your phone number, whether Apple still upgrades from time to time or not.
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BE VIGILANT: AVOIDING HACKING AND PHISHING IN EASY, SECURE WAYS 10010011111111
Words By: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial
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The dilemma brought by hacking and phishing can ultimately impact one's life on a negative note, but can be prevented and counteracted with innovative and clever online security and tactics. In a digitalized world, sharing images, videos, and information has become prominent, especially, in the modern student's world. With online platforms designated for classroom purposes and schoolwork, education has, indeed, taken form even in the information superhighway. However, with its advantages also come disadvantages in which hacking and phishing have been regarded as associated with these issues on online safety. After all, sharing data of which are personal and are true-to-life on the internet is never secured, and can be subject to being hacked into or phished at any given time. Oftentimes, celebrities are the victims of cybercrimes through smartphone-hacking that result in the exposure of credit cards or bank accounts and revelation of private media. On the flip side, this does not give assurance that anyone who owns a phone would be spared despite the indications that well-known personalities are usually targeted. Students, as much as adults and prominent names, are probable and plausible to experience being victimized by this sort of crime that makes it compelling to take cyber-security measures. Smartphone Hacking had become prevalent to the extent that it had been classified into hacking into data stored, modifying messages and voicemail, and other common methods that potentially arise from submitting personal information online. Although a cottage industry of smartphone-hacking software and files are available and intended for legal purposes, malicious and vile hackers make use of these for personal interest and gain. Thus, it is only imperative to take action to prevent hackers from invading and taking over one's intangible belongings and identity, most especially, students'. For students who have turned their smartphones into more than a device or learning aid, taking note of these basic routines would surely begin the process of online securing:
Keeping your phone with you at all times
Managing Bluetooth Security
Wherever you go in public, remember it is a place of crowds and masses, thus, be mindful of the whereabouts of your phone or place it in a durable, highquality bag. Not keeping an eye on your valuables would certainly put a risk of losing private schoolrelated documents and files.
When you don't feel like connecting your device to a Bluetooth Speaker to play some tunes, do not activate your device's Bluetooth then alongside using doubtful Bluetooth networks.
Changing your phone's 'Plain Jane' Passcode It is the 21st Century, precisely, which means resorting to complex number combinations rather than just 123s and 000s also comes with advancements in technology. Thus, having a difficult-todecipher passcode ensures exclusive access to your gadget and to the data stored in your gadget.
Installing Applications that set Passcodes to other Applications To further the security and privacy of data stored in your gadget, install applications that function to set passcodes to individual applications of your choice. These apps include AppLock, where simple, fast, and reliable password setting to protect your files is attainable.
Enter a Password:
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If there exist the basic strategies to being vigilant, advanced tactics are also on the rise for full protection:
1. Not connecting your Smartphone to Public Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Hackers aim for important site visitations such as those related to online banking, accessing bank accounts, or academic-related documents through public Wi-Fi which provides an unsecured Internet connection.
2. Turning off Autocomplete Feature AutoComplete Feature refers to the suggestion of words or names in the middle of typing an unfinished term which serves as your virtual footprint for its imprint of queries you entered. Hence, turning this feature off is imperative to minimize data to be harvested by online gatecrashers.
3. Installing Security Applications This act of securing your data's privacy would surely increase and strengthen protection. Webroot is an allaround security application for Android Phones which provides antivirus protection, allowance of location, locking up, and wiping your phone in case of its loss or abduction. For its iOS counterpart for iPhone users, Webroot has included a feature of securing web browsers for safer web browsing on iPad and iPhone gadgets.
In addition, the distinguishability of Phishing lies in the message-composing skills of the Attackers who pretend to be trustworthy by claiming they are affiliates, associates, or confederates of well-known personalities. They also tend to claim false identities or entities for the victims to patronize and engage in a business relationship with.
Hacking is inevitable as individuals engage in the Internet on a daily basis for varying purposes which is alarming, but can be overpowered by being skeptical and persistent to stay safe online.
Pronounced the same way as "fish," Phish became prominent in the 1990s as a popular term among hackers whose goal was to trick users of AOL, an online service provider, to submit their login information.
Unfortunately, Hacking is not the only cybercrime encountered by many on the net, but Phishing, as well, which requires actions and solutions as intensive and scrupulous as the ones to avoid hacking.
Meanwhile, the "ph" in the term has sentiment to it for it had been part of the whimsical hacker spelling, traditionally. The term, Phishing, as a whole, was sought to be influenced by another term, "Phreaking," a shortened version of "Phone Phreaking," a form of hacking in which playing sound tunes into telephone headsets were used to gather uncharged phone calls.
Phishing Attacks occur when one's personal information is targeted and obtained with the use of deceptive electronic mails and websites. This indicates that no one would be spared, once again, considering the fact that companies make use of e-mails and websites to provide service to customers. In many ways, Phishing is disguised to pique anyone's interest and to trick him into following instructions indicated to obtain access to necessary information with just a single click. Be it an email from a bank, a message from an important individual, or a job offer, the cybercrime lures users to give out information in a matter of minutes, as spooky and vicious as that sounds.
An instance of Phishing Attacks was when hackers were able to apprehend Hillary Clinton's Campaign Chair, John Podesta, to succumb to giving out his Gmail Password. It turned out to be consequential, and, for this, Hillary Clinton lost to Donald J. Trump in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Elections. Additionally, through Phishing Kits, attackers are able to swindle alongside being pursuant of being given sensitive information, and convincing victims to download malicious software or malware.
tips | devcom
With this, Phishing Attacks can happen to anyone who owns a device and stores data on his gadget, but also has the ability to contradict beforehand, and to avoid these with reasonable actions and steps to take: Frequent Checking of Spelling of URLs in Email Links It is important for you to check on the legitimacy of URLs and ensure their existence before clicking on them or entering sensitive information once you did so. Watching Out for Redirection to Websites with Similar Design If you're redirected to another website with an identical design all of a sudden, it is a sign for you to keep being mindful of possible new redirecting activities that may indicate suspicious activity. Contacting Source of Email If you have queries regarding an email that involves the topic of personal data and information, it is always better to contact the sender and have a phone call conversation. This ensures that the sender works for the company in certainty rather than just responding in a straightforward manner through emailing back. Not Posting Personal Data It is not necessary at times to indicate personal information such as birthday, current residence, and place of birth on public online platforms, hence, refrain from doing so. Indeed, in a digitalized world came advancements in technology for the betterment of the systems the cosmos once knew. Sadly, from this era also arose cyber-criminals who wished to take advantage of the innovative software and systems put together for positive changes and beneficial impact on life and the net. Howbeit, as the saying goes, "Modern Problems require Modern Solutions," proving that these crimes are not indomitable and can be avoided with easy, secure ways of being and staying vigilant online.
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Adidas's 'Loop'
The World's First Fully Recyclable Sneakers and Lifetime Companion
by: Hannah Vernice B. Celestial | Images from www.wallpaper.com, Tom Ravenscroft, Addidas, Cool things Life is always on the go and never stops at a certain pace, thus, it is imperative that one is able to keep up with the long run made possible by Adidas's Fully Recyclable Sneakers guaranteed to last for a lifetime. It is undeniable that taking on life's journey through adventures of which involve travelling keeps coming, but also keeps going if an individual is not able to run alongside the tracks life has laid out, especially, for those who are engaged in sports, whether or not, they deem these engagements as recreational or purposeful activities. Running, walking, and playing vigorous sports are some of these daily routines one must be prepared for at all times with a manageable, sustainable, and durable pair of sneakers in order to continuously take on life's journey in the form of adventures. With this motivation, Adidas has unveiled the world's first fully recyclable sneakers
guaranteed to last longer than usuallymanufactured sneakers to be used even throughout one's life. As productions and productions of sneakers proliferate in a span of years, generations and generations of pre-loved, worn out, and disintegrated sneakers also increase which made a call for Recyclable Sneakers to be actualized for the prevention of needless, lifestyle, and fashionable wastes. Truly, it is astonishing to ponder on the fact that sneakers are only to be disposed of and dumped in landfills when their quality and features for the comfort of consumers have faded, and cannot be transformed into something beneficial once again, but that is not the case anymore. The idea of sneaker waste has become irrelevant and just a part of history as Adidas presented the
company's latest creation which features a '100-percent Recyclable Loop Sneaker.' Although in the process of refinement, these sneakers would mean a lifetime of fashionable, durable, quality shoes for your daily needs and schedule, the ones which could truly keep up with life's constant venture through whichever form of activity. Adidas's FutureCraft was the division that opted for recyclable products that can be used, processed, shredded, and transformed into brand new shoes which the company now recognizes as the cycle sneakers are to undergo. Moreover, the said division has been reinventing the creation of sneakers with Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology from wastes and other sustainable, recyclable raw materials. 'Loop' was the name chosen for the innovative sneakers as, not only
science and tecnology | devcom does it innovate the outlook on shoes in terms of sole disposal once it has been damaged, but it also advocates the prevention of a dead-end pattern for sneakers. The so-called deadpattern for sneakers is constituted by millions of sneakers producing wastes which are initiated by sneaker disposal considering reusing, recycling, and reinventing of sneakers are not a common practice in the industry. FutureCraft's concept and ideation of the Recyclable Sneakers make use of varied Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) from the upper soles, middle soles, and laces to the rigid torsion bar on the bottom of the shoes. Indeed, a pair of shoes can be produced and put into actuality by just a single material which the specific division specialises in to show off interest in and dedication to providing consumers from around the globe recyclable shoes for their convenience and for the environment's, as well, whereas other manufacturers do not advocate innovation of certain products to conform to environmentalrelated movements. The distinct material, developed by Adidas and Badische Anilin und Soda-Fabrik (BASF), the world's largest chemical-producing company of German origin, is modifiable, thus, conducive and effective in transforming into different shapes and textures needed for the assemblage of recyclable sneakers or Loops through manipulation of heat applied to achieve certain quality. Notably, adhesives are not considered in the binding of the recyclable shoes to ease the breakdown of the shoe once it undergoes processes for recycling and reinvention. Instead of hot glues and the like used for the typical shoe
construction, Adidas applies heat to bind various sections of the shoe in one place, hence, ensuring a durable, yet recyclable quality in one. Furthermore, the Loop is directed by the shoe company and division to be up-cycled which indicates its materials, once disintegrated and broken down into its components, can be reused to make future pairs of the same brand of shoes, and shoes alone in comparison to other recyclable products. Not only can an individual use these shoes for running, walking, or any locomotive routine, but for workout sessions, as well. As per FutureCraft Senior Director, Graham Williamson, the recyclable pair of shoes is also designed to be sustainable and designated to be ecofriendly for its advocacy of the essence of recycling even in shoes. Therefore, the shoes' purpose makes it an icon for the promulgation of environmentalfriendly products which keep up with your routine at your own pace all the while it being high-quality workout gear, too. Sustainable and durable shoes are prevalent among individuals who prioritise health and fitness through workout routines which the Loop certainly can replace for it was initially purposed as running shoes. However, the Loop as running shoes is just the beginning of a series of the Loop products as what inspired the FutureCraft Division is the idea that if a single-material-produced pair of sneakers is able to conform to the performance of traditional sneakers, its more casual versions would present the same qualities, as well, hence, inspiring Adidas to produce casual pairs of shoes made of the same material, TPU.
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In order to promote the Loop on a much more significant level, Adidas considered rewarding buyers of the recyclable sneakers with cash incentives while reckoning its value to be between $10 and $20, or, plausibly higher than the maximum value, if consumers decide to surrender preloved shoes and shoe products for recycling and repurposing in light of joining the movement. In connection, the purchased Loop shoe products would be registered in a Mobile Application with the use of barcodes inscribed on each shoe's tongue which would inform the owners of its usage duration or lifespan and its schedule for surrendering and recycling. Over two hundred pairs of the recyclable shoes were sent to lucky consumers who became the first testers of the new Adidas product in which these models are to be worn for roughly six months, which started in October 2020, before being surrendered and returned to outlet stores for recycling processes and transformation into brand new pairs, and the cycle continues, this provides furtherance to its distinction - 'Loop.' Adventures in life come in many journeys, and with the right pair of sneakers, one will be able to conquer it all as he moves in the right direction. With Adidas's newest recyclable sneakers creation, the Loop, every step of the path is a milestone to travelling and to promoting sustainable and durable products for environmental causes, which, at some point, this pair of sneakers may even last for a lifetime and discover life's adventures, once again, as brand new shoes in the future.
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Money At Your Fingertips: A Filipino-Made TrashCash Mobile App
By: John Carlo T. De Ocampo | Images from TrachCash “When the value of plastic is revealed, it becomes too valuable to leak in the ocean.” Do you still encounter people who buy and collect recyclable waste around your place: rusty metals, used plastics and cans, or any other recyclable trash to be sold yet again at a higher rate in a junkyard, and I would assume, not anymore, right? The thought of the situation staying constant leaves us no choice but to throw most of our waste either into any bodies of water, landfills, or whatever comes to mind, that has high risks of affecting not only our health, but also the world’s, or maybe, not anymore, at least?
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“Doon nag-start ‘yung idea na why not incentivize ‘yung mga community to prevent ‘yung mga plastic o ‘yung mga basurang kung saan-saan lang napupunta (That is how the idea started: why don’t we incentivize communities to prevent plastic and other trash from going everywhere?)” he added. The impression that there will be compensation just by collecting waste will not only help the society from keeping their residence clean. But also, to help the ones who are in need to at least survive the day when they don’t have a job or two to rely on.
How It Works TrashCash classifies the plastic you scanned by means of machine learning algorithms. It has optical object recognition powered by artificial intelligence allowing the app to identify which type of plastic material you have for you to easily segregate the waste. Once done, the app will show you the value of the plastic and its category. After that, it will help you find the nearest collection center where you can turn-over the waste you scanned or collected. Then, you will earn “trashpoints” that can either be saved in a digital wallet, or be exchanged for grocery items, or any other products or services available with the provision of their partners. Yes, it kind of resembles the way “Pokémon Go,” a game app, works, to some extent as you have to scan the trash (Not the Pokémon, I like their cute, squishy cheeks). Once dropped off, the plastic waste you turn over will be bought and recycled by Sentinel UpCycling Technologies to make items such as crates and trash bins.
Aims to Educate Users about Waste Management Recently, the concept of recycling online became a reality, where Filipinos can earn “trashpoints” that can be converted into cash just by scanning the plastic (don’t look at your friend) and sending it to the nearest collection center. According to software developer Benjoe Vidal, the 28-year-old Filipino who developed TrashCash with the help of his friends; the purpose of what they made is to help prevent synthetic materials such as plastics from getting into rivers that would end up in oceans. “As a traveler myself, and I'm also a hiker, ang dami kong nakikita na mga basura sa kapaligiran natin (I see a lot of trash around) and sobrang nakakasira talaga siya ng (it really destroys our) environment,” Vidal told in an online interview on July 7.
Currently, Barangay 69 in Tondo, Manila is the only community that has a drop-off using the TrashCash app system, but Vidal said that he’ll find ways to establish more partnerships with LGUs and barangays to also adopt the system, the drop-off location, they organized. The condition when they joined is that LGUs will receive 60% of the gross revenue from the transaction of collected materials while 40% goes to TrashCash, for its development and the ones who worked hard for it to happen. How would it actually work? You don’t actually need any further instruction. You just need to have: the app downloaded on your phone, two hands, obviously, two feet, because there’d be a need for you to walk, collection centers won’t make you earn money for free, it won’t bother flying over the skyline just to knock on your door, saying: “We’re here to collect you, because according to our system...you’re a strange trash,” not unless you don’t really want your hands to smell, or you’re too lazy getting up off your bed to walk the waste you accumulated in your room for days, you can just throw them out of your house ‘cause someone will eventually pick it up. That’s all you need to do for it to ACTUALLY work.
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Voice of the Signers By: Jullie Anne P. Belascuain | Image from Francis Anthony De Guzman
science and tecnology | devcom
It's always awe-inspiring to hear news about Filipinos showcasing their skills and talents. From science, music, dancing, pageantry, and of course research, the Philippines is always on top of the list. No wonder how these college students that hailed from Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges come up with gloves that transform Filipino Sign Language (FSL) to English speech. The Philippines might be a little bit late when it comes to technology advancement yet Filipinos have massive ideas to share in the world.
Born of the Talking Gloves With a goal to give hope and interact with the deaf and mute community; Francis Anthony de Guzman, Rency de la Cruz, Klenn Arvin Alcibor, Joana Renz Jimenez and Andrea Moran added another technology that is very inclusive for everybody. According to the proponents, the communication barrier could be lessened through this project that gives voice to the deaf and speech-impaired people, allowing them to express themselves and give them more opportunities to grow in their respective careers. The struggles that came with living in the midst of a pandemic didn't deter them from creating something that is beneficial to those who need it. Perhaps, it's a blessing in disguise because they, themselves, admitted that their first option isn't possible without risking their health, they were stuck with the second option. This allowed them to work on it inside their homes.
Gloves’ Anatomy Like humans, these gloves need an in depth research and inspection of its parts. In order for it to function, it was made by combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and microcontrollers. It was powered by a 9-volt battery and equipped with 10 sensors. Through those parts, it was able to detect specific movements of the fingers and hands and translate it to English speech. However, we are all familiar with the trademark slow internet connection in our country.To resolve that, they needed to order electronic chips online. "It's really a challenge to build it because it's a bit too much, you have to think if the parts should be compatible, the position of each sensor because when it moves, the reading changes, it should also be precise," said de la Cruz, one of the prototype designers. His assistant, Alcibor stated, "[He was ordered] to advance so that he could be correct in doing our thesis. The others are poor materials.”
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This success is not only memorable for them because they made it to the television but also, it was something close to their hearts as they dedicate this not only to the non hearing community but also for their late groupmate. They wouldn't be able to graduate as a complete group because one of their members, Rei Mark Mark, sadly passed away. Still, he’s been a big part of this masterpiece.
Showcasing What Came After Right after finishing their final defense last June 28, De Guzman decided to post a video which shows how their trainable gloves work. In spite of still being in phase one, it garnered more than 87,000 likes and 36,000 shares. Many people in the comment section are praising their capabilities and commend their efforts as the project itself is attention worthy . In the actual video, you can hear a robotic voice which says, "Hello we are electrical engineering students of CSPC and we created these gloves that interpret Filipino sign language into speech.” That’s amazing. When it reached Charito Cadag, president of CSPC, he expressed that they will support future students who want to continue the project under Polytechnic State University of Bicol, their new school name. Cadag expressed, "Despite the hard times brought about by the pandemic, the incredible story of our bachelor of science in electrical engineering 5th year students is one testament of how our college remains steadfast to our commitment of bringing out the best in the Bicolano youth.” This kind of invention gives hope and screams inclusion for all. The praises they’ve got from the media are not enough as they will be needing support from different sectors who wish to give it a chance to become the voice of our mute community. They worked hard for it and they didn’t fail, it’s undoubtedly impressive.
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Hidilyn Diaz made History as the country’s First Olympic Gold Medalist By: Jay Caguicla | Image from Bloomberg.com
After nearly a century of trying, the Philippines finally wins its first Olympic gold medal. Diaz was overcome with emotion after her historic victory and rejoiced with her coaches before grabbing the top place on the platform in Tokyo. Diaz, a member of the Philippine Air Force, saluted and sang along to her country's national hymn as she stood where no other Filipino had ever stepped before. Diaz's breakout performance in Rio solidified her place in Filipino hearts, especially because many were affected by her personal story of coming from humble beginnings to realize her dreams at the peak point. The Filipina Weighlifter started weightlifting as a child using plastic pipes loaded with concrete weights. "I made a lot of sacrifices. For many months and years, I wasn't able to be with my mother and father, and then there was the training, which was terrible ", Diaz remarked thereafter.”However, God had a plan." Prior to Hidilyn Diaz's triumph in weightlifting, the Philippines had competed in all then one Summer Olympics since 1924, collecting three silver and seven bronze medals. Diaz, a silver winner at the 2016 Rio Olympics, bags a historic medal after beating China's Liao Qiuyun in a tight race for gold in the clean-and-jerk lift. During the snatch lift, weightlifters aim to pick up the bar and raise it above their heads in one smooth motion. The clean and jerk comprises two major movements: first, athletes hoist the bar to their shoulders, then above their heads.
China had already won all three weightlifting events and was aiming for a clean sweep of gold medals in the eight competitions in which its athletes competed. A country can only compete in four men's and four women's events at a time. With a total weight of 227kg, Liao entered the contest as the world record holder and was expected to bring home the gold. After ending tied with Diaz in the snatch with a 97-kg maximum lift, Liao lifted 126 kg. in her final lift, causing Diaz to aim for 127 to finally steal the title from Liao Diaz, on the other hand, cruised to victory in the 127kg lift, setting an Olympic record in the process wherein her overall weight of 224 kg is also an Olympic record. "I'm at a loss for words. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I just want to emphasize that Filipinos are resilient. We Filipinos have a chance to compete in the Olympics. We are capable of completing the task She also advised future Filipino sportsmen to "please dream big." "That's how I got my start. I had big dreams and was ultimately able to achieve them, "she said. Diaz has also secured a total of PHP33 million from a number of individuals who have pledged monetary incentives to the gold medalists. According to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, Diaz's gold medal performance highlighted the Filipinos' capabilities as world-class athletes. Diaz was then given front-page treatment in an ecstatic nation's newspapers one day after winning the Philippines' first Olympic gold medallist, ahead of reports on her president's critical address.
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However, she was showered with accolades in 2019 after her name was added to a list of people accused of conspiring against the same person, Rodrigo Duterte. Diaz was quoted in the local press at the time as saying that her inclusion on the list by Salvador Panelo, Duterte's spokeswoman at the time, made her fear for her life. However, this did not deter her from following her Olympic ambitions. In a 2019 Facebook post, she dismissed Panelo's allegations, saying, "Don't connect the name of someone who is busy making sacrifices for the Philippines and doing everything to represent the Philippines in weightlifting." "I'm focusing on achieving my Tokyo 2020 goal." Panelo indicated that linking Diaz to a scheme was not his intention, alleging that the media had drawn that conclusion after he disclosed the matrix. "It is really disturbing that some attempt to deflect attention away from Ms Diaz's recent triumph and convert it into a political quarrel about who should and should not celebrate our country's win," Panelo, Duterte's main legal adviser, said in a statement. Diaz, for one, hopes that those who are celebrating will be motivated by her achievement as well. "I'd want to remind all Filipinos that nothing is impossible," she said at a Facebook live news conference. Despite accusations of conspiring against President Rodrigo Duterte, a Filipino weightlifter made her mark in Philippine History and has become a national hero.
“ I'D WANT
TO REMIND ALL FILIPINOS THAT NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, Hidilyn Diaz
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Filipino boxer prevails in Tokyo Olympics 2020 By: Julius Paz | Image from: scmp.com
The Filipinos once again showcased their agility and strength after the Philippine delegates in the boxing event won three medals at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Nesthy Petecio of Santacruz, Davao Del Sur, was the first woman to win a silver medal for the Philippines after a firm battle in boxing's women's featherweight division. In the finals, Petecio faced Sena Irie of Japan, and their rivalry got heated. Sena defeated Petecio in a duel for Olympic qualifications when they faced each other in the Asia and Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifiers. Petecio fought valiantly, but it was not enough to depose Sena. Sena beat Petecio with a total score of 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, and 3027 in the judge's decision. She made history as the first Filipina to win an Olympic medal in boxing, despite not winning gold. Meanwhile, it was followed by another medal won by Eumir Marcial in the Boxing Middle Weight Division Semi finals as he failed to defeat Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine. The battle between the two had a fair start, but the Ukrainian Boxer's aggressive attitude flipped the bout in his favor. He did not advance to the Final Match, but he brought the bronze medal for the country in the competition. Yafai prevailed in the Judges’ decision due to the high height advantage, Paalam missed a point to take home the gold medal, 29-28,29-28,29-28,29-28,28-29. First round of the match, Yafai unleashes a powerful punch on Paalam’s Body but Paalam returns the blow to get back into the fight but in the end it was not enough to overthrow the Britian’s Boxer. It was Mansueto Velasco who earned a silver medal in the light-flyweight division at Atlanta 1996, which was the sport's last Olympic medal. The Philippines has won eight boxing medals in total, including four silvers from Atlanta 1996, Tokyo 1964, and the most recent Tokyo 2021, as well as four bronzes from Los Angeles 1932, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, and Tokyo 2021.
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First Ever
Sports Academy
in the Philippines to open this year By: Jay Caguicla
F
ollowing the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11470 in June, which establishes the National Institution of Sports (NAS) and provides full scholarships to qualified student-athletes who excel in various sports events, the academy will shortly anticipate a launch date. According to the law, the major campus will be built in the New Clark City Sports Center and will serve as a safe haven for young students, equipped with school buildings, an auditorium, a baseball and softball field, tennis and badminton court, and basketball and volleyball courts. To create a firm foundation for the country's sports growth, the school will hire local and foreign coaches, trainers, and advisers who are licensed and fully certified by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and can ensure the international competitiveness of the student-athletes. The NAS, which will be under the Department of Education, will be coordinated by the PSC. According to NAS Executive Director Prof. Josephine Joy Reyes, one of the academy's major goals is to establish an academy that can compete with international sports institutions and colleges, with the same setups being used as a model for the NAS. The NAS is a green and climate-resilient learning
center for certified athletes and sports academics. It will foster the development of future world champions. The said Academy complex consists of educational and administrative facilities as well as a multi-purpose gym designed to help student athletes become future gold medalists and national treasures. On December 4, Friday, a delegation from NAS, led by Executive Director Reyes, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) visited New Clark City to inspect the academy's site, as well as the sports facilities that will serve as the student-athletes' training ground, as required by Republic Act 11470. During a recent site visit to New Clark City, authorities stated the National Academy of Sports (NAS) is on plan to commence courses and begin developing young scholar-athletes within the year. The sporting facilities in New Clark City, according to BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon, will be "the government's lasting legacy in the development of future generations of athletes." Since the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was established in the 1930s, New Clark City has been home to the government's first world-class sports complex.
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It features a FINA-certified Aquatics Center and an Athletics Stadium with an IAAF-certified Class 1 track. The NAS, according to Reyes, strives to be in the forefront of Philippine sports training and education. The NAS establishes a formal educational system with the objective of providing a high-quality secondary school program with a sports-specific curriculum. "NAS will provide world-class facilities and services at international standards, including sports sciences, to develop student-athletes' athletic skills and talents while also providing high-quality academic instruction Reyes hopes that the national government's initiative would encourage local governments to enhance the quality of their sports and youth development programs, as well as assist the community in promoting sports throughout the country. "Most importantly, this feeds the aspirations of our young aspiring athletes to one day represent the Philippines to the best of their ability," she added. In an appearance on Radyo Pilipinas' PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) Hour Facebook show, newly appointed NAS Executive Director and PSC Sports Psychology Unit Head Josephine Joy Reyes announced that the academy plans to begin classes in August of next year. The government has begun work on the P557-M sports academy as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have issued a call for bids for the first phase of the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City. The NAS was planned to include regional campuses and satellite sites to expand the school's reach and promote sports across the country.
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Legendary Kobe Bryant by: Jay Caguicla | Images from Google
It was stated by Kylie Irving a professional NBA player to initiate having Kobe Bryant in the logo of the famous league of NBA. The previous mark was an image of Jerry west who’s a former Los Angeles Lakers player who was also known for his remarks in Basketball History. Irving instigate a movement as he set a momentum in his instagram post picturing the legendary Kobe Bryant doing a dribble as a logo for NBA. “Got to happen I don’t care what anyone says,” captioned in his post which create sparks to the main idea of finally set a change replacing Jerry West as the icon of the NBA logo. This was supported by Mark Cuban and Paul Pierce who were very known influential stars as they show their support towards the said movement. The petition was already been set last January 2020 following the death of the great Mamba in remembering his contributions to the Basketball History. Kobe Bryant is a remarkable legendary Player leading Los Angeles Lakers on winning five championships and was also crowned as an MVP during the NBA season year 2008. Many fans were eager to join the petition to finally recognize him to be part of the most well known League in the world where he plays. The creator of Jerry West iconic Logo Alan Siegel also shows support towards the goal of finally having it switch with new generations icon. "I'm really proud of the logo, it's been something that's been recognized around the world, but if the current players want to recognize someone that's made a difference, like Kobe, and if the commissioner wanted to do so, I would support it." He stated. The petition already gathered more than one million of signatures and last January 24it accumulated 3.2 million marks. Irving ended his statement caption on the Instagram post by saying "BLACK KINGS BUILT THE LEAGUE," and many fans were keen to see the change that will mark another history for the Legendary Kobe Bryant.
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Chooks-to-Go Philippines 3 × 3 President’s Cup Championship: Zamboanga City crowned as new champion By: Julius Paz | Image from GMA NEWS
FAMILY’S Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City crushed Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards to grab the Chooks-to-Go Philippines 3 × 3 President’s Cup Championship at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna on October 30,2020, 22-19. Three Zamboanga City players poured their best to win the title and befall the winner of the 1st Professional 3x3 league in the Philippine History. Pilipino-American Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol led the Zamboanga team with 7 points while Santi Santillan and Troy Rike contributed four points each. Nueva Ecija showed their agility but they still failed to win the tournament after Pasaol released good defense and points to overthrow them. Zamboanga City wins 4 Leg wins after beating Butuan, Pasig and Nueva Ecija. The team earned 1 million pesos and was about to play in the International Basketball Federation3 × 3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year to represent the country. Without a doubt, the nationals were challenged up until the end.
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PBA 2020: Gin Kings secures their historic Bubble victory By: Mark Avila | Images from Team Pilipinas It was a tough road journey for the 45th season of PBA but Gin Kings manage to be on top. Barangay Ginebra clinched their first Philippine Cup crown in 13 years against TNT Tropang Giga with a 5-game battle championship at Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Pampanga. It is the first ever PBA season as the pro league staged a 2 month bubble set up inspìred by NBA and reducing the season to only Philippine Cup due to the threat of pandemic. On finals, TNT claimed the two game of championship series but Ginebra always seem to bounce back as they were hungry for the title that they have never clinch since 2007 -08 season. Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio, and Japeth Aguilar held responsible their team to snatch Game 1 with a 100-94 overtime victory. Tropang Giga kept their chance alive in Game 3 with an 8867 finished but Gin Kings became aggressive and reclaimed Game 4 with a 98-88 comeback via Tenorio's two late triples. Barangay Ginebra courageously finished their business in Game 5 with 82-78 victory that leads to Tim Cone's 23rd PBA Championship and Gin King's 13th crown in the league. Aguilar's tremendous performance tallied him a career-high 32 points and added eight rebounds, three steals and two assists while Tenorio won his fourth MVP award and first ever PBA Philippine Cup title.
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Lies and Conviction By: John Carlo T. De Ocampo You would've thought he was the second coming of Christ. And maybe, he was at that, with all the miracles and misfortunes he’d gone through. Hell, he not only made his hopeless stage in life a promising one by overcoming certain deaths, but also managed to appease others from their hunger for fame and acknowledgments. He’d been a good use for everyone who befriended him in the past. In his early childhood, he would often be rejected by kids his age to play with them for they perceive him as a creep: staying home all day, watching TV shows as what most old men were doing, sitting alone on a sidewalk or a bench whenever he'd go outside. He is more indulged to the extremities of the world rather than the reality. This see-through habit of awkwardness when he is around other people made him an easy victim of misjudgement and humiliation. The reason why he wasn’t able to enjoy the young hood he once had. As he turned a young adult, nothing particular has changed on him, except the way he dresses. He would still wear the retro corduroy long jumpsuit his mother gifted his deceased father on his birthday. He values everything important to him, treating it as his own. He wasn't rich yet, either. After graduating at a prestigious university, expecting that some companies would hire him right away for all the achievements and awards he acquired, there aren’t any least company that would accept him for a course-related job he wants, and just ended up unemployed for he doesn't like to do something, he, for sure, wouldn’t enjoy. Time is never-ending for him, and no matter how long he awaits death to meet him personally, it just won’t come to him hugging. Shisui, because of all his disappointment in life then decided to shut himself inside their household, and realized that no matter how hard he strives for his own betterment, the society would still meddle and be the one to decide whether he’s qualified or not. Some people would utter: “He should’ve just ignored other people’s opinion”, but Shisui knows himself better than anyone, not because he is hard-headed to not listen to anyone, but because he wasn’t mentally strong enough to face such criticism. Some people just can’t, and that would be one of the reasons for their breakdown. After a nerve-wracking month of not having contact with other people, just as he was about to step out of their household, suddenly, terror came across his face again as he saw the familiar figure of the woman he doesn’t ever want to see again just a few meters away from him. It was Anna, his childhood friend, but was also unexpectedly the one who made his life a living hell to such an extent that he could still remember what made him the butt of all jokes, and most detested person in town: “S-Shisui, can you come with me for a second? I just want to tell you about something,” allures the then flustered and sweet young Anna as she surprisingly drags the young Shisui over to a corner of an empty room. Gradually realizing the prevailing ordeal that is about to crop up on him, his heart was beating rapidly as if it wanted to break out of his chest. Too close! Shisui was baffled as to what Anna was thinking: “U-Uhmm, Anna, what’s with suddenly pulling me here? I thought you just wanted to talk about something,” contends the bewildered Shisui, “we could’ve just talked somewhere else, b-but, here?” he added. “Hey!” whisper-shouted Ana, “you like me, don’t you?” she abruptly appended, adding fervor to the already heated-up Shisui whose hands were shaking from the unexpected test of principle that is about to claim victory against him. “W-what?” says Shisui in surprise, “W-who said that?” he added, stuttering again this time. “W-why would I–” he was suddenly interrupted as he saw the embarrassed look on Ana’s face. “Uhmm, hey, Shisui,” there she goes again, the flustered look that every *WEEBO would die for; “can you hold me for a second?” As Anna spoke those words, Shisui was seen dumbstruck, he’s an all-time billion-dollar net worth, an MVP, a Superstar, the moment he heard Anna’s words, skipping merrily down the path into an uninhibited void, blissfully and willingly oblivious throughout the entire ordeal, but he remained rational despite what was happening and took a distance away from Ana. Tsk. He heard
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Anna as she made a sound of displeasure as though she was disappointed in what Shisui did. But Anna, despite Shisui’s disapproval, set the heat up again. This time, she stood up, took something from her pocket, and in surprise at what she had just taken out, Shisui was baffled. “W-what are you doing?” . . . “W-why do you have a scissor in your pocket?” . . . “And what is that for?” Anna didn’t respond, she just smirked and watched Shisui, and then started stripping off her uniform in front of him. After that, she took the scissor and used it to ruin her uniform to pieces then she looked at Shisui again, emitting a haunting smile this time, before she shouted: “HEEEELLLLPPPP!!!” That memory still lingers and haunts Shisui wherever he’d go. It became a nightmare for him. Staring at the baseline of the grass field he used to run rampant when he was a kid to stress himself out, Shisui suddenly remembers the girl he once admired the most, Kurumi – his day-long Japanese childhood friend. He then starts to mesmerize what she might be doing at present, wondering if she is well, or if she weren't in any trouble, just so happen, he never heard any news about her by the time she went to her hometown in Shinjuku. And Shisui is quite disappointed in himself to not even afford to travel to Japan despite being an adult, and find what he’d always been missing – a person who’d listen to all his dramas. “Look!” … “Doesn’t he look like some kind of clown in a circus?” “No, he must be a fan of Bruno Mars; he does look like one of the monkeys in his video.” “Hey! You heard us, right? Why don’t you say anything?” As all those intimidations went straight into him, he then realized how short-minded most people can be. They haven’t changed at all. But everything went even more chaotic when a young woman, wearing a vicious smile on her face, chatted with a loud tone of voice: “Are you that desperate for other people's attention, eh, old-fashioned one? “Ain't there something else for you to do instead of showing off your lame, unsightly, what do you call this (she grabbed and crumpled the corduroy he’s wearing)…fashion?” “Have you not seen yourself yet in the mirror?" she taunted, pointing her finger to Shisui, entirely disrespecting the latter. He was totally at naught for a second as he heard, loud and clear, the young woman’s idle talk. His hands, it was like something evil was crawling within and was ready to imprint a purplish berry on both the young woman’s face regardless of who she is or what affiliation she has. But instead of competing on her unilateral levelheadedness, he constricted himself to let loose of those thoughts, letting them flee in chaos, not obstructing them from running stray, as he decided to step ahead to where the young woman was situated. Looking at the crowd who watches them as if they were in a staged drama, Shisui gave a sullen look on his face as he heaved a sigh of dismay to the young woman’s compactly-proud and disturbing question as though she wants Shisui to spill over the person he doesn’t want others to see on him: “There are questions that need not be answered. But considering how you insist on embarrassing yourself, then...” “...let me tell you a story.” "There was once a girl, a squawking, b*tchy, muddled-face duckling, to be more precise. She's insanely a narcissist herself, and was a bit—Nah, she’s absolutely what you’d expect she is just by looking at her…a demented monkey!” “She once asked a guy why he's so damn ugly, as she consequently scorned, ‘I thought today's the month of hearts until I saw you wearing your Halloween mask.’” “Can you guess what happened afterward to the girl?” Shisui whispered, letting the young woman in his vanguard dig her own grave. “No?” “Even a 3-year-old kid being told like that would burst out in anger despite their calmness, but how ill-informed of you not knowing that?!” “If I were a murderer, I could have just slit your tongue out of your mouth, incinerate it right on your face, then put it back to where it originally belonged, so you would know the consequences of speaking ill words to others; that you should just keep those puny, little snitches to yourself created by that bean brain of yours, 'cause it is unneeded, obviously, just like you!”
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Hearing those words, the young woman seemed to have lost her firmness to speak aloud as she began to sweat bullets down her scalp. Her face turned into a bulging cataract nearing its burst as she then spoke, stuttering: “U-Uhmm, Mister, I-I didn't mean to say those words. I-I'm sorry.” “Sorry?” He snorts. “What's with the sudden change of nature? Where is the confidence you’re so proud of?” Slowly pacing his way to where the young woman was stationed, Shisui softly taps her shoulder, as he then whispered: “It is not fashionable to act high in front of others,” turning his back away from the young woman, he derisively added: “but wasn't it ironic? You said I was showing off, but truth be told, you are trying to humiliate me in public just so you could show off in front of everyone. Young gal, bullying is not a trend. Just because some degenerates are doing so, you’d also imitate their animal way.” Hearing those words, the girl immediately pulled herself meters away from Shisui. Her eyes wander, looking at everyone's, wondering if anyone heard his words. Luckily, for her, no one heard him say something that would totally make her the biggest joke. “Know your place instead of indulging in your minuscule sense of superiority!” Shisui added sardonically. The young girl, looking at Shisui's figure, oscillates the air of nastiness and viciousness on her gaze, like a hyena eyeing its prey. Not giving much attention to the crowd that surrounds them, Shisui knew the consequences of what was said and done, in fact, he was screaming internally. But it was neither caused by regret nor conviction on what he said nor did; instead, it is the opposite: he finally overcame a person who feels joy shaming weak-looking individuals like him in public. He knew that these kinds of kingly dimwits must learn their lessons in life; that they shouldn't aggravate one on their back especially when they're already on their downside.
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LASER The
The Official Student Publication of Batangas State University JPLPC-Malvar | 2020-2021 Editor-in-Chief: Vernalyn D. Montero Associate Editor: John Carlo T. De Ocampo Managing Editor: Miguel Edward Rosal Circulation Manager: Marie Dominique Oña, Val Juniel Bischocho News Editor: Monilyn Araja Opinion Editor: Hannah Vernice Celestial Feature Editor: Jullie Anne Belascuain Literary Editor: Maycel Villanueva Sports Editor: Jay Caguicla Chief Artist: Jomer M. Manalo Chief Photographer: Alexia Cano Artists:John Carlo A. De Torres, Venessa Mendoza, Harvey M. De Guzman, Marielle Amo, Jhulian Saria, John Lloyd Arriola, Hannah Joyce Basquinas Chief Layout Artist: Angeli M. Reyes Layout Artists: Miguel Edward A. Rosal, Val Juniel Bischocho Writers: Nicole Anne Dela Cueva, Tricel Anne Yutuc, Mateo Granzore, Julie Anne P. Belaquin, Gualberto Gimongala, Julius M. Paz, Mark Edgar Avila, Photographers: Mark Arvin Gonzales, Aron Aala, Jayvee Linga, Patricia Tabing, Leera Mae C. Guevarra, Gilbert John Polido Adviser: Mrs. Liwanag C. Rubico Editorial Consultant: Dr. Richard M. Banez
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(Filipino slang term of KAYA) - able to handle anything that comes their way
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