EDITORIAL

Student leadership blues

STUDENT LEADERSHIP is a service. It necessitates acceptance and willingness to
serve the students and institution. A student leader should be genuine and not those
who commit pseudo-genuine promises. He should know that once he enters the door to
leadership, there is no turning back.
The service of student leaders lasts for the whole academic year. These individuals
have their chance to prove to the whole students, especially to those who voted them
that their votes gone in the right choice. It is a usual scenario to see them back-and-
forth in the campus, preparing materials for incoming school activities and conducting
meetings during scheduled dates. Seeing scenarios like such is delightful and pleasing
in the eye. Legacies are made due to their enthusiasm. This make their reputation hard
to be hammered down.
But as the time goes by, we can observe and notice the changes on how SOME of the
student leaders manage the council. The sad reality that some of them become less
willing indeed affects the college and the studentry.
It is understood that academics should be prioritized. All of the requirements like
projects must be submitted on time, but as sworn student leaders, they have to face
their obligations. These individuals must keep in their mind that they are no longer
ordinary students. Requirements should be complied earlier; different accounts should
be settled earlier. In short, practice proper time management.
Therefore, to those incoming officers, maintain the spirit of true leadership. Exemplify
consistency in rendering service. Be the version where leadership is not about position,
it’s about responsibility. Be the bridge towards excellence.
And to the students, the future of good services is in your hands. The election is getting
nearer. Take actions, use your right to suffrage wisely.
Are we really still learning? Or just complying?
Nemesis Gamos

The new normal is indeed toilsome on the part of both students and teachers.
Teachers have stayed up late shouldering the burden of making and printing pile
of modules. Students, on the other hand, are not used to new set up where the only
instructional material up front are the modules waiting to be read and learned. As a
result, some often get discouraged and frustrated as they hardly grasp the lessons all
by themselves. Not to mention those bunch of various activities. The fact that some
teachers and learners are scanty of resources and are not technologically-inclined
merely add insult to injury.
Every so often, as we browse our feed, we never fail to see beau cop of rants,
dissents and petitions demanding for academic freeze. But, these dissenters seem to
be talking to a brick wall. Governing bodies in education sector, however, regardless of
the pandemic-related issues, remain firmed on their decision to continue serving 'quality'
education amidst the pandemic.
This column is not to blame, offend and discourage the teachers who are
indubitably exerting efforts who are trying out their best to teach and serve that 'quality
education' in a silver platter to their learners. However, the sporadic struggles they deal,
and the unpreparedness only prove that today, the word 'quality' on education is
somewhat hard to believe and achieve. That the education system nowadays has been
brought into compromise.
As much as we wanted to deny the fact, many are still not good to go to engage
on the new mode of learning. And talking about quality education in the new normal
setting, how can we be so sure that students are actually learning and not just
complying? Is the concept Higher-Order Thinking Skills, which was injected to the
education system and has been taught to us, still in practice? Does the authentic
learning still take its place? These, I believe, are the crucial factors on our vision to
quality education for without it, I am afraid we are just making rooms for mediocrity. How
I wish I am wrong.
One can assert that achieving quality education under this circumstance requires
both teachers and students work hand in hand, more intensive than usual. Teachers are
expected to be creative and versatile, while students are expected to stay committed
and focused on the goal of learning and improving knowledge and not merely on
passing or getting high scores. Still and all, these are easier said than done.
Right now, with our current set-up and system, I worry that we are going to
produce more half-baked graduates in the near future. I hope our education sector
never stops searching for more effective ways and solutions for the sake of our
students, teachers and education landscape.
#OustDuterte? Until when?
Frans Anacis Garcia
Like most of my political friends I had before, I also loathed Duterte -- as in
super-duper hate to the extent that I almost wish him to be struck by a lightning, meet a
very fatal accident on the road, or sleep and never wake up for good. If memory serves,
during the 2016 election, never did I fail telling my grandparents to not waste their vote
for this old guy because back then, I am rooting for the late senator, the brilliant and
awesome Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Sadly, she didn't make it.
Everyone knows how the president flippantly speaks and behaves in national
television. Truth be told, he's very poor in managing his public persona. He didn't even
appear civil and decent. He talks blatantly, curses people, and acts like a dictator.
Sounds like a hyperbole but that's how I describe him just like how his haters do.
Fast forward. I met a stranger online, a vocal man who's neither a DDS nor a
Dilawan. He stays being a non-partisan and doesn't want to give his loyalty to any
politician. Whenever I criticize the gov't in social media, he who would always find a way
to oppose my political standpoint and seeks for a debate. At first, I found this man
condescending. But as days passed by -- little by little -- I realized he speaks the truth.
To cut to the chase, this guy has become my friend. He made me realize the
good things this current administration do to our country and its countrymen. Admittedly,
I was blinded by the mainstream media, infected by intellectually dishonest
commentators and consumed by my pointless anger. From there, I realized how shallow
I've become. This guy has also brought me to the very people whom I consider today as
political powerhouses -- Sass Rogando Sasot, Franco Mabanta, Tio Moreno, Jan
Writer, and more personalities who always appreciate and highlight the achievements of
the admin that we barely see and hear on news. They also defend Tatay Digs whoever
wrongly criticizes him.
Mind you, #DutertePalpak, #DuterteInutil, #DuterteResign, #OustDuterte and
other hashtags calling Duterte to step out to Malacañang will never happen. How is that
even possible when majority of Filipinos love him? Surveys never lie. The percentage
already speaks volume. I didn't make this post to proselytize you to believe me. Duterte
could be a failure or "pasang awa" in his war on drugs, unsmart in choosing his cabinet
members and unpunctual during SONA or press briefings, but let us not forget the good
things happened under his regime -- the #BuildBuildBuild program, rehabilitation of
Boracay Island, increase in the salary of military and police, bilateral engagements with
China over the West Philippine Sea dispute and many more on the list! Tell me, is this
what you call ‘palpak’? Let's help one another in making Philippines a better country.
Gov't alone can't do this without our participation and support. We are also responsible.
To Sen. Pacquiao: Instead of Presidency, why not Philanthropy?
Miko Santiago Ramos

As the 2022 national election gets near, we already heard knew and heard some
rumors about the potential presidentiables to lead the hundred and millions of Filipinos
after President Rodrigo Duterte. And one of them is one of the greatest professional
boxer in the history – the famous, well-loved charismatic guy, Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
However, with his political moves, most of you will agree that his statements
sound like someone intent on committing political suicide. To be fair with the senator,
his courage of exposing and fighting corruption is commendable, and he having not
involved in any corruption makes him loved by the majority. But before we start hurling
allegations in national television, we should gain a reasonable level of certainty.
In the press conference where Pacquiao said that P10.4 billion worth of Social
Amelioration Program 2 (SAP 2) funds was missing, his math skills and analytical skills
are cringe-worthy. My column does not intent to discuss and explain the analysis, but in
case you have time, please visit this link for the details. You will also read here his
failure to substantiate claims he made against the Defense Department, which is
another issue he brought up in the public.
That conference alone is a testament that Pacquiao in politics is still unripe.
Instead of becoming a president, Pacquiao will do better if he aims to become a
philanthropist. Oxford dictionary defines philanthropist as someone who seeks to
promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good
causes. This, I think, suits him better. Why not? I am quite disappointed that Pacquiao
isn’t among Forbes’ richest Pinoys. Pacquiao is the lone billionaire in the House of
Representatives with a net worth of P1.7 billion based on his SALN for 2014. Moreover,
he is also the country’s top individual taxpayer.
With his wealth, he can go beyond charity giving. He can also use his money for
scientific innovations and other projects that would hasten the industrialization in the
Philippines. Remember: “Innovation is the backbone of development.” With his ability,
he can’t do a lot when he is the president. But with his money, he can be a
philanthropist funding innovations that will help our country to progress a nation.
So, to Sen. Pacquiao, instead of presidency, why not philanthropy?
Co-curricular Activities: Learning Opportunities or Distractions?
Mondee Lasic
John Dewey once said, “Education is not a preparation for life; education is life
itself.”
Dewey was convinced that learning by doing is the best and effective approach
to education. When students find joy or pleasure in education, it is where they
experience authentic learning. And one of the many ways to bring learning to life is
through co-curricular activities which are often done in a form of competition.
Co-curricular activities are activities that are aligned with the curriculum which
can either be academic or athletic. They provide avenues for students to develop and
showcase their skills and talents, and to learn the essence of camaraderie and
sportsmanship. Simply put, these activities are considered as opportunities in nature.
They teach valuable lessons that any book cannot teach.
Spelling bee widens our vocabulary. Quiz bee measures knowledge
retentiveness. Debate enhances our reasoning and public speaking skills. Singing
hones our talent and develop our stage presence as what dancing, acting and other
performing arts do. Joining sports competition during intramurals does not only make us
physically strong or gain fame and be idolized by people as we won; it also teaches us
to be smart, decisive and patient to defeat our opponents.
However, anything too much is harmful.
When I was in high school, I have friends and classmates who were very active
in joining co-curricular activities, particularly in sports. You can see in their eyes their
burning passion and strong will to compete and win. They would exhaust themselves for
tryouts despite the sweltering heat of the sun.
But what I noticed among my athlete friends was that they seldom appear in the
class and do their part as students. They became the typical ‘pasulpot-sulpot sa klase’
in a colloquial way. This is where co-curricular activities can become a distraction, and
this kind of situation is common among students.
It usually happens when we do not know our real priority. It usually happens
when we are not goal-directed and oriented. It usually happens when time management
is our waterloo. It usually happens when we treat these opportunities as a mere escape
from class discussions.
Nevertheless, let it be clear that co-curricular activities are never distractions in
nature. It helps us grow through experiences and life-changing lessons. It must be taken
into account that joining these activities require huge amount of self-discipline and
responsibility because aside from the fact that this is a battle between us and other
contenders or athletes, this is also a battle between us and ourselves.
Gabutero’s Organic Farm Resort
Mondee Lasic

Time to settle down all anxieties inside us. Smell the fresh air and disconnect to
our gadgets. Let’s explore in one of the Bongabong’s pride – the Gabutero’s Organic
Farm Resort.
Less than three hours away from Calapan City by van, the Gabutero’s Organic
Farm Resort is a great place where you can relax away from the city. With at least 15
hectares wide, the farm resort is situated at Sitio Tubigan, Brgy. Labonan, Bongabong,
Oriental Mindoro pioneered by Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero.
Good place for education…
Mr. Gabutero who started organic farming more than 30 years ago is fervently
sharing his life-changing skills, knowledge and even his technology to all those who are
eager to learn and embrace organic farming.
If you wish to learn about organic farming, here’s a good news to you. The farm
resort is DOT-accredited Agri-Farm Tourism Site and an Agricultural Training Institute
(ATI) and TESDA accredited learning site that will grant you earn Organic Agriculture
Production NC II certification.
Hon. Elgin A. Malaluan, the municipal mayor, together with Mr. Nelson B.
Gabutero have been working hand-in-hand to promote organic farming to every
Bongabongnense as they recognize the big potential of organic farming in terms of
boosting its economic performance.
Good place for relaxation…
Aside from the agricultural opportunity it provides to people, the farm is also a
resort composed of swimming pools for adults and children with water slides, picnic
huts, 4 and 6-pax air-conditioned rooms and 12-pax fan-cooled dorm rooms. Together
with your family, friends and other loved ones, you can take a walk and explore the vast
lands and see various plants and species. Every plant is labelled with its scientific name
and short description.
Despite the COVID-19 situation, the farm resort is still operational and is ready to
accommodate. The resort is open from 8 AM until 7 PM. Just don’t forget to bring face
mask, face shield and rubbing alcohol for your sanitation.
Pouring Happiness in a Brown Cup: Level up your Milk Tea Experience with
Avenue Tea House
Frans Anacis Garcia

Wherever you go, you would see stalls and cafes offering milk teas of varying
flavors in Bongabong. But of all the milk tea shops in the town, only one has captured
my taste buds. With its classic and highly premium blends of flavors, Avenue Tea
House is the best café where you can refresh and spend your leisure time alone, with
loved ones or milk teaholic buddies!
Avenue Tea House has been serving Bongabonenses with refreshing milk and
fruit teas, smoothies and snacks and combos for two years. It was established on July
30, 2021, owned by Mrs. B-Anne G. Mauhay. The shop is located along the nautical
highway of Bagong Bayan II, near the Lucky A&K.
Among their best sellers are Wintermelon w/ Pearls, Wintermelon Oreo w/ Creem
Cheese and Pearls, Cappuccino w/ Coffee Jelly, Fruit Ninja Ultimate Fruit Tea,
Blueberry Fruit Tea, Red Samurai Supreme Fruit Tea, Okinawa w/ Pearls, Super Taro
with Pearls, Happy Barney Choco Dinosaur, Tablea de Batirol w/ Pearls and Triple
Chocolate with Double Sinkers.
What I love about Avenue is it promotes Mindorong-Mindoro local flavors such as
Goin’ Banana Choco Oreo with Pearls and Coconut Island Ube Macapuno with Pearls
during Sulyog Festival. Moreover, they also offer Avenue merchandise in-line with
special occasions such as Valentine’s Day.
Aside from refreshing and mouth-watering beverages, Avenue has something
yummy and very palatable snacks, combos and sulit treats that would satisfy your
cravings! They offer crispy waffles, homey pancakes, fries, sought-after nachos,
mozzarella, cheese sticks and tacos.
Of Freedom of Speech and Expression
Miko Santiago Ramos
Freedom of Speech or Expression in the Philippines
In our society, rules are in place to protect everyone's right to freely express
themselves, regardless of their social level or status. Everyone has a say on pressing
issues, and everyone is free to express their own thoughts without fear the fear of
punishment
Indeed, Filipino citizens are fortunate because the Constitution was framed well
to uphold concerns vital to the benefit of all individuals among its sphere of influence.
After more than 300 years of silent cries, we are already able to veto on what we think is
rightfully unjust.
However, there is a percentage in our population that is unable to use this right
due to certain reasons with concerns to their way of life and the society they live in.
Sometimes, you would rather not speak the truth for it would be exchanged with
your life. That, it is better not to say anything at all than to live a life akin or that of a
criminal, a life in exile.
Well, there are few brave ones who took the risk, those who believed in their right
as well as to the law. But more often than not, most people just close their mouths and
keep the truths as a lifelong burden to carry to their graves.
Journalism as Freedom
Journalists write not just to express, but to inform, to educate and to persuade.
Also, they write base on facts, truths and experience. They are the brave ones who
don’t see power as a barrier to halt their pens, from stopping their voices from telling the
world the lies they have come to live with. Journalists do not just write because they
have a wide vocabulary, instead, they bring words to life.
Therefore, journalism is a form of freedom of expression that generates change.
It is a shout that echoes. However, journalism is not an art of pointing other’s mistakes,
but in truth it is an eye opener to look beyond the external façade and alter a system’s
loophole,
Journalism is an act of defending the truth. It is a way of letting those in power
realize the point-of-view of those who are afraid to speak. It serves as a medium to
enable the words, to decry the wrongs in the world. But this doesn’t mean that
journalism dwells on negativism, it’s just that it unearths the hidden truths that continue
to swallow the world in whole like corruption and poverty.
DEVCOMM
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a program under the Free Education Law or
Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 (RA 10931) which aims to
give and provide financial assistance to those students who need it most. It was signed
into law in 15 October last year.
Under this program, qualified beneficiaries are undergraduate enrolled in SUCs, CHED-
recognized LUCs, quality-assured private HEIs, and technical-vocational institutions
(TVIs). Moreover, continuing ESGP-PA scholars, students who are part of households
included in the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to the estimated per capita household
income, and students not part of the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to estimated per
capita household income based on submitted documentation of proof of income to be
determined by the UniFAST Board. Persons with Disability (PWD) who are qualified in
TES will get additional allowance of P30, 000 per year. However, students who are not
enrolled in programs or institutions and students who have exceeded the Maximum
Residency Rule (MRR) of their program are not eligible to be one of the beneficiaries.
TES provides a lot of opportunities for the students for them to support their studies
since it could be used for book allowances, supplies transportation and miscellaneous
personal expenses including a reasonable allowance for the document rental or
purchase of personal needs in pursuing a chosen courses such as buying personal
computers, laptops and other educational-related expenses as well as for room and
board costs. And now that the Covid-19 pandemic is still present, TES will give light
and hope to the beneficiaries who are financially and mentally struggling, especially now
that they could access their allowances safely and easily through LANDBANK
Mastercard Prepaid Card (LMPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The TES is a grant-in-aid program that gives P60,000 amount of allowance for
financially-needy students in private schools and those financially struggling students in
any university in tertiary education. It really gives comfort to both parents and students
to help them survive the whole academic year until the student graduated. “This is a
commitment and an assurance from our President that free and quality tertiary
education will continue to be offered to provide access to disadvantaged Filipino
students by giving them additional funds that will cover not only their educational needs
but even their living expenses all over the country as they proceed to complete their
degrees,” J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Chairman of CHED and UniFAST Board.
Mindoro State University – Bongabong Campus continuously upgrades their
state of the art facilities to provide their students a conducive place for learning.
One of the University’s top priority is the construction of new library. Right now, the said
facility is 100% completely constructed; ready to serve its purpose among the school’s
learners, faculty and staff. Considered as one of the most frequently used spot, it was
made three-storey to accommodate larger volume of students and equip more books.
With a total measurement of 207.50 square meters, its ground floor serves as an open-
air study area equipped with tables, chairs and computer desks. This includes a ramp
and three comfort rooms: for male, female and person with disability (PWD).
Most transactions in the library are done at the second floor. Ii is where the office of the
librarian is located. Moreover, all of the various genres of books and other forms of
printed media such as newspapers, magazines, tabloids and folios can be found in this
area.
When it comes to ICT equipment, the third floor is where library users should proceed
when they wish to use desktop computers. Powered by library’s Wi-Fi connection,
students can access to internet in case of need for research purposes. On the other
hand, if they wish to research using printed media, they can browse for theses and
dissertations on the same place. To ensure that the learning place is conducive and
well-ventilated, both second and third floor of the library is equipped with air-
conditioners.
Despite the face-to-face class restrictions, students can still use the library provided that
they follow the health and safety protocols such as wearing of face mask, face shield
and observing physical distancing. The library promotes a healthy move towards
learning.
This haven of knowledge cannot wait to open its door to a larger number of students
when this pandemic is over. “I hope that the library can operate back to normal to
accommodate more students. New books are waiting for them,” tMinSU Bongabong
Campus Librarian, Ms. Janna Ayeshma Dilao said.

TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDY

The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a program under the Free Education Law or
Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 (RA 10931) which aims to
give and provide financial assistance to those students who need it most. It was signed
into law in 15 October last year.
Under this program, qualified beneficiaries are undergraduate enrolled in SUCs, CHED-
recognized LUCs, quality-assured private HEIs, and technical-vocational institutions
(TVIs). Moreover, continuing ESGP-PA scholars, students who are part of households
included in the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to the estimated per capita household
income and students not part of the Listahanan 2.0, ranked according to estimated per
capita household income based on submitted documentation of proof of income to be
determined by the UniFAST Board. Persons with Disability (PWD) who are qualified in
TES will get additional allowance of P30, 000 per year. However, students who are not
enrolled in programs or institutions and students who have exceeded the Maximum
Residency Rule (MRR) of their program are not eligible to be one of the beneficiaries.
TES provides a lot of opportunities for the students for them to support their studies
since it could be used for book allowances, supplies transportation and miscellaneous
personal expenses including a reasonable allowance for the document rental or
purchase of personal needs in pursuing a chosen courses such as buying personal
computers, laptops and other educational-related expenses as well as for room and
board costs. And now that the Covid-19 pandemic is still present TES will give light and
hope to the beneficiaries who are financially and mentally struggling, especially now that
they could access their allowances safely and easily through LANDBANK Mastercard
Prepaid Card (LMPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The TES is a grant-in-aid program that gives P60,000 amount of allowance for
financially-needy students in private schools and those financially struggling students in
any university in tertiary education. It really gives comfort to both parents and students
to help them survive the whole academic year until the student graduated. “This is a
commitment and an assurance from our President that free and quality tertiary
education will continue to be offered to provide access to disadvantaged Filipino
students by giving them additional funds that will cover not only their educational needs
but even their living expenses all over the country as they proceed to complete their
degrees,” J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Chairman of CHED and UniFAST Board.
As the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic tapped the whole world, the life of human
race were put on danger and uncertainty. Experts and health workers were in hurry to
find the cure to stop the spread of the said virus that took millions of lives.
Now that effective COVID-19 vaccinations have been produced and are being delivered
to the general population, it is critical that people understand the vaccine's benefits and
why they far outweigh any minor potential side effects or inconvenience.

In the Philippines, there are eight (😎 vaccines that were approved. It includes Moderna
(mRNA-1273), Pfixer/BioNTech (BNT162b2), Gamaleya (Sputnik V), Janssen
(Ad26.COV2.S), Oxford/AstraZeneca (AZD1222), Bharat Biotech (Covaxin), Sinopharm
(BBIBP-CorV and Sinovac (CoronaVac) yet there are only three (3) vaccines that were
on clinical trial in the Philippines. The first one is the Clover (SCB-2019) which already
have seven (7) trials in 11 countries, Janssen (Ad26.COV2.S) which was approved in
56 countries and have eleven (11) trials in 17 countries. And last, the Sinovac (Corona
Vac) which was approved in 39 countries and have sixteen (16) trials in seven (7)
countries.
COVID-19 vaccinations have been licensed after being tested in clinical trials and
demonstrating that the vaccine considerably reduces the risk of catching the virus.
Based on what has been proved about vaccines for other diseases, the COVID-19
vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill, even if you do get the virus.
Getting vaccinated also may protect people around you — particularly those at greater
risk for severe illness from COVID-19. However, people with a history of severe allergic
reaction to any component of the vaccine should not take it and it wasn't recommended
for persons younger than 18 years of age according to a study.
These vaccines were proven effective and helps strengthen our immunity against the
virus, any available vaccines are effective, so the best way to choose the best brand is
the one which is available in our country, there's no need to be picky, all vaccines are
highly guaranteed by experts.