The Defender - Official Student Publication of BPSU-Balanga Campus

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The Defender - Official Student Publication of BPSU-Balanga Campus

The Defender is the Official Student Publication of Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus Founded in 1971 by then Bataan Colleges Instructor, Mr.

Ben Medina and a group of students, the "The Defender" (TD) was primarily intended to promote students' awareness and to serve as an avenue of discussion of school-related issues. Starting with not more than ten student writers, The Defender has released its pioneering issue in October 1971. After a year, the next batch of the Editorial Board pursued the publication's membership to the College Edi

tors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP). The student publication was smooth sailing until it was closed down during the Martial Law. After the People Power Revolution in 1986 and along with the rekindled freedom and democracy, the publication's normal operations were redeemed. The editorial board during that time adopted this line from Dylan Thomas: "Rage, rage against the dying of the lights!" This has been the publication's battle-cry since then. In 1998, the Bataan Colleges (BC) merged with Bataan National School of Arts and Trades (BNSAT) under Republic Act 8562 to a chartered state college, now known as the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU). Though BC has only become a campus of BPSU, having BNSAT as the main campus or mother unit, The Defender was retained as the Official Student Publication of BPSU-Balanga campus. Now, the Defender has already proven its worth as a vital student institution as it continuously earns awards and citations from different regional and national press conferences as well as from other student organizations. TD has constant advocacy to provide social consciousness through conferences. Having served the students for forty-nine years, The Defender still aims for a higher service to the studentry. The Defender is a proud member of the proactive Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines, the Young Journalists Association of Region III (YJAR-III), and the Luzonwide Association of College Editors (LACE).

01/11/2025

Every first of November, we pause to honor those who walked paths of faith before us. All Saints’ Day, observed by many Christian communities, is a time not only to remember the canonized but also those whose goodness never reached the pages of history.

In a country where faith and everyday life often meet, this day becomes a moment to realize that sanctity does not only belong to the grand or the holy. It can dwell in the simple, in those who choose kindness when it costs something, in those who serve without reward, and in those who live truthfully even when unseen.

To live well is to live with grace, for even in our ordinary days, we are called to leave traces of light.

31/10/2025

Sa ilalim ng lupa, may mga matang nakadilat.
Tahimik ngunit nagmamasid, malamig ngunit mulat.
Sa pagitan ng marmol at abo, may mga kwentong di pa laos—
mga alaala ng nakalibing, mga lihim na di mapasubalian ng hamog at taon.

Inihahandog ng Tanggulan ang 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗱 𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮, isang pagsilip sa mundo ng mga nakalibing. Dito, ang mga kwento’y hindi binabasa ng mga buhay, kundi isinulat ng mga matagal nang nananahimik.

Sa halakhak ng multo at buntong-hininga ng abo, naroon ang buhay ng patay, at mga patay na buhay sa alaala. Sa Halloween Special ng Tanggulan, muling nabubuhay ang mga patay sa anyo ng panitikan.

𝘉𝘶𝘬𝘴𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢. 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘨 𝘮𝘰 𝘳𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘢.

31/10/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Bataan Peninsula State University Alumni Relations Office (BPSU-ALRO) has called on all eligible university graduates to participate in the 2025 Campus-Level Alumni Association Elections, the first step in selecting campus representatives who will determine the next BPSU Federated Alumni President.

The election process will also include the filing of certificates of candidacy from November 6 to 14, validation of applications from November 15 to 18, a campaign period from November 19 to 22, online voting on November 23-24, and the proclamation of elected campus officers on November 25.

Meanwhile, the election and proclamation of the Alumni Regent are set for November 28.

Graduates from all BPSU campuses, including its founding institutions, the laboratory high school, and the graduate school are encouraged to register at bit.ly/bpsualumniregistration to be a validated voter or candidate until November 10.

30/10/2025

𝗕𝗖 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻

As an effort to include Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC) students in a tradition previously exclusive to employees’ children, the Campus Student Government (CSG) also opened this year’s annual Halloween celebration for all colleges at the Bataan Youth Center (BYC), October 30.

CSG President Kurt Cobain De Belen described this year’s Trick-or-Treat as a breakthrough for student engagement, with the whole campus community joining in the program.

"Three years na ako dito sa BC, and this is the first time I experienced ‘yung Halloween party. Before, its more of like the kids of the employees only, but then we are lucky enough na pinayagan tayo sa ating initiative na isama ‘yung mga estudyante ngayon,” said De Belen.

Moreover, Human Resource Management and Development Office Chairperson Ralph Escartin remarked that this year’s party guidelines were more lenient, allowing 51 employee relatives, alongside students, to participate.

“Last year kasi nag-stick tayo sa guidelines na kailangan ‘yung anak lang talaga ng employee ‘yung pupunta. Ngayon, inextend na rin natin siya to pamangkin, to apo, para mas maraming makinabang at masayang bata,” Sir Escartin noted.

“Tapos, dahil volunteerism ang month, cinombine na natin ‘yung sa mga estudyante. Sinama na natin ‘yung mga effort ng students, kaya nagpasalamat din kami [sa kanila],” he added.

Meanwhile, Kier Duane De Castro, one of the participating children’s parent, brought his child to the Halloween event for them to experience an activity unavailable during his school years.

“Masaya ang experience namin, kasi noong kapanahunan ko ‘di ko siya nae-experience sa aming eskwelahan. Kaya din ako um-attend dito para ma-experience naman siya ng anak ko,” De Castro expressed.

Several kids and BC students were also recognized for their creativity during the awarding ceremony for Best in Costume.

The event, which began in 2023 as “Bulilit sa Campus” every December, was expanded in the following years to include a November Trick-or-Treat celebration.
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Report by Mariel Perez and Elisha Datu
Photos by Jake Russel Dimaranan

30/10/2025

𝟱𝟴𝟬 𝗖𝗼𝗘𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗞𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵

Despite scheduling conflicts, 580 future educators from Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC) actively participated in the College of Education (CoEd) annual acquaintance party, the opening phase of the EduKapistahan celebration held at the Bataan Youth Center (BYC), October 29.

CoEd Student Governor Alexis De Mesa highlighted that the college has maintained its tradition of holding the acquaintance party, although some of the festivities were rescheduled to accommodate regular classes.

“This has been a tradition ever since may EdukWeek. It just so happened na na-move ang ibang activities dahil, syempre, iniisip din ‘yung klase. We still pushed through sa event kasi gusto ng mga estudyante,” De Mesa pointed out.

The governor also emphasized that the gathering served as an opportunity for the college community to get to know each other and develop competencies essential for their future field of work.

“This serves as an event for everyone to be together kasi importanteng parte ng pagiging teacher ay you know how to connect with people, how to engage with them. Kaya, we see this [acquaintance party] as a good platform to do that," she added.

Meanwhile, first-year student Sarah Sison shared that the event met her expectations, particularly in terms of its clear organization.

“After the event, I can say that na meet nitong [acquaintance party] ‘yung expectations ko. Maganda ‘yung pagkakaayos ng mga booth sa gilid, kaya hindi nahirapan ‘yung mga students na kumuha ng ino-offer nila,” Sison remarked.

The celebration concluded with multiple band performances for EduConcert and the awarding ceremony of Mr., Ms., and Mx. Runway, where Savian Tumbaga, Felly Jane Remo, and Mark Bautista were hailed as winners, respectively.

Part two of EduKapistahan is set to take place on December 10–12 as part of the opening activities for the second semester.
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Report by Mariel Perez, Mikaela Comia, and Rafaella Rebucas
Photos by Noah Consus and Rafaella Rebucas

30/10/2025

𝗖𝗦𝗕𝗦 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗸𝘄𝗲 ‘𝟮𝟱

Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC) College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS) earned positive feedback from students after revamping this year’s ‘Color Coaster: Shades in Motion, Stories in Unison’ acquaintance party through a layout that encouraged livelier interaction among attendees at Doña Estelita Events Place, October 29.

SosyoSikoloHumanistas commended the transition from designated seating to standing tables, which facilitated better engagement for freshies.

"From last year kasi, meron na kaming designated na mga chairs. Ang kinaiba this year, meron ng standing tables na nagpo-promote ng mas sociable na experience [para] sa mga first years,” said Yujan Wayne Pacquing from BS Psychology 2D.

Compared to the previous acquaintance parties held, CSBS seniors also observed that this year’s gathering created a more vibrant crowd, with the set-up stimulating movement among the audience.

“Last year kasi ay medyo natamlayan ako sa crowd, kasi lahat kami mga naka-upo. Nag-work talaga iyong plano this year dahil lahat tayo nakakapag-usap at nakatayo na, hindi lang tayo tinatamad sa mga upuan natin,” BA Psychology student Joana Nicole Peña shared.

Furthermore, CSBS College Student Government (CoSG) Adviser John Kenneth Padel called for active participation from everyone to further strengthen acquaintance ties within the college community.

"The goal here is group dynamics. We have to interact with one another, and we have prizes prepared. I wish everyone would participate later kapag nabunot kayo. Walang KJ ngayon!" Padel stressed.

Aside from the performances and games prepared by the CoSG, CSBS continued its welcoming tradition through a pinning ceremony that signified the formal induction of first-year students into the college.
__________
Report by Mariel Perez and Jhayde Aquino
Photos by Min Del Pilar and Dawn Kariel Torres

29/10/2025

𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗚 𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗿é𝗲

Camaraderie took center stage as the Institute of Public Administration and Governance (IPAG) students of Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC) gathered to celebrate personal connections during the ‘Masquerade Soirée: Invigorate Pals, Amigos, and Gleam Acquaintance Party' at Doña Estelita Events Place, October 28.

The soirée encouraged Lingkod-Bayanis to embrace love, humility, and collaboration by symbolically removing the masks of rage, fear, and doubt; fostering stronger interpersonal relationships within the institute.

BPSU’s 16th Student Regent and IPAG senior, Hon. James Lawrence Suson, spoke on developing active involvement among the next generation of student leaders, emphasizing that leadership begins within their field of public duty.

“For young public servants or incoming young servants, sana mag-engage din kayo not just within the student organizations, but also with campus student governance kasi this is our field,” said the SR.

Suson also expressed his full support for the attendees, urging them to maximize their potential in student service.

“Hopefully maging kahilera [din] namin [kayo] sa USG, because I know maraming may potential sa inyo. I would always support and believe [in] all of you,” he added.

Furthermore, Campus Student Government (CSG) President Kurt Cobain De Belen highlighted the importance of learning through real-world leadership experiences.

“Say yes to experiences, kasi doon [niyo] mararanasan ‘yung tunay na essence ng public administration: to serve with empathy and purpose,” De Belen noted.

Attendees then participated in games, performances, and raffles, ending the night with the crowning of Mr. Veiled Valor - Patrick Del Mundo, Ms. Celestial Masquerade - Lovely Charm Antonio, and Mx. Luminous Mystery - Miel Florendo.

The event marked IPAG’s second acquaintance party since the institute’s establishment in 2024.
__________
Report by Mariel Perez and Dawn Kariel Torres
Photos by Min Del Pilar and Jake Russel Dimaranan

28/10/2025

𝗨𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝘀

Aimed at developing the proper use of digital technology, eight State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from the province of Bataan attended the annual University Town Summit held at the Bataan People’s Center, October 28.

Through the initiative of the Balanga City Government, the program encompassed the importance of virtual knowledge by conducting a Blockchain Security Technology Seminar.

Resource speaker and BayaniChain Ventures Representative Gelo Wong asserted that implementing a blockchain system in administrative sectors can enhance transparency and accountability.

“Kapag nilagay natin ang budget records sa blockchain, magkakaroon ng public at permanent na record ang mga mamamayan para transparent [ang budget use],” Wong affirmed.

The representative added that the application of the system can further help in counterchecking published art forms and limiting plagiarized works.

Moreover, former Bataan Second District Representative Geraldine Roman emphasized the need for these seminars to equip students on the changing digital landscape.

“Kayo ang future gamechangers ng lalawigan at ng buong bansa. As we celebrate the many good things that the internet, social media, and technology have, you should also be aware of the challenges encountered [there],” Roman remarked.

Aside from BPSU, the Philippine Women’s University, Eastwoods College of Science and Technology, Bataan Heroes’ College, Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies, Tomas del Rosario College, Bataan Maritime Institute, and ACLC College of Balanga also attended the Summit.
__________
Report by Gabriel Almario and Elaine Morales
Photos by Kristine Albarda

28/10/2025

𝗦𝗼𝗦𝗲𝗖𝗮 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗛𝗦 𝗟𝗧𝗦

Since its accreditation last year, the Society of Service and Care (SoSeCa) has begun actively engaging its members, hosting its first-ever major program for Bachelor of Human Services (BHS) students through a Leadership Training Seminar (LTS) held at Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC) College of Education (CoEd) Amphitheater, October 27.

SoSeCa Adviser Prof. Rochelle Tiongson emphasized that the organization is now beginning to hold more activities to promote its objectives for human care.

“This year, we push na parang makilala din, kasi syempre ang advocacy ng organization ay maganda; providing service and care. We want to help [people], we want to promote social justice through our organization,” said Prof. Tiongson.

The seminar gathered officers and BHS student representatives from all year levels, providing opportunities to explore leadership styles, develop conflict-resolution strategies, and practice effective communication skills to guide their future endeavors.

Resource speaker and Guidance Associate of Lamao National High School Corrine Pilapil underscored that leadership is defined by actions and not titles, a lesson that the organization’s members can apply in their daily responsibilities.

"Leadership is a set of mindsets and behavior that aligns people with the same direction; it is a person's actions rather than their words or job titles that inspires trust or commitment," the resource speaker pointed out.

Aside from the seminar, the organization also held its first general meeting to officially welcome its new members.

SoSeCa is set to continue its initiatives throughout the academic year, providing BHS students with more chances to participate in service-related activities.
__________
Report by Marx Ongkingo and Frances Hope Gatbonton
Photos by Bennedict Tolentino

27/10/2025

𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗦𝗼𝗰 𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗱

More than 40 Psychology students attended the first day of Mind Scapes: Art Therapy Sessions organized by the Bataan Peninsula State University–Psychology Society (BPSU–PsySoc) to aid Peninsulares in expressing their emotions at the College of Education Ampitheater, October 27.

PsySoc Vice President for Multimedia Affairs Janelle Bautista expressed surprise as the turnout exceeded expectations, with more students attending despite only 10 registering for the event beforehand.

“Ten lang ang nag-apply talaga and hindi namin in-expect ‘yung number niyo ngayon [na sumali],” Bautista remarked.

Due to the initially low number of registrants, the organization prepared limited art materials for the activity.

“Ngayon, very limited lang talaga ang nahanda naming mga materials para sa inyo. So, ang mangyayari, ‘yung sampung nag-apply makukuha ninyo ‘yung sarili ninyong materials. ‘Yung iba, kung gusto niyong mag-by group o mag-solo sabihin niyo lang,” she added.

Ten students were also chosen as part of the activity’s show-and-tell portion, encouraging attendees to explain the meaning behind their work and experience.

Iggy Martin, a 3rd-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology student, shared how the art session helped him express emotions that are difficult to put into words.

“We all have this tenderness inside of us na minsan ang hirap i-express through words or action, kaya nagagawa na lang natin through arts. With that, I am very happy nandito tayo [sa event],” Martin reflected.

Aside from the artworks created on the first day, PsySoc invited more students to participate in succeeding sessions that will explore various art forms.

“I hope sa mga susunod na session makapunta kayo, hindi lang naman drawings at paintings ang gagawin natin for the next session, but also different kinds of art such as clay modeling,” the PsySoc VP urged.

All art pieces produced during Mind Scapes will be displayed at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences building before the three-day event ends at October 29.
__________
Report by Ronalen Anoba
Photos by Min Del Pilar

25/10/2025

𝗕𝗣𝗔 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗣𝗔 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆, 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺

Fourth-year Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) students of Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC) engaged in the Master in Public Administration (MPA) culminating activity, immersing in higher-level discussions on governance, fiscal policy, and national sustainability at the College of Education (CoEd) Amphitheater, October 24.

The activity, themed “Navigating Fiscal Policy and Public Program Administration: Strengthening Sovereignty, Food Security, and Sustainability,” brought together notable government and policy experts to expose graduating students to real-world governance challenges.

Former National Defense Secretary and National Security Adviser Hon. Norberto B. Gonzales led the morning session, emphasizing the importance of foresight and unity among future civil servants, drawing on his experience in national security and defense.

“Kaya kayo [future public servants], usap-usap na kayo. Paghandaan niyo. Magse-serve kayo sa gobyerno. What are the programs, the important policy options we should be thinking about? [Kasi] darating eh—sooner than later,” Gonzales emphasized.

Following this, Hon. Miguel Paje, Representative and Research Coordinator of the UN World Food Programme-Philippines (UN-WFP), discussed the challenges of public policy and program implementation in the Philippine setting, grounding his talk on the WFP’s ongoing efforts to address food security and promote sustainable policy frameworks.

The forum not only centered on pressing national and local governance issues, but also underscored the university’s commitment to strengthening public administration education.

Earlier in the program, Prof. Sisenando C. Masangcap Jr., MBA, Campus Director of BPSU-Balanga, noted that the university aims to offer a Doctor in Public Administration (DPA) program to further advance graduate-level governance education.
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Report by Kenneth Clarisse Ongoco
Photos by Noah Consus and Jake Russel Dimaranan

24/10/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) invited Balanga Diocese Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. to lead the benediction ceremony for the university’s drivers and newly-acquired vehicles at the BPSU-Main Campus Sari-Gamit Court, October 24.

Following the mass conducted at the University Multi-faith Chapel, Bishop Sescon blessed the new units, including four Toyota Fortuners, two Toyota Hiace Vans, a single unit each of Nissan Urvan Premium, Toyota Commuter Deluxe, and a Truck.

BPSU President Dr. Ruby B. Santos Matibag, along with central administrative staff, university drivers, and utility personnel, attended the ceremony.
__________
Report by Princess Yvanne Rosales
Photos by Chelseigh Narvasa

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