The NUntium

03/02/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻. 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆? 🎯🔥

𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻: 𝗩𝟮𝗩 isn’t just a competition—it’s your chance to 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 with industry experts, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 startup insights, and 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 your 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 and 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝙚.📚💡

📅 Join us on 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟬𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, at 𝗡𝗨 𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻̃𝗮𝘀 𝗚𝘆𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 and prove that you have what it takes to 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸, 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁🏆 the competition in the ultimate 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱!

Will you make it to the final round, or will you be eliminated? The choice is yours, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘀!

❗️𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲❗️
📍https://forms.office.com/r/CwD9KVZP9N
📍https://forms.office.com/r/CwD9KVZP9N
📍https://forms.office.com/r/CwD9KVZP9N

𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵:
Cafe 10/23
Dairy Queen
Spudify
Coffee Express-Gentri
Kitkat Crochets

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝙨:
CJHP - NU Dasmariñas
NUD Communication Society
NU Dasmarinas ComEx Brigade
The NUntium
Junior Marketing Advocates
LCBA Junior Marketing Executives
Junior Marketing Association - LPU Laguna
Junior Marketing Association - DWCL Chapter
Junior Marketing Association - NU Lipa

:V2V



🖼️: Clarise Andal
✍🏼: Daniella Ramos

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻. 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆? 🎯🔥

𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻: 𝗩𝟮𝗩 isn’t just a competition—it’s your chance to 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 with industry experts, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 startup insights, and 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 your 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 and 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝙚.📚💡

📅 Join us on 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟬𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, at 𝗡𝗨 𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻̃𝗮𝘀 𝗚𝘆𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 and prove that you have what it takes to 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸, 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁🏆 the competition in the ultimate 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱!

Will you make it to the final round, or will you be eliminated? The choice is yours, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘀!

❗️𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲❗️
📍https://forms.office.com/r/CwD9KVZP9N
📍https://forms.office.com/r/CwD9KVZP9N
📍https://forms.office.com/r/CwD9KVZP9N

𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵:
Cafe 10/23
Dairy Queen
Spudify
Coffee Express-Gentri
Kitkat Crochets

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝙨:
CJHP - NU Dasmariñas
NUD Communication Society
NU Dasmarinas ComEx Brigade
The NUntium
Junior Marketing Advocates
LCBA Junior Marketing Executives
Junior Marketing Association - LPU Laguna
Junior Marketing Association - DWCL Chapter
Junior Marketing Association - NU Lipa





🖼️: Clarise Andal
✍🏼: Daniella Ramos

03/02/2025

💘 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙜 𝙆𝙖 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖 𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙉𝙖?🔥

Ever wondered if your 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙜 is leading to something more? 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 at 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙜 𝙆𝙖 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖 𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙣𝙖?!🥰

𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠 - 𝙉𝙐 𝘿𝙖𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞ñ𝙖𝙨 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 invites you to an unforgettable experience on 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 15, 2025 1:00𝗣𝗠 - 5:00𝗣𝗠 at the 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙇𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙚, 3𝙧𝙙 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙧. We'll explore the true definition of love— a love that 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘴 and leaves a lasting 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵. Discover 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 love and learn to discern the connections that matter most. 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙨 for a journey of self-discovery and unlock the secrets to lasting love!💗

💌𝙏𝙊 𝙅𝙊𝙄𝙉, 𝙍𝙀𝙂𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙏𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙆:
https://surl.li/vgcyqu
https://surl.li/vgcyqu
https://surl.li/vgcyqu

See you👋🏻, nationalians💛💙! Let's discover and find the true meaning of love!💗

01/02/2025

| RECENTLY

Selected student leaders from NU Dasmariñas took part in the LumiNUs Leadership Camp 2025 held at NU Laguna from January 30 to February 1 to hone their leadership skills and foster collaboration with fellow Nationalians.

Kirsten Pelingon, Aen Escario, and Khaycie Estrera, alongside Ms. Lourdes Dorias represented NU Dasmariñas. The delegation joined leadership workshops, team-building activities, and discussions focused on the university’s core values and leadership excellence.

The camp, organized by the NU Manila Student Development and Activities Office in partnership with NU Laguna, gathered student leaders from different NU campuses to strengthen camaraderie and prepare them for future leadership roles.

Photo courtesy of Kirsten Pelingon

31/01/2025

| RECENTLY

National University (NU) Dasmariñas, Lipa, and Laguna have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) to collaborate on initiatives aimed at combating climate change.

This expanded partnership aims to support the “Race To Zero: A Call for Collective Action for Sustainable Waste Management” campaign, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions, particularly in South Luzon.

ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein emphasized that this collaboration will strengthen efforts to combat climate change and move towards a zero-carbon future.

As part of the initiative, National University students will have the opportunity to participate in various zero-waste community projects, as well as a logo-making contest organized by the ECCP.

NU Dasmariñas Executive Director Catherine Lagadia expressed her strong support for the campaign, underscoring the university’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.

“We have been planting trees for years. We are fully committed to supporting the Race to Zero campaign,” she affirmed.

Photos by: Jairus Visitacion & Pau Espejo

29/01/2025

𝟯 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗙𝗧: 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣!

The countdown continues! Aspiring student leaders, only 𝟯 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 are left for you to submit all the necessary documents before the last day of filing on 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟯𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

🔹Take the first step
🔹Lead with commitment

Below is the step-by-step process to file for your candidacy:

1. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗿'𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
- Obtain a Certificate of Good Moral.
- Photocopy your grades from the previous term

2. 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁:
- Proceed to the faculty and request a letter of recommendation from the Dean or respective Program Chair.

3. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
- Submit your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Provide a recent 2x2 photograph.

4. 𝗡𝗨𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁:
- Log in to your NUIS account.
- Download the latest Certificate of Registration.
- Print it out and submit a hard copy.

5. 𝗖𝗢𝗖 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺:
- Fill out the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) form.
- Have it printed.

6. 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻:
- Submit all documents to the Student Development & Activities Office (SDAO).

Be the voice your community needs. Be the change they’ve been waiting for. Take the leap and make a difference today!

29/01/2025

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤, 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞! 🧧🥠

The Lunar New Year is upon us, and along with it comes the celebration to spark a year full of prosperity and success! ✨

Slithering its way for 2025, the Year of the Snake ushers in as we shed the scales of misfortune and mishaps for a year of thriving and wealth! 🐍

Kung Hei Fat Choi, Nationalians!

Layout by: Stephanie Arabaca
Caption by: Russell Bantayan

20/01/2025

Stay safe, Nationalians!

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded a magnitude 5.4 earthquake at 6:43 PM today. Although the tremor was detected in Calatagan, Batangas, it was felt in the university.

For more updates, stay tuned to official announcements from PHIVOLCS.

20/01/2025

🗳️ It's time to make your move and step into leadership!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗰𝘆 (𝗖𝗢𝗖) 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻!

This is your chance to take the first step to become a student leader and make a meaningful impact in your community. Don’t let this opportunity pass!

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁!

Interested applicants can file their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at 𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗢 starting today 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟵 from 𝟴𝗮𝗺 - 𝟱𝗽𝗺 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆.

📌𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗖 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://tinyurl.com/5xtv6pu2

Applicants must also submit the following documentary requirements along with their COC:

𝘿𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙍𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨:

- Certificate of Moral Character
- Certificate of Registration
- Photocopy of grades of the previous term
- Latest 2x2 photograph
- Curriculum vitae
- Recommendation letters from their respective Dean or the Department Chair signed by the Dean

Be the voice your community needs. Be the change they’ve been waiting for. Take the leap and make a difference today!

16/01/2025

📢 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗽, 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀! 📢

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱!

Get your voice heard and be part of the change as we build the future of our Nationalian community.

Here are the important dates to mark on your calendar:

𝗝𝗮𝗻. 𝟮𝟬–𝟮𝟵: Filing of Candidacy
𝗙𝗲𝗯. 𝟯–𝟭𝟴: Campaign Period
𝗙𝗲𝗯. 𝟭𝟵: Miting de Avance
𝗙𝗲𝗯. 𝟮𝟬–𝟮𝟮: Election Period

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀!

10/01/2025

ComSElec to open filing of COC for 2025 University Elections

National University Dasmariñas Commission on Student Elections (ComSElec) announced that they will open the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) from January 20 to January 29 as preparation for the Academic Year 2025-2026 Student Government Election.

This year introduces the election of 15 senators, representing each campus program, in addition to the standard positions: President, Vice President-Internal, Vice President-External, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, and Public Information Officers.

Applicants must submit basic school documents such as certificate of registration, certificate of good moral character, copy of previous term grades, recommendation letters, curriculum vitae, and other essential letters.

ComSElec Chairman Rhon Burdeos said that the Commission will be strict even with the pre-electoral process as they are eyeing a more successful election compared to the previous year.

“Primary adjustments or changes ng Commission siguro is the removal of required number of votes per program since hindi siya feasible margin considering the political climate of our campus. Second major changes is the implementation of voter's registration and inclusion of senatorial election and, possible, School Councils,” Burdeos stated.

He added that the early release of the electoral timeline will assist aspiring leaders in deciding whether to run.

To further streamline the process, ComSElec has reopened the student voter registration until January 13, 2025. These measures reflect the Commission’s commitment to improve this year’s elections.

Article by Jairus Visitacion
Photo grabbed from NU Dasmariñas - Commission on Student Elections

05/01/2025

Back to reality, or are you still delulu?

Warm up your brain cells and emotions because nothing can stop you from achieving that "quatro." Start your new year's resolution as regular classes resume tomorrow, January 6th.

Pubmat by Lorelie Albaran
Caption by Jaz Silla

02/01/2025

Spoiled Brat’s ENDtitlement?

Disclaimer: This is a long read—grab some chips, maybe a bag of PIATTOS?

Vice President Sara Duterte's audacity is unbelievable. From skipping budget hearings to treating public funds as if they were her piggy bank, the spoiled brat of Malacañang is finally facing the consequences. The Commission on Audit (COA) has exposed the absurdity of her so-called OVP-aided projects, revealing fictitious beneficiaries—including one laughably named "Mary Grace Piattos." As her fleeting entitlement and blatant disregard for public accountability are being exposed, impeachment complaints are piling up and it’s high time we give the spoiled brat a lesson.

We have lost count of how many times we have been damned by Duterte’s political schemes and drama. Yet, she always somehow manages to get away with them easily. That alone is a reason why the impeachment complaints against her must proceed—they are long overdue! With a coalition of lawyers, priests, and civic leaders now filing her third impeachment complaint, now is the best time we unite, raise our voices, and demand accountability. We must show that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.

Despite Duterte's childish outbursts and even threats against President Bongbong Marcos, the President has told his allies in the House not to waste time on impeachment, insisting it is just a distraction from more important matters. But Filipinos deserve better than a leader who repeatedly betrays public trust and engages in corruption. Remember when she spent 125 million in confidential funds within 11 days in 2022? That was only a glimpse of what she can do for money.

The certification from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) confirms that there are “negative records” for birth, marriage, and death for "Mary Grace Piattos" in its Civil Registry System database. What’s even more infuriating is that this fictitious name appeared in at least one of the acknowledgment receipts supposedly submitted by the OVP to the Commission on Audit to justify its 2022 confidential expenses. Instead of giving light to her spending, the only thing it was able to justify was her repeated use of dirty tricks to gain money.

Despite her audacity in requesting such a hefty sum in confidential funds, Duterte consistently skips budget hearings and evades questions about its breakdown and allocation. Yet, she has no problem entertaining ridiculous questions about s*x and chocolates without hesitation. This contrast just proves that she is not fit to become a public servant as she struggles to show up in times she is needed.

Duterte is the first Vice President in history to face an impeachment complaint. Despite the President's reluctance to support this move, Filipinos must stand up and demand true leaders who genuinely care for everyone and will use taxpayers' money for the greater good. The true power lies in the citizens’ hands and we must remind them of that.

It is clear that Sara Duterte is not the only spoiled brat in the Philippine government. Numerous officials get what they want illegally, often without facing consequences. With the 2025 National Elections fast approaching, it is vital for us to be wise in our choices about whom we elect and trust our taxes with. Once and for all, let us END their ENTITLEMENT!

Written by Jairus Visitacion
Cartoon by Kench Tolentino

31/12/2024

Para sa panibagong taon ng matapat na paglalahad ng katotohanan,
sa bagong pagkakataon upang magbahagi ng mga kwento,
at sa panibagong tsansa na palakasin at palawakin ang boses ng mga mamamahayag—

Mula sa The NUntium, isang taos-pusong pagbati ng manigong bagong taon sa lahat! ✨

31/12/2024

A New Year Unwritten

Remember twenty-four? like a worn-out book,
With stories of happy times and some sad looks
They say, "New year, new start!"
Yes, sometimes it's hard to let go of the past.
T'was a good year, choices made we might regret
Even so, now is the time to turn the page;
Like a brand new book, a fresh stage

Today, a new chapter dawns
With eager hearts, we turn a story yet untold.
New leaves to bud, new lessons to unfold,
I wave goodbye to the end of beginning

Written by J. Josephine
Illustrated by Zea Macapili

30/12/2024

Ngayong araw, ginugunita natin ang ika-128 anibersaryo ng pagyao ng ating pambansang bayani na si G*t José Rizal.

Isang malaking pagpupugay sa bayaning nagsisilbing huwaran sa mga mamamahayag na nagsusulong ng katotohanan at lumalaban gamit ang pluma't papel.

Pubmat by Zea Macapili

25/12/2024

Santa, beke nemen! 🎅✨ Kahit kwatro na grades lang 😆

Nagmamahal,
Nationalians

Comics illustrated by Steph Arabaca

21/12/2024

| NEWS-FEATURE

Safe and Sound: ComEx, Psyche Society promote safer holidays with torotot giveaway

DECEMBER 19 — With the holiday season right around the corner, National University - Dasmariñas’ ComEx Brigade and Psyche Society hold “Iwas Paputok 2024 Seminar” in Barangay Sampaloc 1 to prevent youth firecracker injuries this holiday season.

The event engaged 80 children aged 6-13 years old, educating them on the dangers of firecrackers and promoting torotot as a safe and festive alternative for celebrating the holidays.

The seminar featured a discussion led by the NSTP Department which emphasized the risks of firecracker misuse and the long-term consequences of its unsafe practices especially among the youth.

“Mas mabuting mag torotot na lang kaysa gumamit ng paputok,” a Philippine National Police (PNP) representative commented after the seminar proper.

Aside from the educational talk, the event also served as a gift-giving program as they distributed torotot, snacks, and school supplies to the children as their early Christmas gifts.

ComEx continues its commitment to fostering safety and well-being through impactful outreach programs in Dasmariñas.

Article by Jairus Visitacion
Photos by Eladane Orola

21/12/2024

| OPINION

Dead End

December 11 — The bicameral conference committee signed the 2025 budget, ready for its final approval, and with no surprise, the institutions and branches that need it the most took the hardest blows. The Department of Education received a whopping 12 billion peso cut, with the state universities and colleges being ushered down by 4.7% as well. However, what’s astonishingly preposterous is the zero—literally, not a single digit—allocation to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) after its P74.43 billion fund request. The reason? It was deemed that for this forthcoming year, the P500-600 billion reserve funds PhilHealth have are sufficient enough to hit the nation’s goal: expand its members’ benefits and reduce their monthly dues.

As Senator Grace Poe would have it: “If we can see that they have that much money, they need to use it because it’s just going to waste. What are they doing? Why are they just keeping it and not using it?”

With what we are seeing, these lawmakers seem to overlook a few things—legal, ethical, moral, and the foolishness of it all—yet, there’s this overbearing question they do not seem to care about: do such funds are self-sustaining enough to fully finance the entirety of 2025. Obviously, it’s just another imprudent move to cut expenses and further press what’s already marginalized just because their luxurious feet do not fit the masses’ shoes.

The main defense put out by the bicameral committee is that there is an overwhelming surplus and reserve funds under the treasury of PhilHealth, further emphasizing that these are enough to suffice the members’ necessary services and provide the benefits in accordance with the law. However, what they fail to understand is that there is a longstanding outcry to the evident mismanagement of funds by the PhilHealth executives. With the most recent issue being the despotic spending of finances for a mere year-end celebratory party, it is with no surprise if the supposed excess funds pointed out have already been eyed as being spent on inappropriate causes.

Aside from stating the obvious, what Filipinos should really be concerned about is how this would create a direct punch towards providing sufficient national medical services under the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No.11223). Infrastructures, basic medical programs, seminars along with the expansion of benefits to its members, and the reduction of its monthly dues are all in jeopardy as the weight of the dull-witted decision burdens its members instead of rightfully penalizing PhilHealth’s tactful officials.

In its right, aside from being ethically dubious, it is merely unconstitutional with the aforementioned law. With what was stated, it is expected that the benefits PhilHealth members are to receive shall be sourced solely directly from the subsidy allocated towards the department from the national treasury—contravening what Sen. Poe and the lawmakers have ruled out. In other words, their decision to bestow not a single peso towards PhilHealth does not align with what the constitution states, yet it becomes crystal clear that all are disregarded in the name of what they think is ‘necessary budget cuts’.

Furthermore, not only is this alleged P600-billion peso supposed to cover the annual expense of the department for the upcoming year, but the lawmakers demand PhilHealth to use it as a way to widen the benefits received by its 62 million members. With the irony of it all, it does not seem that these fools had realized they are only impeding their goal even more as their decision to not give any subsidy would be expected to yield favorable outcomes, it only burdens a long-term destination that even in a year where PhilHealth was given appropriate budget could not reach.

It does not take a genius to figure out what’s the core problem with the government: it’s the fact that they are willing to burden the nation as a band-aid solution only to save graces with the incompetent officials blinded with unethical and unconstitutional choices. They’ve hit a dead end and they are consciously not willing to take a turn. As long as their minds are dead set on punishing the members for worsening the nation’s current stagnation, there is not a bit of hope that 2025 will be a year of success for anyone—unless you’re sitting on that political pedestal.

Article by Dwayne Gordolan
Cartoon by Gerald Miranda