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).

07/11/2025

𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗙𝗜𝗧 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼-𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘆𝘀𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆

After surviving a medical crisis, Physical Activities Towards Health and Fitness (PATHFIT) Instructor Eleazar “Eli” Guerrero introduced individual swimming competitions in the annual Aqualympics for second-year students of Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC), turning his aneurysm recovery into an advocacy for physical fitness through aquatics at the Villa Amanda Resort and Restaurant, November 6.

Two years since his surgery, Guerrero, in collaboration with Dr. Romeo Nisay and BC class mayors, brought together 30 classes in individual swimming and AquaZumba contests for the second edition of the event under his guidance.

The instructor expressed that organizing the Aqualympics and returning to teaching helped him regain his speech after developing aphasia following his operation.

“Parang naging therapy ko na ‘yung pagsasalita [during the event’s preparation]. Because of the aneurysm, nagkaroon kasi ako ng aphasia. Before, lalong pautal-utal ako, pero in the long run na nagtuturo [ng swimming] at nakikipag-usap sa mga estudyante, nag-e-enhance ang speech ko at pati na rin ang mga technique na ginagawa ko sa pool,” said Guerrero.

Participating students also remarked that despite the instructor’s difficulty in speaking, he was able to guide swimmers properly during the Aqualympics training.

“Hindi naka-apekto ‘yung health condition ni sir. Kasi noong nagtuturo siya sa amin sabi ko ‘hala ang galing naman nito,’ kasi parang hindi ko in-expect na magaling pala siya mag-coach since this is my first experience,” Reese Dela Rosa from BS Psychology 2D and second placer in women’s freestyle shared.

“Si Sir Eli din kasi very easy siya to approach, to ask questions. The week before the competition nag-ask kami sa kaniya kung ano ‘yung gagawin doon. Siguro nakatulong din siya para mas ma-train kami at makita kung ano ‘yung mga need to improve,” she added.

Beyond Guerrero’s personal recovery, the event also served as a platform to boost students’ confidence in water-based activities, with champions for the individual and AquaZumba contests emerging from the morning and noon batches of the program.
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Report by Mariel Perez, Gabriel Almario, and Ronalen Anoba
Photos by Jake Russel Dimaranan

04/11/2025

𝗕𝗖 𝘆𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝟯𝟱.𝟭𝟰% 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗖𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗘

Thirteen out of 37 graduates from Bataan Peninsula State University-Balanga Campus (BPSU-BC) joined the country’s newest batch of licensed accountants after passing the October 2025 Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examination (CPALE), achieving a 35.14% institutional passing rate, November 3.

Among the BC Peninsulares examinees, five of 17 first-time takers and eight of 20 repeaters made the board exams’ cut, with two from each group receiving conditional marks, reflecting success rates of 29.41% and 40.00%, respectively.

Data from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) also indicated a 34.02% national passing rate, with 3,460 out of 10,171 nationwide examinees qualifying.

With the latest results, BC has now produced a total of 27 new Certified Public Accountants for 2025, including the 14 (23.73%) produced last May.
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Report by Mariel Perez

02/11/2025

Nakaukit na sa tradisyon ng mga Pilipino ang dalawang araw ng undas, kung saan hindi 'trick or treat' ang tema ng okasyon kundi ang pag-alala sa mga mahal natin sa buhay na namayapa na. Kadalasan ay nagsisilbi pa nga itong family reunion at sa sementeryo ang venue; tila bang ang patay pa ang siyang nagbubuklod sa mga buhày.
‎
Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, nasasanay na tayo sa pagkawala ng kanilang presensya kaya't madalas ay nakalilimutan na ang pagbisita sa kanilang mga puntod. Gayunpaman, nawa'y magsilbing munting tagubilin sa bawat isa na hindi lang sa araw ng undas maaaring gunitain ang mga namayapa nating mahal sa búhay. Huwag natin isamang ibaon sa lupa ang mga alaala na kanilang iniwan.
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‎Tumingin ka sa kalendaryo at bumilang ng araw, buwan, o taon—kailan ang huli mong pagbisita sa sementeryo?

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Report by Marx Ongkingo and Frances Hope Gatbonton
Photos by Bennedict Tolentino

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07/11/2025

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