https://sites.google.com/view/themediatorwvsu

The Mediator, Luna Street, Iloilo City (2024)

11/12/2024

𝕾𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖆 𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖖𝖚𝖎𝖑 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖘𝖔𝖚𝖑 𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖘𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖊𝖘
𝕽𝖊𝖋𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖇𝖞 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝖌𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖒 𝖊𝖒𝖇𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖊
𝖀𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖓𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖊 𝖆𝖚𝖗𝖆, 𝖆 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖘𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖌 𝖒𝖆𝖓 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝖍𝖎𝖉𝖉𝖊𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞 𝖕𝖑𝖆𝖈𝖊.
𝕸𝖆𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖉𝖆𝖞 𝖇𝖊 𝖆 𝖙𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖍𝖔𝖜 𝖏𝖔𝖛𝖎𝖆𝖑 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖆𝖈𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖆𝖉𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖞

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫!

10/12/2024

𝐀𝐛𝐢 𝐦𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐨𝐧 𝐤𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝? 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐤𝐚 𝐩𝐚 𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐨𝐧, 𝐩𝐨𝐭!

Tuon na da sang maayo para ya ✨slay✨ ang mga sabat kag tayuyon kaon mo sang salad.

Good Luck, Taga-West! I-boogsh mo na ang Finals' Exam na yarn.💣

𝐏.𝐒— 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐭𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐤𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚-𝐃𝐍𝐃 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. ☺️

05/12/2024

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

In a pursuit to navigate the nuances of cross-cultural communication, second-year students from the Development Communication program are set to host an enriching exchange of dialogue through a forum themed, “Chika aBroad: A Bonafide Cross-Cultural Exchange Connected by Communication, Bridged by Purpose” on Friday, December 6, 2024, at MC1.

In a joint effort with the journalism seniors, young communicators will bring together guest speakers from various foreign countries to share their cultural insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in bridging cultural divides and appreciating diverse backgrounds.

The forum aims to highlight universality and challenge common gaps in cross-cultural communication by encouraging understanding, acceptance, and mindfulness in communication practices.

“This forum will serve as a bridge to foster meaningful connections; a vibrant platform for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration,” said Program Committee Head, Nash Cainglet.

Cross-cultural communication aims to equip the youth with the abilities needed to effectively exchange information between people from different cultures. This approach underscores the value of mindful communication in this increasingly interconnected world.

05/12/2024

‘𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐢 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐤𝐨 𝐬𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞’: 𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝟐𝟖𝟗

Ika-lima ng Disyembre, taong 2023, nang yanigin ng isang nakagigimbal na balita ang ordinaryong hapon ng hindi lamang mga Antiqueno, kundi pati na rin ng mga tagasubaybay ng radyo’t telebisyon sa Kanlurang Kabisayaan. Ito ay matapos humantong sa trahedya ang dapat sana’y payapang biyahe pauwi ng 28 na mga pasahero ng Ceres Bus Liner 6289 patungong San Jose, Antique.

Siyam na pasahero ang naitalang sugatan. Labing-siyam ang binawian ng buhay. Isang taon matapos ang kalunos-lunos na sinapit ng mga biktima, ano nga ba ang totoong dahilan sa likod ng hindi-malimutang trahedya?

𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐚

Batay sa mga CCTV footage at sentimento ng mga nakasaksi, apat na beses na huminto ang Ceres Bus Liner No. 6289 bago lumuntad ang naturang aksidente. Ang una ay sa Bandihan; isang pasalubong store sa San Joaquin na kadalasang pinaghihintuan ng mga pasahero para bumili ng pasalubong. Ang pangalawa ay sa Lindero, Tobias Fornier, Antique– siyam na kilometro mula sa bandihan– kung saan may isang pasaherong isinakay. Sa mga puntong ito, wala pang umusbong na mga paghihinala; payapa pa rin ang byahe. Andiyan pa rin ang galak sa bawat pasaherong nagnanais nang makauwi.

Pero taliwas sa naging unang dalawang hinto ng bus, ang ikatlo ay hindi inaasahan. Biglaan nalang itong tumigil, dahilan upang bumaba ang driver at tingnan kung anong mali sa sasakyan. Kalaunan, muli niya itong pinaandar hanggang sa makarating sa Brgy. Fabrica, Hamtic, Antique kung saan naghihintay ang checkpoint para sa African Swine Fever Quarantine. Sa muling pagtakbo nito, dito na nakaramdam ng kaba ang driver, konduktor, at maging ang mga pasahero. Habang nalalapit sa ‘killer curve,’ aminado na ang mga tao sa loob ng bus na may hindi tama sa pagtakbo ng sasakyan.

‘𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧; 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝’

Matagal nang alalahanin para sa mga lokal ang pabalikong daan na kalimitang nagiging sanhi ng aksidente sa lugar. Kaya magmula noong Abril 5, taong 2019, kung kailan nahulog ang isa ring bus sa bangin na tumangay sa buhay ng tatlo nitong pasahero at nagdulot ng malalamang mga sugat sa pito, ganap nang tinawag na ‘killer curve’ ang kalsada.

Bagaman may mga road signages na nailatag sa mga sulok ng nasabing daan, hindi ito nakatulong sa isinapit ng Ceres Liner Bus No. 6289. Sinubukan mang ibalik sa tamang linya ng kalsada ang bus, hindi na kinaya pa ng driver na kontrolin ang manibela. Sa kasawiang palad, dumiretso ito sa bangin at tumilapon ng humigit-kumulang 30-metro pababa.

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐚

Tumagal ng humigit sampung oras ang ginanap na Search and Retrieval Operations. Nakipagtulungan ang Antique PDRRMO sa MDRRMO Hamtic, Responders, at maging sa mga kapulisan ng kalapit na mga lugar upang mas mapabilis ang operasyon.

𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚?

Lumipas na ang isang taon pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin malinaw kung sino nga ba talaga ang dapat na sisihin sa naganap na trahedya. Ayon kay PSSgt. Mar Joepet Jallorina, Officer-in-Charge, malaking tulong sana ang maaaring maibigay ng dashcam ng Ceres Bus para maisara ang imbestigasyon. Subalit hindi sang-ayon ang Vallacar Transit sa ideyang ito, dahilan upang tanggihan ang alok ng pulisya na isuko ang memory card para gawing ebidensiya sa kaso. Tinuturong kakulangan sa mahigpit na maintenance at inspection sa kanilang mga bus units ang isa sa mga dahilan ng aksidente. Pero sa depensa ng Vallacar Transit, human error sa panig ng kanilang unit driver ang dahilan kung bakit nangyari ang trahedya. Ayon naman kay Governor Rhodora Cadiao, ang ‘lack of street signages’ ay maaaring isa rin sa mga sanhi. Samantala, kung ang mga nakaligtas ang tatanungin, mechanical failure lang ang nakikita nilang rason sa pagtilapon ng bus sa bangin.

Sa kabila ng madilim na kaganapang nagtanim ng takot sa mga nakasaksi, nakibalita, at nakarinig, walang nanagot sa naturang krimen. Naglabas lang ang LTFRB Regional Office 6 ng 90-day suspension order sa humigit 13 units ng Ceres Bus, pero matapos ay balik normal na ang biyahe at mistulang okay na ulit ang lahat. Walang nanagot. Walang mapaghihingan ng hustisya.

‘𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐮𝐰𝐢 𝐧𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐢’

Isang taon na magmula noong natigil sa pamamasada ang driver at konduktor ng Ceres Bus Liner 6289. Isang taon na rin magmula noong sumakay ang mga pasahero at hindi na kailan pa man nakababa.

Mahirap man para sa mga pamilya ng mga biktima ang tanggapin ang katotohanang wala na ang mga minamahal nila, isa lang ang natatanging lunas para maibsan ang pait at sakit na paniguradong habang-buhay na iindahin nila.

Ito ay ang pagtanggap sa katotohanan na hindi man bahay ang naging hantungan ng byahe, nakauwi pa rin sila.

𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧-𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲.

03/12/2024

LENS OF PEACE: AMPLIFYING VOICES OF THE NEW GENERATION OF JOURNALISTS

02/12/2024

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰'𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭!

Hosted and moderated by the Greenpaper Production, the 'LENS FOR PEACE: AMPLIFYING VOICES OF THE NEW GENERATION OF JOURNALISTS' will bring us new knowledge and engage us to converse on peace journalism in times of war and conflicts!

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and participate!

𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟎:𝟎𝟎 𝐚.𝐦.

02/12/2024

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞.

The importance of peace journalism is often overlooked. But it is necessary. It is important. It is vital.

Stay tuned as the Greenpaper Production takes us to a closer look of what peace journalism really is and what it's like to be a peace journalist.

𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄: 𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑, 𝟏𝟎:𝟎𝟎 𝐚.𝐦.

01/12/2024

𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐢 𝐃𝐢𝐫. 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐞 𝐋𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳, 𝐥𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐤 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

Liwat na naman nga nahatagan sang talalupangdon nga kasanag kag ligwa ang pelikula ni Dir. Daniel De La Cruz, anay Editor-in-Chief sang The Mediator matapos nga ginhatagan sang pagkilala kag pagpasidungog ang iya sintas sa ginhiwat nga awarding ceremony sang 9th Sorok Short Film Festival sang tinalikdan nga Sabado, Nobyembre 30 sa SM City Manila - Cinema 12.

Ginpangunahan ni De La Cruz kag sang DDC Films ang sintas nga "Ang Bistida ni Ana sa Mata nga P**a" (ABNASMNP). Pila ka mga pagkilala kaangay na lamang sang SSFF 2024 Best Picture Award ang ginpauli sang amo nga proyekto. Nangin isa man sa mga nominado ang natungdan para sa Best Director Nominee Award.

Kapin sa 44 ka mga sintas ang nakalab-ot sa pinakaulihi nga hugat kag nangin finalist sa amo nga pagpaindis-indis. 12 naman ka mga pelikula ang napili-an kon sa diin tatlo diri ang nahatagan sang pasidungog. Nag-serbe nga representante sang amo nga produksyon si Patricia Daniela Ibardaloza, scriptwriter sang nasambit nga proyekto kaupod si Josie Mar Cabalo.

Ang Bistida ni Ana sa Mata nga P**a, isa ka sintas nga nagatutok kag nagalibot sa pila ka mga mabug-at nga isyu nga gina-antos kag gina-atubang sang mga kabataan sa sulod sang tagsa ka mga puluy-an kon sa diin ginapakita ang domestiko kag malala nga problema kaangay na lamang sang Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC).

Mga tinaga ni Jeff Brian Caña

01/12/2024

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧

Growing up, I often heard stories about a disease that could weaken and destroy the immune system. The virus, HIV, was described to me in a way that perpetuated a dangerous stereotype: that it only affected people in the LGBTQ+ community. I believed this for a long time, and as someone who identifies within this community, I was conditioned to accept that HIV somehow "belonged" to us.

The misconception that HIV originated from or is exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community has been deeply innate in society. Phrases like, “Bading ka? Naku! Prone kayo sa HIV,” became common hurtful jabs that reinforce a narrative of blame and shame tied to our gender identity or s*xual orientation. Growing up, answering questions about HIV felt almost sinful, as though admitting anything would invite judgment and discrimination.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 39.9 million people are living with HIV. According to the UNAIDS 2024 global update, 53% of those affected are women and girls, while the remaining 47% are men and boys. Despite advancements in prevention and treatment, misconceptions and discrimination continue to persist, making it more challenging to effectively combat the virus.

In order to fight the stigma, awareness about HIV is essential. Through cascading accurate information, we can help lessen the stigma that shrouds this virus. Stripping away misinformation can reduce the stigma and help people become more knowledgeable, enabling us to debunk these falsehoods.

HIV is mainly spread through specific behaviors, making it important to understand how transmission happens to clear up misconceptions. The virus is most commonly passed through unprotected s*x, including vaginal and a**l in*******se, where bodily fluids are exchanged. Although oral s*x carries a lower risk, it’s still possible, especially if there are sores or cuts in the mouth. Sharing needles or syringes is another major way HIV spreads due to direct blood-to-blood contact. Mothers with HIV can also pass the virus to their babies during childbirth or breastfeeding if untreated. While the risk of getting HIV from blood transfusions or organ transplants is now very low because of strict testing, it still offers a slight possibility. It’s also essential to know that HIV is not spread through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet. Even social kissing poses an extremely low risk, unless both individuals have significant gum disease or open sores in their mouths.

The virus can be transmitted regardless of age or gender. That's why it’s important to understand that HIV is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community; it can affect anyone. People should not be complacent and avoid using phrases like, "Hindi naman ako bading, kaya malabo ako magkaroon niyan." Such misconceptions only breed false security. While we continue to work towards a cure, the least we can do is stay informed and support one another. Knowledge about HIV can help reduce the stigma and discrimination fueled by misinformation.

As we observe World AIDS Day, it's important to acknowledge the daily challenges faced by those living with HIV. Let’s move away from vilifying their status and refrain from ad hominem attacks, as they serve no constructive purpose. We should honor and support those who, despite their diagnosis, have become advocates for change. These individuals—friends, parents, professionals—are living examples of resilience and courage, proving that HIV may challenge the immune system but never one’s humanity.

If institutions and the government normalize spreading awareness and information about HIV, it would have a significant impact on society, as change always starts with knowledge. This issue should always be an open discussion so that people can talk about HIV openly, which can help reduce the number of cases. Access to testing centers should be expanded to ensure that everyone is aware of their status and can take preventive measures as early as possible. These services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender, or culture.

As we mark World AIDS Day today, it’s perfect time to recognize the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This day should continue the effort to break the stigma that surrounds the virus. Let’s strive to be knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and its impact. It’s time to dismantle these harmful stereotypes and instead focus on compassion, and inclusivity. Education is the key to understanding HIV, its prevention, and the need to treat everyone affected with dignity. Let’s change the conversation, so the next generation grows up knowing the truth—not the myths—about this virus.

Above all, HIV is not something we should aim to normalize, but it is a reality we must acknowledge with understanding and empathy. Despite our best efforts to be cautious, the possibility of contracting the virus still exists. It’s important to remember that no one willingly puts their life at risk, and HIV is not solely transmitted through s*xual activity. Throwing around narratives like, “Dahil ‘yan sa kalibugan niyo,” is not only judgmental but also ignores the many ways people can contract the virus—ways they never wished or intended. Instead of blame, we should foster compassion and focus on education to understand the diverse circumstances surrounding HIV.

After all, only if we believe in the wise words of Karl Mata that says, “HIV is not a disability. Yes, it can kill our immunity but never our humanity,” the world will be a better place for all.

𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

01/12/2024

𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

The annual commemoration of the World Aids Day commences every first day of December. This year we call to address the inequalities that hinder the success of ending Aids, with the World Health Organization's theme "Take the rights path: My health, my right!"

On this day, let us recognize that health is a human right as we focus on ending the stigma and discrimination towards those combating the disease and that HIV and Aids affect millions of people around the globe.

May we not only remember the fight of those some 39.9 million people living with HIV (WHO, 2023) during this day, but let us constantly be reminded to support them as they fight against the prejudice that comes with the mere mention of the word.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), merges efforts with the 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, and the World Bank—as the Sustainable Development Goals aim to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. But in order for this goal to be achieved, we must do our part by (not limited to) being educated, creating safe places for conversations about STDs, and speaking out against the misconceptions that surround the topic.

01/12/2024

𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔 𝐌𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐂𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 '𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤' 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Masters of Development Communication class from WVSU-COC hosted a digital empowerment discussion entitled "Tech Talk" last Friday, November 29, at Mass Communication Room 2 (MC 2).

On behalf of the entire MDevCom class, Mr. Emmanuel A. Lerona served as the speaker to present their study which featured insights from several reactors including Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA); Justin Francis Bionat, faculty member of the University of San Agustin and a 4th-year law student; and Iris Arboleda, a content creator and 2nd-year law student in USA.

Undergraduate DevCom students from the college attended the said discussion.

In the first part of the program, Malata emphasized the importance of focusing on each individual’s family and community, where change and development begin.

“We have to go with the families and the community, the grassroots, because everything starts in the family,” Malata said.

She also highlighted the critical role and importance of Development Communication in raising young people.

Meanwhile, Bionat shared his insights on the role and responsibilities of gender, which he noted as a root cause of stigma. He also explained how social media influences people’s perceptions, particularly regarding how they view things such as gender.

During the discussion, Arboleda expressed that technology could bring numerous positive impacts to individuals if used ethically and correctly, while improper use could lead to negative consequences.

She advised DevCom students to ensure a safe online environment to avoid adding to the existing challenges of internet use.

“As development communicators, we ensure that we have a safe online environment; let’s not add to the problem of our internet usage,” Arboleda emphasized.

She also shared three points for being a responsible and proper social media user; "The important points to remember as a responsible social media citizen are: integrity, awareness, and action."

The program focused on the theme "Empowering Families and Communities in Digital Converse," where significant discussions were held on the various effects and impacts of gadgets and modern technology on people's lives, individual discipline in using different gadget devices, balancing screen time with physical activities, and other related topics.

Article by Jeff Brian Caña

30/11/2024

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔-𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

Students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) attended a seminar titled “Public Governance in Question: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Government in the Current Time," on Friday, November 29, at ISAT University in Lapaz, Iloilo City,

Spearheaded by Event Facilitator Mr. Richie Buyco and Course Facilitator Dr. Ian C. Espada, the seminar emphasized the critical role of transparency and accountability in public governance, particularly in today’s fast-changing world where confidentiality often overshadows public disclosure.

Speakers and participants discussed about public's right to access information, while highlighting the importance of being informed about government actions and decisions to uphold democracy and foster trust between the government and its citizens.

Featured on the said event are distinguished speakers who delved into various aspects of governance; Medel M. Espiñosa, LGOO VI of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI, opened the discussion with his talk on “What is Public Governance in the Current Times?”; Atty. Maria Roscelin H. Palomo from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region VI followed with a presentation on “Accountability and Ethical Practices: Addressing Impunity in the Government,": while Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr., Provincial Government Department Head, shared a case study on the “Seal of Good Local Governance as Best Practice in Upholding Transparency and Integrity in Public Service.”

"The future of government service along with private institutions is online, so while still in the university it is a necessary skill that you must understand and practice because when you join the bureaucracy these are the skills that you need," Atty. Maria Roscelin H. Palomo emphasized in her talk.

She also added that the ultimate goal is to develop a rapid cycle or centralized system that relies on online platforms.

Moreover, Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. underscored that the provincial government aims to improve local connectivity in order to strengthen trade relationships within the healthcare and social services sectors. This initiative is intended to enhance access to healthcare and support the diversification of the economy by promoting local businesses.

As Mr. Richie Buyco concluded the session, he urged the students to reflect on the crucial role each person plays in creating a government system that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people's needs.

29/11/2024

𝐓𝐌 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐑𝐄 '𝟐𝟒; 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐬

ILOILO CITY— In a thrilling display of journalistic talents and skills shown by hundreds of campus journalists in the region in this year's College Press Conference and Awards (COPRE), staffers from the College of Communication's publication, The Mediator, gave the publication a historic feat as they took home awards and recognitions on Thursday, November 28, at Iloilo Grand Hotel.

Vincent Dave Molavin, Editor-in-chief, punctuates his final year in college with a triumph after winning first place in Sports Writing English. Erstwhile COPRE winner Gierson Bordon, Sports Editor of The Mediator, secured a back-to-back victory as he landed fifth in the same category.

"I did not expect to win the gold at all. All I just hoped for was a placement in the top 5. I just wanted to at least experience winning in COPRE before leaving college," the Editor-in-chief said.

The 4th year BA Journalism student also added that winning Most Promising Sportswriter in Filipino and English during the PIA JournTalks Series gave him the pressure to win in COPRE.

"I did not want to disappoint my Mediator Family. Not especially when we had a silent agreement that we're going to get two placements in Sports Writing. I'm happy Gierson and I were able to pull it off," Molavin added.

Meanwhile, The Mediator also won several awards in publication categories.

In Minor Awards, the COC-based publication clinched 2nd Best Editorial Page, 3rd Best News Page, 3rd Best Filipino Page, and 3rd Best Newspaper Layout.

On the other hand, In Major Categories, The Mediator clinched the 5th Best Tabloid/Newspaper while defended it's last year's 3rd place on Best Newsletter.

With the theme “Bagong Pilipinas: New Breed of Developmental Communicators,” this year's COPRE emphasized the roles of young journalists in shaping a progressive nation through meaningful and transformative storytelling.

26/11/2024

𝐂𝐎𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐛

Sxteen communication students, three faculty members, and a staff, composing a total of 20 delegates, the West Visayas State University College of Communication (COC) participated in the prestigious 2024 National Communication Research Conference (NCRC) at De La Salle University – Manila on November 23-24, 2024.

Leading the delegation are faculty members, Dr. Ian Espada, Prof. Raffy Galan and Dr. Shiela Mae Quero with college staff, Jyrmeline Hulleza. While among the student participants include BA Broadcasting students Kaye Marie Fantilaga, Vaniah Psalm Gallinero, Jesus Earl Ledesma, Kheren Penides, Karl Jaesop Sapul, Anne Margarette Peñaflorida, Donald Pamittan, Angel Venice Recopuerto, Ma. Ellah Latoza, and Francis Darwin Assyraf Ibañez, with DevCom students Ma. Andrea Alacapa, Kris Ashwony Gurung, and Bearence Belle Plondaya and Journalism majors Micaela Ysabelle Salamat, Samantha Reign Hallares, and Sophia Taton.

Alongside over 600 participants from 70 institutions and universities across the country, the COC delegation engaged in a series of research presentations, plenary sessions, talks, and roundtable discussions delivered by scholars, faculty members, and professionals from various fields of communication. The two-day event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in cutting-edge research and foster academic exchange.

This year’s NCRC, themed "Blueprints and Imprints: The UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in Communication and Media Research," focused on the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its intersection with communication research. The conference addressed key issues such as inclusivity, gender equality, responsible media practices, science-based risk reduction, and the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions among others, placing a spotlight on the critical role of communication and media in advancing global sustainability.

The conference also featured notable figures from the fields of development, advocacy, and communication. Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales, Executive Director of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and co-chair of the Interagency Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators, delivered the keynote address. Mona Magno-Veluz, a genealogist and social media influencer known as “Mighty Magulang,” joined Dr. JC Punongbayan, Assistant Professor at the UP School of Economics, for a special plenary session. Additionally, prominent journalist and UN Goodwill Ambassador, Atom Araullo addressed the participants with his words of inspiration.

In an interview with Professor Raffy Galan, one of the faculty participants, he emphasized the importance of events like NCRC for both students and faculty. According to him, the conference provides the students invaluable real-world experience, critical feedback, and networking opportunities, all of which help foster the skills essential for academic and career success. For faculty, NCRC offers a platform to share research, collaborate with colleagues, and stay current in their respective fields, enhancing teaching quality and research productivity.

Professor Galan also reflected on the power of collaborative research, noting that the diverse perspectives and approaches presented in the plenary and parallel sessions demonstrated the potential for innovation when different minds come together.

"It underscored the importance of not only individual contributions but also the collective impact of shared knowledge and expertise," he said.

Organized by the Department of Communication Research of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication, together with the Department of Communication of the De La Salle University College of Liberal Arts, and the Philippine Association for Communication and Media Research, Inc. (PACMRI), the National Communication Research Conference (NCRC) is an annual conference that aims to provide a platform for students, faculty members, and communication and media professionals across the country to present, discuss, and disseminate their research papers before a community of scholars.

Article by: Gierson Bordon

26/11/2024

𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐭. 𝐜𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭.

𝓐𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓱𝓲𝓰𝓾𝓰𝓶𝓪,

𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓾𝓶𝓭𝓸𝓶𝓪 𝓪𝓴𝓸 𝓼𝓪 𝓶𝓰𝓪 𝓹𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓷𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓴𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪 𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓪𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓰𝓪. 𝓑𝓪𝓽𝔂𝓪𝓰𝓪 𝓼𝓪 𝓲𝓶𝓸 𝓽𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓹𝓾𝓼𝓾𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓶𝓰𝓪 𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓰𝓪. 𝓘𝓴𝓪𝔀 𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓷𝓪𝓰𝓫𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓪𝔀 𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓹𝓪𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓶. 𝓝𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓼𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓰 𝓰𝓲𝓭 𝓴𝓸 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓼𝓪 𝓲𝓴𝓪𝔀 𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓪𝓾𝓹𝓸𝓭 𝓼𝓪 𝓾𝓵𝓲𝓱𝓲.

𝓢𝓪 𝓪𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓱𝓲𝓰𝓾𝓰𝓶𝓪, 𝓴𝓪𝔂𝓪 𝓴𝓸 𝓲𝓫𝓪𝔂𝓵𝓸 𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝓪𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓪𝓰 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓴𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓱𝓲 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓪 𝓼𝓪 𝓲𝓶𝓸 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓶𝓰𝓪 𝓴𝓪𝓶𝓸𝓽. 𝓖𝓪𝓹𝓪𝓷𝓰-𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓰 𝓷𝓪 𝓪𝓴𝓸 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓲𝓹𝓪𝓫𝓪𝓵𝓸 𝓼𝓪 𝓪𝓴𝓸𝓷 𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓴𝓪𝓷𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮 𝓼𝓪 𝓪𝓽𝓸𝓷 𝓷𝓰𝓪 𝓹𝓪𝓵𝓪𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓽𝓸𝓷.

𝓝𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓹𝓪𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓰𝓪,
𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓪 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓪

The WVSU Little Theater - Teatro Dagami will be staging a theater production entitled "Nagligad St. cor Subong St." on November 30, 2024 at the Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Our Lady’s Hall, General Hughes Street, City Proper, Iloilo City. 🎭

The play is written and directed by Ilonggo Playwright August Melody Andong, President of the Women Playwrights International. It aims to raise awareness of the struggles and challenges faced by people in the society and to raise funds for charity.

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬:
𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
𝟓:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌

𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐏𝐡𝐩 𝟗𝟗.𝟎𝟎

For tickets, contact our ticketmaster for more details
𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧
𝟎𝟗𝟔𝟑𝟔𝟐𝟑𝟗𝟖𝟏𝟒

25/11/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬, 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐀𝐖𝐂

Just recently, the campaign for violence against women had posters raised, activists dominating the streets with only one purpose. A purpose that deeply reflects a society that continues to live by its ways.

“Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. . UNiTE to End Violence against Women,” the UNiTE campaign for The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women starting November 25 to Dec 10. For 16 days, activists rule as a way of commemorating International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Leading the campaign, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) initiates the nationwide yearly participation of the country in the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW from November 25 to December 12. “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines” (a recurring theme since 2022-2027), and its 2024 sub-theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” are the powerful mantras the PCW use as they crowd together with the placards in the streets.

Showing the triumph that was brought by the streets, the aforementioned theme is in line with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 (RA 9262).

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

The 16 Days of Activism’s campaign was based on the at least 51,100 women in 2023 that suffered from violence and ended up murdered; this means that a woman was killed every 10 minutes.

As for our country, statistics from the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority show that 17.5% of Filipino women aged 15-49 have experienced physical, s*xual, and emotional violence from their partners. Numbers from the year 2021 noted 8,399 reported cases of physical violence, 1,791 consist of r**e, and 1,505 vulgar acts.

The sad reality behind the numbers of the many cases of VAWC is that there remains a huge amount of unreported cases due to the silence, stigma, and shame regarding it. It is manifested in intimate partner violence, s*xual violence and harassment, child s*xual abuse, forced marriage, human trafficking, female ge***al mutilation, and child marriage.

𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

This global campaign had influenced the Philippine government through the PCW in 2002. The said commission supported this movement, driven to push for the establishment of institutional laws to address VAW.

This memorial participation was followed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signing Proclamation 1172 s. 2006, where the national campaign is extended to 18 days, where it includes December 12. The date marking the signing in the year 2000 of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.

Launching the UNiTE to End VAW campaign in 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General strengthened the possibilities of a world where oppression of women and children is nonexistent.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬

Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap 2024 report ranked the Philippines 25th out of 146 economies in terms of gender parity. But this does not end the march towards a VAW-free Philippines.

As long as there are numbers, as long as there are women who have to recourse to Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act—as they have for the past two decades (as it was signed on March 8, 2004), the march continues. A legacy that came from the collective efforts of untiring women advocates, women victim-survivors themselves, and just women.

Republic Act 10398, with the provision of making November 25 of every year the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC, annually calls on giving the treatment that is due to the women.

The purpose is yearly rekindled, the raising of the placards, and the meeting on the streets continues. No theme can capture the convergence on the streets- the united calling to make change by imprinting footprints that will guide the country to become a safer place for its women and children. A reminder for everyone to persistently march again and again.

Article by Bea Castaneda

The Mediator

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