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The Regata, 1st Floor, CAS Building, Don Honorio Ventura State University/Main Campus, Bacolor (2025)

21/10/2025

𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝘆-𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

To guide first-year Intellectuals in navigating campus life as they embark on their college journey, the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC) organized a day-long degenderized and peace-inspired orientation with the theme “Malaus Co Quing Balayan: Degenderized New Breed of Intellectuals Orientation,” held on October 21, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the University Auditorium. The four programs under CSSP were divided into two batches, with the Psychology and Sociology departments in the morning and the Social Work and Human Services departments in the afternoon session.

The morning program commenced with warm opening remarks from Dean Nelly N. Pilao of the CSSP, who officially welcomed the first-year students to the college. The event was followed by an energetic roll call of sections from the Psychology and Sociology departments, setting a lively tone for the day.

To formally begin the orientation proper, Ryan Joseph Nabong discussed the mission and vision of the university, introducing the key figures behind its success, including University President Enrique Baking, Dean Nelly N. Pilao, department chairpersons, and faculty members. The orientation’s highlight followed with CSSPSC adviser, Miguel Olchondra, discussing essential academic guidelines such as attendance policies, examinations, section changes, and the newly implemented academic curriculum.

Further discussions tackled the college’s coordinators, who each introduced their respective offices and services. Rosalie G. Larin, CSSP coordinator of the Office of Student Affairs and Development (OSAD), presented the student support systems and disciplinary procedures that ensure a safe and nurturing learning environment. Meanwhile, Gabriel Zachary Reyes, CSSP coordinator of Gender and Development (GAD), highlighted the university’s continuing efforts to uphold gender equality and inclusivity, reminding students of the importance of respect and understanding within the academic community.

Adding a creative spark to the session, Marvin M. Sunga, CSSP coordinator of the Office of Culture and the Arts (OCA), introduced cultural organizations such as Gintung Siuala, The Venturas, and the University Literary and Visual Art Cluster. He encouraged students to participate in extracurricular activities that cultivate artistic expression and school spirit. Wrapping up the segment, Gino Paulo Manabat, CSSP coordinator of the Occupational Safety and Health Office (OSHO), discussed campus safety protocols and announced an upcoming earthquake drill to strengthen student preparedness in times of emergency.

Before concluding the morning session, CSSPSC Governor Paulyn Hecomo introduced the student leaders who will guide the Intellectuals throughout the academic year. The event also featured the presentation of sub-organization heads, including the Pampanga State U League of Sociology Students (PLSS) and the Psychology Society, which distributed loot bags as welcome tokens for the freshmen.

In the afternoon, the second batch of the orientation—“Education for Students’ Success at Present and a Future that Promotes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion”—welcomed freshmen from the Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Bachelor in Human Services programs. Serving as an avenue to introduce first-year students to the academic culture, student services, and core values of the college, the session fostered a sense of belonging and purpose among the new members of the CSSP community.

The afternoon gathering began with Dean Pilao’s welcoming remarks, underscoring the college’s mission to build “a community that fosters peace.” This was followed by another round of roll calls and orientation led by Olchondra and Nabong, highlighting academic guidelines and student welfare initiatives. Various college coordinators once again presented their offices, reiterating the core aspects of academic, cultural, gender, and safety support that sustain CSSP’s inclusive environment.

The event concluded with a gift-giving activity by the Human Service Student Organization and Junior Social Worker of the Philippines - Pampanga State U chapter and a closing remark that inspired students to embody the ideals of service, empathy, and integrity in their academic journey. Gracefully hosted by Gabrielle Grace P. Mallari, CSSPSC board member on Student Affairs and Kevin Dale D. Panoy, CSSPSC 1st year Sociology representative, the entire day of orientation reflected the CSSP’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, socially aware, and gender-sensitive intellectuals who will soon serve as catalysts for community transformation.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
Mc Lerrie De Guzman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Avery Bansil
Edwin Bernarte Jr.
Mikaela Valencia
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Edwin Bernarte Jr.
Nheil Angelo Supan

15/10/2025

𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣𝗦𝗖 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

In recognition of the dedication and service of the teachers from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), faculty members from various departments gathered at the CSSP Audiovisual Room (AVR) for a Teachers’ Day celebration themed “Lumina: A Tribute for the Guiding Light.” The event, organized by the CSSP Student Council (CSSPSC), was held today, October 15, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.

The program opened with warm remarks from Dean Nelly N. Pilao, setting a heartfelt tone for the celebration. This was followed by a lively dance performance from the “Bomb Threat Girls,” a group composed of student council members who presented the prizes for the succeeding games. Laughter filled the room as selected teachers who were cheered on and playfully teased by their colleagues also performed on the spot.

Laughter and cheers filled the room as selected faculty members participated in fun games, encouraged by their colleagues. The lively activities reflected the spirit of gratitude and camaraderie that marked the occasion.

CSSPSC Governor Paulyn Hecomo also delivered an appreciation message, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the educators for their guidance and influence on the student body.

“You've shown us that true intellect is not measured by how much we know, but by how deeply we understand and how compassionately we act. You made us the intellectuals we are today,” Hecomo stated, adding that professors are the heart of the college.

The program continued with an interactive activity dedicated to the instructors, where the top three male and female faculty members were selected as candidates for Mr. and Ms. CSSP. Each candidate showcased their wit and personality during the introduction round before proceeding to the question-and-answer portion.

The candidates for Ms. CSSP faculty 2025 were Cheska Cabigting, Lorcel Faigao, and Reyna Faye Laxamana, while Rayvie Viray, Ezekiel Lapira, and Gino Manabat vied for the title of Mr. CSSP. After a round of engaging exchanges and lively performances, Reyna Faye Laxama and Gino Manabat emerged as the winners, earning the titles of Ms. and Mr. CSSP faculty, respectively, for their wit and audience impact.

Following the pageant-inspired segment, Christian Paul Bautista, the college’s representative for Singkagaling 2025, serenaded the instructors with a heartfelt performance that captivated the crowd.

The event concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to all CSSP faculty and staff, symbolizing the students’ gratitude and admiration for their hard work and dedication.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
Stephanie Mae Endaya
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 John Benjamin Crisostomo
Tyron Guese
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

10/10/2025

𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Counseling and Testing Center of Pampanga State University, in collaboration with the University Student Council (USC), Psychology Society (PsychSoc), Psychology Interns, and Human Services Student Organization (HSSO), successfully conducted a series of activities on Friday, October 10, starting from 8:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M at the Institute of Physical Education (IPE) Covered Court at the university's main campus. Though the event started an hour later than planned, it still succeeded in raising awareness about mental health and promoting empathy within the university.

Guided by the theme “One Step at a Time: Mental Health Awareness Walk,” the celebration sought to encourage understanding and openness toward mental well-being. To further embody this message, students, teaching, and non-teaching personnel were encouraged to wear blue, a color symbolizing peace, calmness, and hope for better mental wellness. Through this, the campus created a unifying image of compassion and commitment to fostering a healthier community.

The day’s activity began with a solidarity walk around the campus, where participants from the BS Psychology and BS Human Services joined together. After the walk, the activity shifted to the IPE Covered Court where facilitators and student associates led different interactive activities.

Despite the technical problems encountered, the event still remained vibrant and engaging through booths such as Wellness Roulette, Thank U, Next (Stress Edition), Garbage of Emotions, HSSO Booth, and many more that were prepared by the Local Sub-Organizations (LSOs), BS Psychology Interns, and peer facilitators' student organization. These booths encourage reflection and relaxation, turning the event into a more educational and enjoyable experience.

The conducted activity is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 - Good Health and Well-being, as well as with SDG 4 - Quality Education by integrating mental health promotion.

Through these meaningful efforts, Pampanga State U continues to promote a holistic environment and strengthened its commitment to building a compassionate community where understanding, empathy, and mental well-being thrives.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Juliana Francheska Antenor
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Edwin Bernarte Jr.
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Nheil Angelo Supan

08/10/2025

𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗮’𝘀 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺

As part of the recruitment process, aspiring scribes draw to a close as they take the skill-based specialized examination administered by the Editorial Board of The Regata, today, October 8, from 8 AM onwards at the discussion rooms of the University Learning and Resource Center (ULRC).

Initially scheduled for September 24, 2025, the examination was rescheduled today following a series of class suspensions caused by inclement weather.

Supervised by the respective category heads, the examination brought together 25 aspiring scribes out of 35 applicants. While several applicants had already undergone interviews earlier, those who have not may be scheduled for online interviews in the coming days. These may also include applicants who were unable to attend today’s examination but may still be granted the opportunity to take it.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 CJ Cortez
Lee Francis Macapagal
Mikaela Valencia
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Lance Ivan Cardenas

08/10/2025

𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗦𝗼𝗰 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆

After being postponed for a day due to safety concerns, the election for the Psychology Society (PsychSoc) commenced today, October 8, and ran from 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM. The voting included both onsite ballots and online submissions for students who were not on campus via google forms.

To ensure the election proceeds smoothly after the delay, the Electoral Board released an updated schedule last night in the private Facebook group dedicated to the PsychSoc 2025–2026 elections to keep students informed about their designated voting time and assigned precincts.

From 8:30 to 10 AM, voting was temporarily held in SHS room 205 before resuming exclusively in SHS room 202. Meanwhile, sections scheduled to use the said rooms were temporarily relocated to different rooms to avoid interruptions of classes.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 CJ Cortez
Edwin Bernarte Jr.
Lee Francis Macapagal
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Lance Ivan Cardenas

07/10/2025

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 | 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝘀𝗼𝗰 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀; 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗱

After the last-minute cancellation prompted by security and safety concerns, the Psychology Society’s (PsySoc) Miting De Avance (MDA) successfully pushed through earlier today, October 7. The election day, originally slated alongside the MDA, has been rescheduled to tomorrow, October 8.

In line with the PsySoc Electoral Board’s commitment to transparency, representatives from The Regata were invited to serve as witnesses and verify the conduct of the event. The said event was held at the SHS 202, where candidates went there based on their availability, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During the open floor portion, candidates participated in a fishbowl-style Q&A, where they were given the opportunity to respond to randomly drawn questions. Six out of eight candidates answered the Google Form and on-site questionnaires, each allotted five minutes to respond. Director and Co-director aspirants, as well as the Unit Head on GAD and Records answered two questions each, while the other unit head candidates were tasked with one question apiece. The two candidates that were unable to participate face-to-face will have their open floor session via online meet tonight, 7:00 p.m.

Further information and updates such as the specific details about the “thumbs up or down” and Q&A segment from the event will be released through the private PsySoc election group page.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Stephanie Mae Endaya
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Nheil Angelo Supan
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟
Psychology Society Electoral Board

06/10/2025

𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆’𝘀 𝗠𝗗𝗔 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀

In lieu of the upcoming election of the Psychology Society for the academic year 2025-2026, headed by the Electoral Board, a Miting De Avance (MDA) convened today, October 6 at the Pampanga State U covered court attended by psychology students from all year-levels.

Setting the tone for the event, Carmela Espinoza, the adviser of the Electoral Board, reminded students to let their practices as psychology majors reflect in the discourse, guiding brave souls to remain objective as they scrutinize, listen, and engage in the MDA.

The first session of the MDA served as a platform for aspiring student leaders to introduce themselves and present their visions in a limited time—3 minutes for the unit heads and 5 minutes for the director.

The event began with Florien Pelayo, aspiring director and representative of the partylist Kaūl, which she described as “a circle of leaders bound by purpose, passion, and service.” She also introduced her platforms and members, from the first-year representative to her aspiring co-executives. One member, Audrey Jane M. Patawaran, aspiring Unit Head on Finance, was notably absent due to health concerns. Her platform was instead presented by Miguel Keirvy D. Orbe, who is running for the position of Co-Director for External Affairs and Mental Health Advocacy.

Aside from Kaūl Partylist, supposed individual first-year representative Chellsea De Guzman was expected to be in the MDA, however, she withdrew from the election due to personal reasons.

For the positions on higher year levels, no student filed candidacy for second to fourth year representative, leaving the position uncontested.

Following the introductions, candidates participated in a question-and-answer segment, drawing random questions from a box containing various university-related issues with each candidate given one and a half minutes to respond. A “thumbs up or thumbs down” session also took place, where candidates expressed their stance on national issues, with two participants explaining their answers per round for one minute.

The discussion later intensified during the open floor, which featured questions gathered and filtered by the Electoral Board through Google Forms and on-site submissions. Students raised concerns about leadership accountability, student representation, controversy management, and current issues within the psychology department

However, the event was cut short due to a sudden safety concern, prompting students to vacate the campus vicinity which the university is yet to address.

The Electoral Board announced the continuation of the MDA through the private Facebook group they created and are yet to confirm whether the election scheduled for tomorrow, October 7, will proceed as planned.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 John Benjamin Crisostomo
Kathryn Hizon
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Nheil Angelo Supan

06/10/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪: Psychology students fill the Pampanga State University IPE Gym as the much anticipated Miting De Avance (MDA) of the Psychology Society for the academic year 2025-2026 convenes today, from 9 AM - 12 noon.

The MDA will give students the opportunity to ask questions to the candidates and give aspiring student leaders a chance to present their platforms and advocacies directly to the student body.

Further details about the election are accessible on the official Facebook group page created by the Electoral Board 2025–2026, accessible to psychology students who are members of the said group.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Celine Nacpil
John Benjamin Crisostomo
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Edwin Bernarte Jr.

04/10/2025

"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐭𝐮𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐮, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 '𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡.'" —𝐃𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

Today, the 5th of October, we commemorate the existence of unsung heroes in the field of education. The guiding lights in pursuit of excellence, the custodians of knowledge, the ones that push us to be better—the real catalysts of transformation, our teachers.

Educators serve as the foundation of every existing profession in society, starting in the classroom where learning takes place. Four-walled halls do not limit the biggest dreams as they represent the canvas, and teachers act as the artist, where every stroke of their brushes leaves a remarkable difference, painting different kinds of pieces—symbolizing the critical role of every educator in shaping students in the best way they can.

This profession demands a lot. Teachers often work 24/7, having no to little personal time as a concept of rest. They are working long hours while standing in front of the crowded classrooms and having limited resources. They have to prepare materials for every meeting to associate with learning. So as adjusting to diverse teaching methods to meet the needs of their students. Sometimes their work also requires being a guiding parent, lending a child in need of a support system they may never have had. This is a testimony of how their love for their profession goes beyond the lesson plan and curriculum.

As the world celebrates Teacher's Day, take a pause to remember the profound impact they have had in shaping individuals. Perhaps it was that one teacher who made difficult lessons bearable, that one professor who instilled good morals and valuable life lessons beyond the syllabus, or the one who believed in your capabilities before you even believed in yourself.

To the backbone, mentors, and confidants of the society, we celebrate your existence today. Your passion, commitment, and dedication in making sure that every student you’ve laid your knowledge on will reach their highest peak of potential.

Happy Teacher's Day to all the unsung heroes of the society!

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Chanel
𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Buds
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Edwin Bernarte Jr.

02/10/2025

𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗽 7 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗣𝗣, 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 120 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻

In line with the 2025 Board Licensure Exam for Psychometricians and Psychologists (BLEPP) held on September 24-25, the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) has released the results today with Pampanga State University earning a 86.96% passing rate with the national passing rate being 86.99%.

A graduate from batch 2024, Angelica Sotto Acordon, managed to secure the top 7 with the passing rate of 88.20%.

Meanwhile, the university achieves a 90.08% passing rate for first-time examinees, including those who are from the other previous batch and one from batch 2025.

23/09/2025

𝗛𝗺𝗺𝗺! 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲?

The fragrance of victory is on its way as the Intellectual alumni take their pencils with their sleepless review, dedicating everything they have to the upcoming board licensure examination for future licensed psychometricians and psychologists.

To the test-takers of this year’s Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians (BLEPP), may you remember every lesson that was taught to you at the university and review centers as you sit in the chair where another hope and a new set of goals stand sturdy. May you shade every correct answer that you’ve studied hard for and are worthy of every tear you’ve shed until this very day.

Remember that you’ve got this! You’ll surely do great and good in it.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Yohance Pingol
𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Janna De Guzman

22/09/2025

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

With the celebration of the National Family Week and the "Kainang Mahalaga Day" this 22nd of September, we usually picture it with a dining table filled with our parents, siblings, and our grandparents sharing a hearty meal that is full of love. But for us, Filipinos, our families extend beyond our bloodlines. This spirit of interconnectedness shapes how we define family: not only by blood, but also by the bonds we form through friendship, community, and care. Our best friend who never leaves our side, the classmates who cheer us up during hard days, and the neighbor or teacher who becomes a second parent—all embody the essence of kapwa. They are part of the families we choose, the ones that remind us we are never truly alone.

Cultural anthropologist Belen Medina (2001) emphasized that the Philippines has long been recognized for its strong family ties, where kinship goes beyond the nuclear household. Traditionally, uncles, aunts, and cousins take active roles in raising children and maintaining close relationships within the family. Over the years, however, lifestyles have shifted, and with them, the meaning of family has also widened. Today, the idea of family is not limited to blood relatives but also includes “chosen families”—the relationships we build through friendships and shared experiences.

According to Tuason (2010), Psychologists emphasize that what matters most is not the label, but the quality of relationships. Belonging to a supportive circle or family—whether by birth or by choice, has been linked to better mental health, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity. This is meaningful to those young people who may not feel accepted at home. Wherein our chosen family often provides them the unconditional love they may not receive from their own relatives. Their friends became their safe space, where they are reminded everyday that they are loved and worthy for who they are.

At the heart of this celebration, family is not just about surnames or shared DNA. It is also about the daily acts of care. The simple checking in, laughing, showing up, listening, and sometimes simply sitting in silence together as if our presence is a reminder that, “you are not alone”. These are the bonds that anchor us to one another.

This National Family Week, let’s widen the lens and capture the continuation of our tradition. Family is not only the one we are born into—it is also the one we build, nurture, and choose. Whether it is by blood or beyond our blood, what makes a family truly a Filipino is the spirit of kapwa—the recognition of a shared self and a shared heart, because family isn’t just who you’re born with, it’s also the people who stay, support, and love us through every chapter of our lives.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Ashlee Celine L. Nacpil
𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Gerlyn Daphne Sison
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Edwin Bernarte Jr.

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