The Pillar

The Pillar Opisyal na Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Silanganing Pilipinas | Kasapi ng CEGP

๐‹๐Ž๐Ž๐Š || ๐‚๐๐€ ๐จ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ๐ข๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ž๐ง๐ฌ "๐“๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ ๐“๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ" ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐…๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐š๐ฅ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’The College of Business Administration (CBA) kicked off ...
13/11/2024

๐‹๐Ž๐Ž๐Š || ๐‚๐๐€ ๐จ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ๐ข๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ž๐ง๐ฌ "๐“๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ ๐“๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ" ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐…๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐š๐ฅ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’

The College of Business Administration (CBA) kicked off its "Turo Turo" Marketing Festival, at the CBA Grounds today, November 13, 2024.

A program was held in the morning to officiate the festival's opening and to announce the panel of judges, including local entrepreneur Nemia Tejero, owner of Cafe Tejero, and Mimosa Regis, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry - Northern Samar .

"Turo Turo," meaning "Point Point," encourages customers to select items by pointing at their choices. This event run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily until Friday, November 15, features student-run businesses offering local foods and delicacies at individual stalls.

An overall winner will be announced on Friday based on the following criteria: Product (30%), On-site and online selling (20%), Marketing (20%), and Sales (30%).

Words by Jenchor Kenth Tenedero
Photos by Clarence Tuballas and Queen Surio

๐ˆ๐‚๐˜๐Œ๐ˆ || ๐‚๐๐€๐‡๐’ ๐ƒ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’ ๐ค๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ"Together, we form a powerful force in achieving our mission and vision and enriching ...
13/11/2024

๐ˆ๐‚๐˜๐Œ๐ˆ || ๐‚๐๐€๐‡๐’ ๐ƒ๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’ ๐ค๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ

"Together, we form a powerful force in achieving our mission and vision and enriching the quality of care that we provide in the field of healthcare services. Let us celebrate this unique bond that unites us all. That is, a shared commitment to improve the quality of life," expressed Dr. Sarah B. Delorino, College Dean, during the opening ceremony of the two-day College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) Days 2024 held yesterday, November 12, 2024.

The event celebrates the CNAHS student body as a unified student body rather than through separate events, a tradition in previous years.

The Nursing Department embraced an Encantadia-inspired theme, with each year level representing the kingdoms and territories of the fictional series: specifically, Adamya, Lireo, Hathoria, Etheria, and Sapiro.

Under the theme "Radiating Our Maximum Potential," the Radiologic Technology Department divided students into several groups named after scientific units: Ampere, Sievert, Candela, Euler, Kelvin, and Weber.

This year's CNAHS Days features cultural and athletic games held across the CNAHS grounds. Sports events include basketball at the UEP Bio Court and volleyball at the UEP Covered Court. Day 1 kicked off with a vibrant parade around the campus, featuring nursing students performing street dances.

In the evening, the Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2024 pageant took center stage. After nearly three hours showcasing intellect, aesthetics, and wit, the coveted titles of Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2024 were won by Mr. Radcliff T. Chitongco and Ms. Alona Y. Oroncillo.

Joining Chitongco and Oroncillo were the first runners-up, Mr. Vince Tampon and Ms. Ioan Fe Alexia M. Uy, followed by Mr. Lemuel Sagonoy and Ms. Sol Hanna Nebrida as second runners-up.

"If I were to wake up one day with the ability to change one problem, I would choose conflict and war because this has been a problem for several years and has caused many destructions that have ended lives," Chitongco answered during the final Q&A portion. Candidates were asked, "If you were to wake up one day with the ability to solve one problem, what would it be and why?"

"As your Miss Nursing, I would utilize my broadened capacity and widened influence to raise awareness about important causes. Ever since I was young, and I am here to make progress in my community. Raising awareness on teen pregnancy is relevant because addressing this could foster the economy, youth, and development of society." Oroncillo responded when asked, "How would you use your title to bring awareness about teen pregnancy?"

"Focusing on prevention and education, more specifically prevention methods, such as contraceptives and safe relationships. I also believe that we can promote access to resources and empower our teens and young ones to make informed decisions that could make improvements to their future and health, where we could have a society where we, people, are holistically happy, can thrive, and win in life," Oroncillo added.

The first day of CNAHS Days marked the start of numerous exciting activities. Upcoming highlights on Day 2 include the LitMus (Literary Musical) Night by the Nursing Department, a Talent Showdown by the RadTech Department, and the Mr. and Ms. RadTech 2024 pageant. ยถ

Words by Ed Almasco & Kevin Christian Macabutas
Photos by Mariel Mejos, Philip Nazarita, Hyacinth Ruth Giray, & Queen Surio

โ€œIt is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye,โ€ wrote Antoine de Saint-...
13/11/2024

โ€œIt is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye,โ€ wrote Antoine de Saint-Exupรฉry in The Little Prince.

World Kindness Day, observed every November 13, reminds us to be compassionate, a universal language that transcends differences. It is a time to honor and encourage acts of kindness that stir for social change in a world filled with stories of inequality, violence, and oppression.

In our daily life struggles, it is easy to feel numb and believe that small acts of kindness might be meaningless. Especially in the relentless rise of hate crimes and discrimination against marginalized communities, where many are forced to fight for basic respect, safety, and dignity.

However, a compassionate heart recognizes what is invisible yet invaluableโ€”the humanity in others. It may be often overlooked, but it is through an act of kindness that we protest against a world that would rather look away.

Deeds of kindness donโ€™t have to be done with grand gestures. They are the daily choices we make to support each other. It may be expressed with a smile, a hug, or a lending hand. Yet, the essence of kindness goes beyond making someone feel good in the moment; it digs deep into restoring the humanity within us that is often lost in our rush to survive our own struggles.

Kindness can be revolutionary. It can be done by standing up against injustice, speaking out for those who canโ€™t, or simply offering a listening ear to give hope when it seems scarce.

As we honor World Kindness Day, let us choose kindness not as a passive gesture but as a way of life. In doing so, we choose to see rightlyโ€”with the heart, with the courage to be kind even, and especially, when it is hard. ยถ

Words by Sophia Andrei Basiloy
Layout by John Paul Egana

๐๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ฒ๐š๐ข๐ง ๐ฌ๐ข ๐…๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ก๐ข๐ž ๐Œ๐š๐ž! ๐…๐ซ๐ž๐ž ๐“๐š๐œ๐ฅ๐จ๐›๐š๐ง ๐Ÿ“!Ngayong araw, Nobyembre 11, tumestigo sa unang pagkakataon si Frenchie Mae Cum...
11/11/2024

๐๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ฒ๐š๐ข๐ง ๐ฌ๐ข ๐…๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ก๐ข๐ž ๐Œ๐š๐ž! ๐…๐ซ๐ž๐ž ๐“๐š๐œ๐ฅ๐จ๐›๐š๐ง ๐Ÿ“!

Ngayong araw, Nobyembre 11, tumestigo sa unang pagkakataon si Frenchie Mae Cumpio upang sagutin ang mga kaso laban sa kanya, sa Tacloban Regional Trial Court Branch 45.

Matatandaang ilegal siyang hinuli noong Pebrero 7, 2020, kasama si Marielle Domequil, Alexander Abinguna, Mira Legion, at Marissa Cabaljao, dahil sa mga gawa-gawang kaso na illegal possession of fi****ms at terrorism financing.

Sa loob ng halos limang taon, ito ang unang pagdinig upang madepensahan nila ang kanilang mga sarili sa hindi makatarungang pagtrato sa kanila bilang community journalists at human rights defenders.

Palayain si Frenchie Mae!

Palayain ang Tacloban 5!

Palayain ang lahat ng mga bilanggong pulitikal!

Katarungan para sa bawat mamamahayag ng komunidad at tagapagtaggol ng mga karapatang pantao! ยถ

๐‚๐Ž๐Œ๐ˆ๐‚๐’ || ๐“๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐–๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌby Eljam Padilla
10/11/2024

๐‚๐Ž๐Œ๐ˆ๐‚๐’ || ๐“๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐–๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ
by Eljam Padilla

๐๐„๐–๐’ ๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„ || โ€˜๐๐ž ๐„๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐โ€™: ๐’๐จ๐œ๐ข๐จ-๐Ÿ‘ ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ซ ๐ก๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐‡๐ˆ๐• ๐€๐ฐ๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ, ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐›๐ฅ๐ž ๐ฉ๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž...
09/11/2024

๐๐„๐–๐’ ๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„ || โ€˜๐๐ž ๐„๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐โ€™: ๐’๐จ๐œ๐ข๐จ-๐Ÿ‘ ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ซ ๐ก๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐‡๐ˆ๐• ๐€๐ฐ๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ, ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐›๐ฅ๐ž ๐ฉ๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž๐ ๐ง๐š๐ง๐œ๐ฒ

In an effort to shine light on various healthcare repercussions of todayโ€™s youth, the third year students from the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with the guidance of Prof. Ena Rose J. Barojabo, hosted a seminar featuring critical discussions concerning HIV Awareness, responsible parenthood, and teenage pregnancy on 8 November 2024, at the Farmersโ€™ Training Center.

The initiative was a prerequisite for their course called Demography, which explores historical and socio-political factors that constitute the human populace.

โ€œThis seminar has been designed not only as an educational opportunity, but also as a vital requirement for the students given the importance of each topic in shaping responsible, informed individuals,โ€ thus spoke subject prof. Ena Rose J. Barojabo.

๐‡๐ˆ๐•: ๐ƒ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ณ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ณ๐ž๐

Chief of Hospital, Allen, Northern Samar, Dr. Joseph Cary O. Tomada, who delivered the first keynote speech, began his discussion with land acknowledgement of how timely it is to talk about health issues that concern the youth.

After which, he proceeded to enumerating the divisions of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), including their signs and symptoms through microscopic representations.

Dr. Tomada continued his discussion on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is a common viral STI that attacks the cells highly responsible for helping the body fight against infections. He was also quick to differentiate HIV from that of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), citing how most people often interchange both concepts.

โ€œSo, ang HIV ay virus. Ang AIDS is not a virus. It is a syndrome. Syndrome is composed of signs and symptoms. Magkaibang-ibang sintomas dala ng ibaโ€™t-ibang sakit na dumadapo doโ€™n sa katawan ng isang HIV positive person,โ€ he clarified.

Consequently, he pinpointed the body fluids that are considered to be the causes of HIV infection. Not only that, he also specified the ways in which HIV can be transmitted, such as unprotected s*x, pregnancy childbirth and breast feeding, injecting drugs, and working in healthcare.

Dr. Tomada also went from talking about the process of how one can get HIV to debunking preconceived notions about it. At last, he offered proactive strategies on how one can mitigate, if not get rid of, the far-reaching socio-emotional impact it may pose.

๐‘๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐›๐ฅ๐ž ๐๐š๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐„๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐ž๐ ๐ง๐š๐ง๐œ๐ฒ: ๐ƒ๐ž๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐ž๐

Teacher and Registered Nurse Ms. Daisy G. Acuรฑa, gave the second keynote speech, which was divided into two areas, to wit: responsible parenthood and teenage pregnancy. In her first talk, she primarily highlighted that rearing a child entails financial responsibility.

โ€œAlthough there are services na binibigay ng gobyerno, magasto pa rin ang pagiging mama, pagiging father, or pagiging parent. Isipin niyo talaga kung kaya ta ba or hindi,โ€ she asserted.

Meanwhile, now that the worldโ€™s population continues to balloon, Ms. Acuรฑa argued that population growth is not the problem; rather, the challenges lie in the shortage of resources needed by the people that need public service, such as employment housing and food.

โ€œFamily planning aims to improve the quality of life of family. Diyan na papasok ang importance ng family planning. Ang pag-limit, pagpaplano ng pamilya kun pira la iyo karuyag,โ€ she said.

Ms. Acuรฑa proceeded with her thorough discussion on the types of family planning, which include natural and artificial methods.

Immediately thereafter, she continued her second talk, focusing on early pregnancy. Initially, Ms. Acuรฑa mentioned the underlying reasons for teenage pregnancy, such as s*xual violence, lack of knowledge about s*xual reproductive organs, poverty, and family, community, and social pressure, among others.

Another crucial factor discussed is the large influence of social media on teenage pregnancy. This is owing to the fact that teens glamorize pregnancy, which in turn can hide the real difficulties associated with it.

โ€œDiri dapat ig-normalize an teenage pregnancy. Do not do what is wrong. Always do what is right. In doing what is right, you will never be wrong,โ€ she counseled.

Ms. Acuรฑa ended her discussion by providing essential strategies to prevent early pregnancy. That is, educating teens about the different contraceptive techniques, promoting abstinence, and making birth control readily available.

๐’๐จ๐œ๐ข๐จ-๐Ÿ‘ ๐‡๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ซ: ๐€๐ง ๐„๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐„๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž

In an interview with The Pillar, BA Sociology junior Elena Gallardo, said she found the event enriching and relevant in today's generation, most especially when it comes to accessing healthcare services and initiatives from various institutions.

"Ma-suerte na lat yana an new generation kay yaon na siton mga programa sa gobyerno nga gihatag about sa contraceptive methods," said she.

In a similar vein, John Fil Sabangan, a junior from BA Sociology, emphasized how the symposium allowed him to augment his knowledge concerning timely issues of today's youth.

"For me, as a sociology student, it's needed talaga para maging aware kami sa kun nano ba an HIV-AIDS. Kun nano ba an pagkakaiba nira... Through sadto na nga speakers liwat, they have that insights po para maadman namon kun nano po talaga an ibig sabihon nira siton," he said. ยถ

Words by Angelo Surio
Photos by Rian Marzol, Trisha Mae Docil, Clarence Tuballas & Queen Surio

๐‹๐Ž๐Ž๐Š || ๐’๐จ๐œ๐’๐œ๐ข ๐’๐จ๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐”๐ ๐ƒ๐š๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’, ๐œ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐ฌ ๐Œ๐ซ. ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ฌ. ๐”๐  On November 8, 2024, the Social Studies Society spearhe...
08/11/2024

๐‹๐Ž๐Ž๐Š || ๐’๐จ๐œ๐’๐œ๐ข ๐’๐จ๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐”๐ ๐ƒ๐š๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’, ๐œ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐ฌ ๐Œ๐ซ. ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ฌ. ๐”๐

On November 8, 2024, the Social Studies Society spearheaded the celebration of the United Nations Day anchored on this year's theme "One Common Future, One Common Agenda," at the UEP Centennial Building.

The event kicked off with a parade of costumes participated by the College of Education (CoEd) as well as both University of Eastern Philippines Laboratory Elementary and High School (UEPLES and UEPLHS) students and faculty, donning traditional costumes to represent the cultures of different countries across the globe.

Following the parade, the search for Mr. and Ms. United Nations took center stage, highlighting candidates from different programs vied for the title. 16 Contestants were clad in national costumes of their respective countries and were challenged in their knowledge on global issues in the question and answer portion.

Dr. Leah A. De Asis, a retired professor, delivered a speech and underscores, "The UN has not weathered its hope for a really united nations. I said really united nations because from our readings we believe that the purpose of a united nations has not yet been attained." Her remarks emphasized the call for an inclusive future, where nations unite to realize a common global agenda.

Afterwards, the winners of the pageant were announced:

Mr. United Nations 2024: Tom Rainan M. Fraga (BS Chemistry)
Ms. United Nations 2024: Jome-An D. Egneo (BTLED HE)

1st Runner-up (Male): Orsisio P. Oligario III (BPEd)
1st Runner-up (Female): Mariel B. Doncillo (BS Public Administration)

2nd Runner-up (Male): Jboy A. Rangis (BTLEd HE)
2nd Runner-up (Female): Mary Joy P. Yruma (BPEd)

Special Awards:

Production Number:
Male: Jboy A. Rangis (BTLEd-HE) โ€“ Brazil
Female: Mary Joy P. Yruma (BPEd) โ€“ Egypt

National Costume:
Male: Jboy A. Rangis (BTLEd-HE) โ€“ Brazil
Female: Neriza B. Arandia (BPEd) โ€“ China

Netizens Choice:
Male: Orsisio P. Oligario III (BPEd) โ€“ Egypt
Female: Mary Joy P. Yruma (BPEd) โ€“ Egypt

Photogenic:
Male: Jboy A. Rangis (BTLEd-HE) โ€“ Brazil
Female: Cherry Ann P. Dela Cruz (BSEd-Filipino) โ€“ Albania

Pre-Pageant Post:
Male: Jboy A. Rangis (BTLEd-HE) โ€“ Brazil
Female: Tricia Ann R. Talua (BEEd) โ€“ New Zealand

As the event moved into its afternoon session, students from different colleges joined a series of games and competitions, namely, Laro ng Lahi, Debate Competition, Paligsahan sa Kasaysayan, and Poster Making Competition. ยถ

Words by Gideon Pernito
Photos by Hyacinth Ruth Giray, Wenona Sagonoy, & Karl Andrei Gumarao

๐Š๐Ž๐Œ๐ˆ๐Š๐’ || ๐๐š๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐š ๐˜๐จ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐๐šni Xukiyo & Jomel Modrigo
08/11/2024

๐Š๐Ž๐Œ๐ˆ๐Š๐’ || ๐๐š๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐š ๐˜๐จ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐๐š
ni Xukiyo & Jomel Modrigo

๐๐„๐–๐’ || ๐ƒ๐š๐๐๐ฒ๐ฅ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ž๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ '๐‘๐ž๐š๐œ๐ก ๐˜๐จ๐ฎ' ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ž๐›๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐žDaddylayed, one of the rising bands in Northern Samar, comp...
08/11/2024

๐๐„๐–๐’ || ๐ƒ๐š๐๐๐ฒ๐ฅ๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ž๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ '๐‘๐ž๐š๐œ๐ก ๐˜๐จ๐ฎ' ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ž๐›๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ž

Daddylayed, one of the rising bands in Northern Samar, comprised of students from the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), released their first single "Reach You" on different streaming platforms today, November 8, 2024.

The poignant ballad of "Reach You" is followed by a deeper reflection of the song's exploration between the themes of unrequited love, longing, and frustration.

"It captures the universal experience of feeling out of reach from someone you deeply care about," said Lance Verdeflor, the band's bassist and a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student.

The melancholic song that lasts almost four minutes and is the result of their search to express their love for music is the first track they released since the band's formation in April 2021.

Despite their status as full-time college students, they are committed to riding on this momentum as they are set to perform their release this month. ยถ

Words by Greg Antonnie Poldo
Layout by Mark Kendrick Orsua

Today, November 6, 2024, we commemorate the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War ...
06/11/2024

Today, November 6, 2024, we commemorate the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, a day dedicated to promoting the protection of ecosystems and natural resources.

Between 1961 and 1971, during the Vietnam War, the U.S. military sprayed 19 million gallons of Orange Herbicide, a potent herbicide used to defoliate forests, fields, contaminated soil and water.

The attacks left Vietnam's ecosystem severely damaged. The Asian elephants, which once a common sight in the forests, saw their population drastically decline. Today, hundreds of them remains in the wild.

Its far-reaching impact, however, did not end there; because of the poison that accompanies with the herbicide, it has resulted in the deaths of millions of Vietnamese. What's worse was that around 500,000 children were born with birth defects requiring them a lifetime of care.

That being said, as we observe this day, let us reflect on the lessons of the Vietnam Warโ€”a glaring reminder of how far the impacts of war can reach. Of how far it can affect innocent lives and of how far it can leave a lasting scars on the environment. ยถ

Words by Jenchor Tenedero
Layout by Mark Kendrick Orsua

๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„ || ๐…๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐Œ๐ž๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐‘๐ž๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฌCompared to campus and halls where noise is earsplitting, the room kept for meeti...
04/11/2024

๐…๐„๐€๐“๐”๐‘๐„ || ๐…๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐Œ๐ž๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐‘๐ž๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฌ

Compared to campus and halls where noise is earsplitting, the room kept for meetings where faculty voices should be heard, are now filled with deafening silence. Instead of open discussions, these voices became soundless with the existence of referendums, leaving many feel that concerns are not totally addressed, questioning the universityโ€™s transparency.

๐“๐ก๐ž ๐‘๐จ๐ฅ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐€๐œ๐š๐๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐œ ๐‚๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐œ๐ข๐ฅ ๐Œ๐ž๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ 

According to Dr. Ronato S. Ballado, Vice President for Academic Affairs, an academic council meeting is held to discuss crucial academic matters, especially those with university-wide concerns such as curriculum, research, and other faculty matters.

The academic council comprises faculty members from assistant professors to professors. The decisions made in this meeting influences the universityโ€™s overall quality of education. This is to ensure that the university is a responsive academic environment that meets the needs of students, faculty, and the whole academic community.

Prof. Christine M. Adlawan, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Faculty Union, stressed that the absence of an academic council meeting may result in crucial matter being overlooked, such as curriculum changes or academic standards.

โ€œLahat kasi dapat ng important issues pinag-uusapan ng members ng academe, yan ang faculty. Hindi isang tao lang or few of them ang magdecide then pa-approve na lang. Pag walang academic council meeting, walang transparency and proper representation,โ€ Prof. Adlawan said.

She explained that understanding this absence helps the community recognize the importance of active participation in governance and the need for accountability in the universityโ€™s academic processes.

๐“๐ก๐ž ๐€๐›๐ฌ๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐Œ๐ž๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ

In an interview, Dr. Ballado stated that academic council meeting is usually held twice every academic year โ€“ first semester, second semester. In the first semester, the meeting is concentrated on the curriculum, while in the second semester, it focuses on approving the candidates for graduation.

However, due to lack of consistent meetings, some academic concerns were not discussed and addressed properly. One member of the faculty union, who requested for anonymity, attested that no academic council meeting was called since Dr. Cherry I. Ultra assumed the presidency, except of an issue where a graduating student was deliberated if he or she will be allowed to graduate.

โ€œDiri ak maaram kun gin-iisip ni Maโ€™am Ultra nga diri na importante iton [academic council meeting]? Kun kailangan puros nala referendum, kun nahahadok ba siya umatubang,โ€ the informant said.

Furthermore, another professor indicated that this meeting was only held during the vacation period when several faculty members were already on leave. Other academic issues that typically require an academic council meeting were only submitted instead through referendums, where faculty were simply asked to sign the document.

When asked why academic council meetings are not held regularly, Dr. Ballado explained that one reason is the difficulty in scheduling meetings. He said that it depends since it is hard to schedule a meeting on several people while there are only few agenda.

โ€œMahirap mag-schedule ng meeting on many people tapos ang agenda kakaunti lang din. Kung isang agenda lang, example curriculum program na mayroong konting revision, ginagawa na lang siya for referendum, para hindi na rin kailangang mag-meet pa,โ€ Dr. Ballado said.

However, he clarified that if there are sufficient agenda to discuss, conducting a meeting becomes more feasible.

๐‘๐ž๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐š๐ฌ ๐š๐ง ๐€๐ฅ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž

By definition, a referendum is a general vote in which the electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal.

โ€œIn referendums, faculty were simply asked to sign the referendum document,โ€ Prof. Adlawan noted.

Now that the university mostly relied on referendums instead of physical academic council meetings, some professors are concerned that the problem might not be actually addressed.

โ€œKaurugan mapirma la kami didi. Diri ngani ak danay maaram kun nanu iton kay wara man mga readings kun para diin iton,โ€ the anonymous professor said.

Dr. Ballado explained that they also resort to referendum to ensure fast-tracking of proposals. This referendum is circulated to faculties for signatures. Through referendums, proposals are fast approved by the Board of Reagents (BOR).

However, some professors see this as inefficient because the faculty are not fully informed about the issues at hand. They believed that significant matters, such as curriculum changes, should be discussed in an academic council meeting rather than just handled through referendum.

โ€œNot all concerns are properly addressed in a referendum. Itโ€™s still better to have a face-to-face discussion of the issues rather than just reading the attached document and signing it,โ€ Prof. Adlawan said.

๐๐จ ๐‘๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ž ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐€๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง

The Faculty Union calls for a response for this concern, however, the university administration has yet to respond to this concern.

Prof. Adlawan emphasized that this is an issue that the UEP academic community need to be aware of, especially since no academic council meeting happened since her term of presidency, except of the second semester for academic year 2023-2024. She added that unlike an academic council meeting that requires an in-depth discussion about certain academic concerns, a referendum is only presented to the faculty for immediate approval that are not often discussed in detail.

โ€œWe donโ€™t know the Presidentโ€™s reason for this. The only alternative has been meeting with the President for each college which isnโ€™t what is provided in the University Code,โ€ Prof. Adlawan said.

The Faculty Union hopes for transparency when discussing academic matters so they can provide what really is the problem inside the academe. They believe that this union is not just a union, it also contributes in the decision-making process of the whole academe. They see that the real solution is a proper communication. ยถ

Words by Gideon Pernito & Jane Evelour Limbawan
Cartoon by AJ Obieta

๐Š๐Ž๐Œ๐ˆ๐Š๐’ || ๐Œ๐š๐ ๐ฉ๐š๐ฉ๐š๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒni Xukiyo
03/11/2024

๐Š๐Ž๐Œ๐ˆ๐Š๐’ || ๐Œ๐š๐ ๐ฉ๐š๐ฉ๐š๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒ
ni Xukiyo

๐Š๐”๐‹๐“๐”๐‘๐€ || ๐Œ๐ ๐š ๐ˆ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ๐š ๐ง๐ข ๐๐š๐ฉ๐šSayo nga ak nahinumduman san bata pa ak, an permi ni Papa pag-istorya kun gaano siya kabil...
02/11/2024

๐Š๐”๐‹๐“๐”๐‘๐€ || ๐Œ๐ ๐š ๐ˆ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ๐š ๐ง๐ข ๐๐š๐ฉ๐š

Sayo nga ak nahinumduman san bata pa ak, an permi ni Papa pag-istorya kun gaano siya kabilib kan Lola, bisan kun harayo sa perpekto an naging relasyon nira nga duha.

Agsub dire sira nag-aabuyon sa daramo nga butang. Kudi pag-abot sa pagluto, nahimo ine tulay kun diin an kanra kasingkasing nagtupo ngan nag-igsabot.

Gin-istorya sa ak ni Papa nga si Lola baltok ngan mabinuligon, mao kuno an namana niya. Siring pa niya nga kun puydi tanan buligan, bubuligan ni Lola tubtob san kanya mahihimo.

Kaya masusugad ko nga kun nano yana si Papa, tungod iton sa pagpadako ngan higugma san kanya Mamรก. Bagaw pa san akon amay, an higugma san kag-anak bisan kun dire matugbang, wara iton iba na katapat kundi an ato liwat pag higugma sa kanra.

Kudi sugad san daramo nga butang sa kinabuhi nga limitado la, an oras san sayo nga tawo sa kalibutan dire permanente. Umabot an panahon nga an kalayo sa kandila ni Lola natigpapas na. Sugad san mga mananap sa kasisidman, damo an mga sakit nga humugpo kan Lola. Nakikitโ€™an nala namo siya nga nakahigda, makuri makaistorya, kay ultimo pagkiwa sa kanya kalawasan, kinahanglan sin pag-atagbay.

Para saak nga apo, klarado saak mga mata an suol nga ginbabati ni Papaโ€”an ngut-ngot sa dughan na makitสผan nga hinay-hinay nga nauupos an suna san kanya nanay.

โ€œMakuri maimod an imo kusog nga ditoy-ditoy nga nanluluya. An akon nala gin-aaro, na diri na imo Lola pakurian,โ€ siring pa ni Papa.

Dinatong an adlaw nga tigda nagmingaw an kwarto ni Lola. Dire na siya nakakabagaw tungod nabutong na an tingog niya. Ak amay dire na nakailob pagduok, adto nala nakubkob luyo san purtaโ€”mala in bagahon nga di makalata, nahahadok, kudi an bayhon napapaso sa naturo nga mga luha.

Wara siya mahimo kudi imdan an hinay-hinay nga pagsaruko san marig-on nga lawas san tawo nga sadto nahangkop, nahapyod, naharok sa kanya. Aram niya nga wara na mahihimo kudi an mabido nala kay sugad san pag-iba san huyop san hangin, biskan nano nga oras pwede mawara si Lola.

Hasta nga inabot an birthday ni Lola, kaagahon sadto ngan nag iiristorya kami san amo pagbisita kanya. Agap pa may tumawag na, nabati ko si Tito sa selpon kaistorya si Papa, โ€œManoy, wara na si Mamรก,โ€ nagbabakho si Tito sa buka nga linya.

Parehas sa kwarto ni Lola, nagmingaw an amo balay. Wara pakabaton si Papa. Sinulod siya sa kwarto, gindadanas an bugโ€™at san kanya kasing-kasing. Nagtaod-taod, ngan pag guwa niya, mabaga-baga na an kanya mga mata.

Nag timpla siya sa kanya kape, nag pili sa kanya bado, nagdagkot sa sigarilyo, tas nilingkod ngan gin abrihan an telebisyon.

Kagasi ko nga nailob niya an suol san kawara, pero pag abot san lubong, bisan pag-picture dire makaya kudi pag nguy-nguy la an amon nababati tikang sa kanya.

Pagtrapo sa naturo na mga luha sa yungod sa malan nakaturog nga lawas sa kanya nanay, na nakahigda sa kanya lungonโ€”hasta yana wara siya nahimo kudi iton, an pagtinangis.

Abot la siya ngada. Abot la siya san paghaya. Abot la siya pagkumkom sa kaniya palad. Abot la siya sa paghuring san karuyag sidngon san buhi pa an kaniya iroy. Abot nala siya ngada.

Pira ka-semana an lumabay san ginlubong si Lola, mayda mga adlaw nga bisan sa pagkulaw san paborito niya nga ice cream, naghahaya si Papa. Wara katampusan na pagkabido. Wara katampusan na kamingaw. Wara katampusan na paghigugma ni Papa.

Istorya pa ni Papa, an kinabuhi dali la, dire kit naabat danay san mga nahinanabo. Kaya an kada adlaw nga naabot, suliton ngan maghatag gugma sa mga tawo nga ada. An mga karuyag ta ig-istorya sa aton mga kag-anak, ayaw na naton ig-paabot sa punto nga abot nala kit panugon sa mga panahon na kunta natagan nato importansya.

Ngada ko nahibaruan nga ungod an paghigugmaโ€”napapakulaw sa digtoy nga kiwa. Kay bisan an mga suol san sala na diri na gud nahihilot, hinay-hinay siya nga nawawara tungod sa paghigugma. ยถ

Words by Athea Custorio
Cartoon by Jomel Modrigo

๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ, ๐”๐„๐๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ! ๐€๐ซ๐ž ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐„๐•๐‘๐’๐‚๐”๐€๐€ ๐†๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’?After a week of competition and camaraderie at the Unive...
01/11/2024

๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ, ๐”๐„๐๐ข๐š๐ง๐ฌ! ๐€๐ซ๐ž ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐„๐•๐‘๐’๐‚๐”๐€๐€ ๐†๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’?

After a week of competition and camaraderie at the University of Eastern Philippines Athletic Association (UEPAA) Games 2024, held from October 23-27, the entire UEP community celebrates the remarkable success of this event.

It provided UEPians a platform to showcase their skills and talent in athletic and non-athletic competitions. From track and field to cultural performances, each UEPian upholds the value of determination, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Although The Pillarโ€™s UEPAA Games 2024 special coverage has concluded, the stories of triumph and teamwork are still not over. We are excited to announce that a special issue will be released soon, featuring in-depth highlights, interviews with standout athletes, and reflections on the overall experience of the games.

As we look forward to Eastern Visayas Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (EVRSCUAA) Games 2024, on December 8-13, at the Northwest Samar State University, letโ€™s carry the momentum of UEPAA Games 2024 to achieve another remarkable record at the regional level. ยถ

Itโ€™s a long weekend, indeed! In response to the recently concluded four-day UEPAA Games 2024 and the upcoming holidays, ...
29/10/2024

Itโ€™s a long weekend, indeed!

In response to the recently concluded four-day UEPAA Games 2024 and the upcoming holidays, the Office of the University President issued a memorandum, Proclamation No. 181, series of 2024, declaring that classes and other academic activitiesโ€”both online and face-to-faceโ€”are suspended from today, October 29, until Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Meanwhile, in accordance with Proclamation No. 368, series of 2023, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this coming Friday, November 1, 2024, is declared a national non-working holiday. This day commemorates All Saintsโ€™ Day, a Christian solemnity celebrating all the saints and martyrs of the Church, both known and unknown.

The aforementioned memorandum, however, despite referring to the โ€œAcademic and Wellness Break,โ€ excludes the College of Law (CL), which will still resume its regular academic activities on the specified dates.

With this long weekend, UEPians, make the most of it! After a sleep-depriving midterm examination season and a tiring four-day sporting eventโ€”whether as an athlete, a supporter, or someone who went above and beyond to ensure their attendanceโ€”you deserve a break. On a similar note, this time also offers those living far away a chance to return to their hometowns and enjoy the weekend before it ends.

Please be advised that classes will resume on Monday, November 4, 2024. ยถ

Words by Ed Almasco
Layout by Jerald Zabala

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