The Gateway Group of Publications

15/01/2025

𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐑

College is a rollercoaster journey of challenges and opportunities. It tests personal limits while offering chances for growth and self-discovery. On January 10, 2025, the Psychology Department of St. Dominic College of Asia held a series of impactful seminars at the School of Medicine (SOM) AVR, aimed at equipping first- and second-year psychology students with skills and insights to navigate this journey.

In the morning, second-year students participated in a seminar on "Psychological First Aid Training (PFA)," led by Prof. Joey Intac, a registered clinical psychologist. This session focused on equipping students with skills to support individuals in distress, emphasizing the importance of reflective listening, assessing needs, and intervening appropriately. Prof. Intac highlighted the important takeaway he learned throughout his journey: "The first rescuer we have is ourselves."

To help students develop practical skills, Prof. Intac facilitated an activity where participants practiced listening to their classmates in pairs. This hands-on exercise provided an opportunity to apply the principles discussed during the session, such as showing genuine intention and understanding when engaging with others. Reflecting on her experience, Jamilah Corsena, a second-year BS Psychology student, shared: “Before, I thought I needed to offer advice or respond in a certain way. But after attending this seminar, I realized that just listening can be so much more powerful. It’s about being present and showing you care.”

While second-year students delved into psychological first aid, first-year students attended a seminar titled “Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities as College Students: A Perspective of Kahinaan, Kasiyahan, Bangon at Bukas.” This session, led by Dr. Yeng Gatchalian, a registered psychologist, aimed to provide freshmen with a sense of purpose and direction as they embark on their college journey.

Dr. Gatchalian discussed key traits such as self-awareness, adaptability, confidence, and emotional intelligence — all essential for personal growth and the ability to support others. She also highlighted common challenges faced by college students, such as financial constraints, mental health pressures, and academic demands, and how these struggles can shape emotional and physical well-being.

Reflecting on the seminar, Shane Estores, a first-year psychology student, emphasized the importance of building a strong support system: “It’s really a big part of my college journey to have a social life, but it’s also crucial to choose who we are associating ourselves with. A peer support system can either push us towards our goals or lead us to a harder pathway. It’s not that we lack a peer support system; what we lack is a good one that guides us to greatness rather than short-term happiness.”

Estores also underscored the necessity of self-care for aspiring psychologists and psychiatrists: “We must ensure we are mentally and physically well before helping others. Only by caring for ourselves first can we truly support those in need.”

“Bago ka tumulong sa iba, tulungan mo muna ang iyong sarili.” As students train to navigate the real world, it is crucial to prioritize self-care. Being a survivor yourself is the first step to empowering others. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards growth.

Through these seminars, the Psychology Department of St. Dominic College of Asia demonstrated its commitment to equipping students with tools for personal and professional success. Through fostering resilience and empathy, these future mental health professionals are better prepared to face the challenges ahead and support those in need.

Writer: Ma. Roanne Cantre
Photojournalist: Fai Navarro and Ma. Roanne Cantre

15/01/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃: 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

On January 13, the Pharmacy Department welcomed students to the new semester with a General Orientation held in GD1 Hyflex 2 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The session covered essential updates, including introductions to new faculty members, curriculum highlights, seminar expectations, i-Class features, course outlines, schedules, and laboratory procedures. Designed to address academic and practical concerns, the event aimed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that await them this term.

The orientation was more than just an information dump—it created an atmosphere of excitement and readiness. Students left the session with a clearer understanding of what lies ahead and the tools to navigate the semester successfully. One participant said from level 1, the orientation was “the perfect way to start the semester right.” With everything laid out, the Pharmacy Department ensures its students are informed and motivated to achieve their goals.

Writer: Leizel Luminding
Photographer: Ian Michiko Empleo

14/01/2025

𝐀 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐁𝐒𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BSMLS) program launched its second semester with a vibrant general assembly on January 10th at 1 PM in the DRA Hall. The event celebrated academic achievements, gave a warm welcome to transferee students, and previewed opportunities for global engagement. Students engaged with dynamic activities, motivational speeches, and announcements of future events, fostering a sense of community among faculty members, staff and students, setting an energetic tone for the second semester of A.Y. 2024-2025.

Dr. Joel G. Matamis, Dean of the School of Medical Laboratory Science, delivered an inspiring speech that highlighted the recognition of student achievements, and the commitment of the program to global readiness through programs like the mobility initiative in Nagoya, Japan, and the International Research Presentation in Vietnam. Awards were given to outstanding students, including Miss MLS Kate D. Armamento as Ambassadress of goodwill and top-performing Laboratorium Duces organization, underscoring the program’s commitment to excellence and empowerment.

The assembly concluded with exciting announcements about BSMLS Week, featuring sports events and an acquaintance party, uniting the community in anticipation and gratitude, highlighting the collective effort of the Laboratorium Duces, faculty members, and the BSMLS community in making the assembly a success. With a strong start, the program is set to welcome a productive and rewarding semester.

Photographer: Colleen G. Mahinay and Ian Michiko Empleo
Writer: Colleen G. Mahinay

14/01/2025

[𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊]: Fresh off their championship win at the ISAA, St. Dominic College of Asia is ready to prove they’re the small school that can! SDCA Pikemen is set to make waves as they face tougher competition in the Pinoyliga Next Man Cup, presented by Shawarma Shack, aiming to showcase their grit and championship spirit against the giants of college basketball.

The small school that can!😤🏆

The St. Dominic College of Asia has arrived! Recently crowned as the champions of ISAA, lets see them make a bold leap as they take on the big boys of college basketball at the presented by Shawarma Shack!

13/01/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧: 𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐨.

[𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍]: Naririyan ang hiyawan, kaligayahan, at mga paputok—mga kinagawiang ritwal na inaasahang mag-aalis ng malas sa ating buhay at tahanan. Ang pagbibihis ng p**a at polka dots ay sumisimbolo ng tuloy-tuloy na agos ng biyaya, habang ang malagkit na pagkaing nakahain sa mesa ay nagiging sagisag ng pagkakaisa ng pamilya. Sa parehong diwa, maituturing ding tagumpay ng bawat mag-aaral ang malagpasan ang isang semestreng puno ng sakripisyo—mga luha para sa inaasam na grado, at mga gabing ang liwanag ng lampara ang naging saksi sa ating pagsusumikap.

Ngunit sa kabila ng tagumpay, nakaamba ang mga bagong hamon ng paparating na semestre: mga gawain sa akademya na kailangang matapos sa itinakdang panahon, mga pagsusulit na kailangang ipasa upang matamo ang minimithing grado, at mga gabing puno ng pag-aalala at pagdududa. Hindi rin maikakaila ang pagsasakripisyo ng kaligayahan at kalusugan—ang pilit na pagbagon mula sa malambot na higaan, kahit dama ang pagod at kirot sa katawan, nang walang kasiguraduhan sa mga hamong kakaharapin.

Kasabay nito, ang ating henerasyon ay patuloy na hinahamon ng isang lipunang mapagsamantala. Isa sa pinakamalaking isyung kinakaharap ng sektor ng edukasyon ay ang pagtapyas sa badyet—isang hakbang na lalo pang nagpapalala sa mataas na drop-out rate, kakulangan sa silid-aralan, at kawalan ng sapat na kagamitan. Dagdag pa rito, patuloy na binabaka ng mga g**o ang mababang pasahod, kontraktwalisasyon, at kawalan ng benepisyo—mga suliraning nag-uugat sa isang sistemang walang malasakit sa kanilang kapakanan.

Nauugat ng masang estudyante at kaguruan ang ugat ng mga isyung ito: ang Neoliberal na Sistemang Pangedukasyon. Isang sistemang nagpapalitaw sa edukasyon bilang negosyo, kung saan ang mga mag-aaral at g**o ay itinuturing na kalakal na maaaring palitan o itapon. Sa ganitong balangkas, isinasalin ng pamahalaan ang kanilang responsibilidad sa pribadong sektor, na lalong nagpapalalim sa krisis pang-edukasyon.

Ang hamon ng bagong semestre ay hindi lamang sa pagtatapos ng mga academic requirements o pagpasa sa mga pagsusulit. Ito rin ay laban para sa isang makabayan, siyentipiko, at maka-masang sistema ng edukasyon—isang sistemang hindi nakatuon sa kita kundi sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipinong estudyante at g**o. Sa gitna ng krisis, mananatili tayong nakatindig, nag-aaral, at nakikibaka para sa mas maayos na kinabukasan.

Isinulat ni: Ian Michico A. Empleo
Dibuho ni: Jhannese Sotto

09/01/2025

[𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊] The 1st Medical Laboratory Science General Assembly of the year is set to take place on January 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Organized to mark the beginning of the second semester, the event aims to foster engagement among students and provide updates for the term ahead. All Medical Laboratory Science students are encouraged to attend this important assembly to kick off the semester on a positive note.

What is this feeling, so sudden and new? 🩷💚🪄✨

Well, it’s the 1st Medical Laboratory Science General Assembly of the year! Are you ready to defy gravity and dance through life with us, Katusoks? 🕺🏻🪩

Join us this January 10, 2025, at 1 PM for a wicked assembly filled with fun and excitement. Let’s kick off the semester the right way! 🤝🏻✨

We deserve each other—me and an amazing 2nd semester. See you there, Katusoks! 💉👋🏻

Caption by: Erricka Krystal Nuguid
Pubmat by: Renmar Sarigumba

09/01/2025

[𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊] The General Orientation for the 2nd semester for pharmacy students will occur on Monday, January 13, at GD 1 Hyflex 2, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This event will cover essential updates, academic goals, and preparations for the new semester. After the orientation, the treasurer will collect the remaining college fees and address any violations. All pharmacy students are encouraged to attend and settle their obligations promptly. This orientation is vital in ensuring a productive and successful semester ahead.

📚✨ 𝒦𝒾𝒸𝓀𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝑅𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉! ✨📚

Join us for the 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 for the 2nd semester this 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟑, at 𝐆𝐃 𝟏 𝐇𝐲𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝟐, 𝟏:𝟎𝟎-𝟒:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌. Let’s set our goals, stay informed, and prepare for an amazing journey ahead!

📌 𝕀𝕞𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣:
After the orientation, the treasurer will be collecting the remaining 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐬 and addressing𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. Please settle accordingly.

See you there, Pharmates!

01/01/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐊𝐀-𝐓𝐆 𝐌𝐈𝐊𝐊𝐀! ❤️💛

May this year bring you endless joy, growth, and unforgettable moments. I hope all your dreams come true and you continue to shine brightly in everything you do!

31/12/2024

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐄𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐧!!

Happy New Year, mga broskie! 🎉✨ Let’s welcome 2025 with so much good vibes and exciting energy. New year, new academic errands! 😅 Push na for more achievements and legit happy moments. Manifest na natin ‘yung mga goals natin—kaya natin ‘to, promise! 🥂🌟

Artist: Samantha Nicole Po

31/12/2024

“𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐨𝐧, 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧”

Naririnig ang alingawngaw ng paputok, may sigawan ng tuwa,
Habang sa tabi ng kalsada’y may pamilyang tila kay payapa.
Sa kabila ng masaganang handaan ng karamihan,
May ilan na lugmok, sa dilim nagkukubli lamang.

Sa mga tahanan, ilaw ay nagkikislapang labis,
Ngunit sa barong-barong, lampara’y ilaw na kapos at banayad.
Sa mga mesa’y hamon at prutas ang bumabati,
Subalit sa iba, lugaw ang sagot sa panalangin ng gabi.

Ang salubong ng Bagong Taon, tunog ng saya sa pandinig,
Ngunit sa mga walang-wala, sikmura’y nananahimik.
Bagong pag-asa, sigla’y dala ng bagong araw,
Ngunit sa iba’y tanong kung kailan darating ang biyayang matagal.

Mga bata sa lansangan, sa dilim naglalaro,
Hawak ay tansan, hindi laruan ng marangya o bago.
Sa ilalim ng bituin, pangarap ay tahimik na binubuo,
Bagamat simpleng hangad, sa puso’y lubos na buo.

Sa bawat putok, isang dasal ang pumapailanlang,
Na sana’y sa susunod, liwanag ng pag-asa’y matanaw.
Bagong Taon, dala’y panibagong simula,
Ngunit ang puso ng salat, umaasa sa pagbabago’t pag-asa.

Sa pagdating ng araw, nawa’y hirap ay maglaho,
At ang kahapon, kwento na lang ng tagumpay sa dulo.
Bagong Taon, panibagong pahina sa kwaderno ng buhay,
Nawa’y sa kanilang bukas, bituin ay sumilay.

Isinulat ni: Rhyza Morla
Dibuho ni: Chanelle Railey C. Dela Cruz

31/12/2024

𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 2025 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐭

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚 – On December 30, 2024, alongside the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal's martyrdom, progressive groups gathered in Mendiola to denounce the significant budget cuts to public services, including education, health, housing, and social welfare. The protest coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s signing of the 2025 National Budget, which allocates ₱6.35 trillion. Despite this massive allocation, a substantial portion is directed toward infrastructure, military spending, and the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) and other subsidized programs, leaving critical social services underfunded.

Albert Pascual, Secretary-General of the Health Alliance for Democracy, condemned the administration for what he termed as "blatant theft" from the people. "Ang kawalang puso ng rehimeng Marcos ay ipinapakita sa 30 billion pesos Department of Health (DOH) Budget Cut at ang Zero Budget ng Philhealth, habang ang mga mahihirap ay patuloy na hindi nakakatanggap ng sapat na serbisyong pangkalusugan."

Atty. Renee Louise Co, Kabataan Partylist's first nominee, emphasized that the 1987 Constitution mandates education as the highest budgetary priority. She criticized the widespread cuts in the education sector, which include reductions in funding for the Department of Education (DepEd) and state universities and colleges (SUCs).

"These cuts force many young Filipinos out of school," Co explained. "Sa mga liblib na lugar o rural areas, tumaas ng 5% ang dropout rate dahil sa hindi sapat na pondo para sa mga dormitoryo, bayad sa laboratoryo, transportasyon, at iba pang mahahalagang pangangailangan sa SUCs. Bukod dito, nililimitahan ng opt-out scheme ang libreng tuition benefits para pumili ng mga programa, na hinihimok ang iba na magbayad para sa kanilang edukasyon."

Renato Reyes, Secretary-General of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), likened the current administration’s actions to a betrayal of the Filipino people, echoing the historical injustice faced by Dr. Jose Rizal.

“128 years ago, binaril si Dr. Jose Rizal sa bagumbayan. Makalipas ang mahigit isang-daang taon, binaril ang Taumbayan sa Malacañang Palace nang pirmahan ni B**g B**g Marcos jr., ang 2025 Budget sa kabila ng malaking tapyas budget nito para sa social services.” Reyes declared during the protest.

Militant groups urged the government to realign priorities, ensuring adequate funding for health, education, and social services. They vowed to continue their fight for a budget that serves the people rather than perpetuates inequality and corruption.

Writer: Ian Michico Empleo
Photo credit to: Reo Iñigo

30/12/2024

[LOOK]: On December 16, 2024, the Laboratorium Duces, alongside Ms. SDCA Kate Armamento, organized a heartwarming outreach event titled "Golden Hearts, Golden Memories: A Celebration of Life of Elders" at Greenbreeze Home for the Elderly in Dasmariñas City, Cavite. The program, aimed at honoring the elderly residents, featured prayer, inspiring speeches, and musical performances, fostering an atmosphere of gratitude and compassion. The event also included games, food distribution, and essential care kits, bringing joy and connection to the seniors. The day concluded with a reminder of the importance of valuing and caring for the elderly, leaving a lasting impact on both the residents and participants.

29/12/2024

[𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊]: The Psychology Department of St. Dominic College of Asia, led by Doc Philip Cordova Cuizon, Dean and Program Chair of SASE, successfully held its annual outreach program at the Home for the Boys and Girls. This tradition, made possible by the dedication of faculty members, students' active participation, and sponsors' generosity, brought joy to the children through thoughtful gifts and meaningful interactions. The event highlighted the power of unity in spreading kindness, sharing hope, and making a positive difference in the community.

26/12/2024

𝑵𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒏?! 𝑰𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒏!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Richardson Mojica! Wishing you a day as flawless as your editorial skills, with no typos, missed deadlines, and all the good vibes, kasi you deserve a break from all those "editorial corrections"! Enjoy, doc! Keep being the publication rockstar you are! 🎉

24/12/2024

𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐨!

Sa panahon ng Pasko, hindi lang dapat 'Love, Hope, Joy' ni Coco Martin – dapat may effort din! ‘Yung love na hindi lang chat na 'Merry Christmas' pero wala namang GCash. Magbigay ng love na hindi ghosting, hope na hindi drawing, at joy na hindi pang IG story lang.

Higit sa lahat, huwag nating kalimutan na ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko ay ang pagbibigay pagmamahal, hindi lang sa mga malalapit sa atin, kundi ang mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan. Ang pagmamahal na hindi lang nakakahon sa ating convenience kundi isang pagmamahal na may malasakit para sa masang pinagsasamantalahan ng sistema at nag hihirap, dahil ang Pasko ay pagiging liwanag at pagbibigay liwanag para sa iba.

Kaya this Christmas, let’s be real. Magbigay tayo ng pagmamahal na walang kapalit, ngiti na hindi fake, at oras na tunay na may halaga, lalo na sa ating mga kapatid na inaasam ang kalinga at pag-asa. Dahil kahit walang laman ang GCash mo, ikaw pa rin ang bida sa life ng mga taong minamahal mo at tinulungan mo, sa maliit man o malaking paraan. Merry Christmas! Gawin nating legit, makabuluhan, at para sa lahat ang Pasko!

Manunulat: Ma. Roanne Cantre
Dibuhista: Samantha Nicole Po

24/12/2024

𝑳𝑰𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑨𝑹𝒀 | 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕

At the very day of the twenty-fifth,
May families gather at wooden tables
Exchanging nice and fervent gifts,
Wrapped in ribbons with endearing labels

Indeed it is— in a wishful thinking list,
That of which the greatest present will ever receive
On this day, no gold can find me a peace
But rather with only everloving bliss

Writer: Vince Lucien Balbaguio
Artist: Glazel Jade Luna

24/12/2024

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈 | 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

The highly anticipated face-to-face seminar series organized by the Psychology Department of the School of Accountancy, Sciences, and Education (SASE) occurred on December 16, 2024, at the SOM AVR. Interactive yet educational discussions included health and education careers, entrepreneurship, and research imparted to the psychology students. Divided into two sessions, these students from all year levels learned from the presentation held in the morning by first and second-year levels, and third and fourth-year levels participated in the afternoon session to discuss more of the advanced psychological concepts and practices.

During the morning session, it was a privilege for the first-year students to sit through a presentation by Prof. Joey Intac regarding the basic principles of Psychological First Aid. The discussion was truly impactful for these students as they were taught what they could do immediately to support the psychological and emotional conditions of other people during a crisis. It was invaluable to the students for it equips them with all the tools needed to empower them to be able to offer crucial support to others in need of it. The talk reminded them of how important Psychological First Aid is in their lives, equipping them not only to help others but even themselves in distress.

Prof. Luzviminda Corpuz inspired second-year students as she shared stories of her experiences as a chemist and an educator. Through the stories she shared, they learned how to carry through and be flexible. Prof. Corpuz also emphasized that one may thrive in education anywhere in this world. Her words also instilled in them the possibilities in their academic journey as well as the impact they may make in the world and those around them.

In the afternoon session, third-year students were empowered during Ms. Janna Buneaventura's talk on winning success in the entrepreneurial profession. Discussing ways to overcome challenges in business, it provided students the strategies for innovative thinking, leadership, and achieving sustainable success in the entrepreneurial field.

The day ended with a very insightful talk by Dr. Jhoselle Tus for the graduating fourth-year students. Dr. Tus presented internationalization through research, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the resolution of complex problems. Since it is crucial for these graduating psychology students, they gained valuable insight into it, stressing the need to expand academic and professional opportunities through research.

The seminar series that was held during the morning to afternoon session demonstrated the experience and practical wisdom of the speakers and gave the students something they will be motivated enough to apply in their areas. This will benefit the Psychology Department as they are also motivated to inspire and teach new professionals, unlocking their potential in different fields.

Photojournalist and Writer: Ma. Roanne Cantre

11/12/2024

[𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘]: 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦

As International Human Rights Day was celebrated on December 10, 2024, it was a fitting time to spotlight an issue that affected every student: their rights. From the moment students stepped into school, they were entitled to certain protections ensuring they were treated fairly, safely, and with dignity. Yet, many students needed to be made aware of the laws safeguarding their rights. On this important day, students were reminded that human rights weren’t just abstract ideals—they were real protections every student should know and stand up for. This article delves deeper into these rights and their impact on the educational experience.

Education was a fundamental right under the Philippine Constitution, guaranteeing every Filipino access to free and quality education. However, many students were not sufficiently informed about their rights, leading to difficulties in exercising them. Even school organizations and clubs struggled to practice and assert their rights due to oppression and restrictive orders from school offices or other students. Some students experienced red-tagging, bullying, discrimination, and humiliation. Marginalized students, in particular, faced significant barriers to accessing their rights. Non-discrimination was a key principle, ensuring students were treated equally regardless of race, gender, disability, or socioeconomic background. Schools are responsible for fostering inclusive policies to create safe and respectful environments for students.

The right to freedom of expression and privacy was equally important. Students had the right to voice their ideas and concerns while enjoying protection under the Data Privacy Act, which safeguarded their personal information. In the digital age, maintaining privacy was essential, and schools were obligated to ensure student data was protected from unauthorized access.
Another critical protection for students was freedom from bullying and abuse, enshrined in the Anti-Bullying Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Act (RA 7610). The Safe Spaces Act further extended these protections to prevent harassment and sexual abuse. Despite these laws, bullying remained a pervasive issue, with students often reluctant to report incidents for fear of retaliation. Schools needed to adopt proactive approaches to creating safe environments and ensure students knew how to report violations.

As International Human Rights Day approached, students were encouraged to stay informed about their rights and take an active role in advocating for them. By participating in school governance and student organizations, they could influence policies and ensure their rights were respected. This day served as a reminder that human rights were not just theoretical concepts but practical protections that had to be upheld in educational settings to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for all students.

December 10, 2024, was an opportunity for students to reflect on their role in promoting human rights for themselves and their peers. By standing together, they could help transform schools into places where dignity, equality, and justice thrive.

Writer: Rhyza Mhel V. Morla