ThePILLARS Publication

22/01/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗣𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘀

On January 15, the progressive official student publication of the University of San Carlos, Today’s Carolinian, received a notice on its office door stating that the space must be vacated the same day, as it would be repurposed for the Alumni Office—issued by the USC administration. The abrupt and uncalled-for removal of the student publication’s workspace constitutes a significant attack on press freedom and a violation of both student and community rights. This action not only hampers the publication’s ability to function effectively but also negatively impacts the entire student body by directly infringing upon their right to freedom of information.

Today’s Carolinian has been fulfilling its duties as a student publication since 1932, serving the University of San Carlos community. This includes upholding truth and justice, informing students about campus events and developments, and, most importantly, providing critical reports on pressing issues such as Tuition and Other Fee Increases (TOFI) discussions. Considering the defunding of the student publication by the USC administration in 2019, the removal of its office is a highly questionable exercise of authority, coinciding with ongoing critical matters.

As a student publication and a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, ThePILLARS Publication condemns the eviction of Today’s Carolinian from its office at USC. This act by the administration violates the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (Republic Act 7079), which establishes it as state policy to uphold and protect press freedom, even at the campus level. The law also emphasizes the importance of promoting and developing campus journalism “as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing the moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.” Therefore, the administration should not perceive the student publication as a threat but rather as a source of valid criticism that can be used to better serve the student body.

Suppression of press freedom and student expression on campuses remains prevalent, and the case of Today’s Carolinian is no exception. Echoing the College Editors Guild of the Philippines - Cebu, “A free and independent student press is vital to the pursuit of truth and the safeguarding of accountability. Silencing Today’s Carolinian undermines not only the principles of campus journalism but also the fundamental values of freedom of expression and student empowerment.”

ThePILLARS Publication stands in solidarity with Today’s Carolinian in the collective call to defend press freedom. The persistent oppression of student publications at USC must be brought to an end. In light with this, we urge our fellow campus journalists, student leaders, and the broader Filipino youth to join us in resisting these attacks on press freedom.

19/01/2025

Removal of publication offices are below-the-line press attacks; violation of student and community rights

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) condemns the University of San Carlos (USC) administration's displacement of Today's Carolinian without prior notice amid discussions of Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) in the university.

The USC admin stuck a poster stating that the Today's Carolinian office be replaced as an Alumni Office effective last January 15. Today's Carolinian, serving as the official publication of the university, has been defunded by the administration since 2019 for its critical reportage on TOFI and repressive policies against the studentry.

"The USC's removal of Today's Carolinian's office amid students fearless inquiry on the tuition fee and other school fees increase is a clear violation of the democratic rights of the students and its communities. An administration forceful of its power is unfit to lead its constituents if they treat the clamor of students as a threat, instead on assessing the policies they impose," said Brell Lacerna, CEGP National Spokesperson.

According to Today's Carolinian, they have been pressured to be accredited under the Office of Student Formation and Activities (OSFA), notorious for arbitrary policies against student organizations to hold progressive activities and participate in people's campaigns.

Removing a student's office is not an isolated case in USC. During their first semester, a student publication lost its domicile in the USC-Talamban Campus. Recently, Today's Carolinian was barred from covering their recent university intramurals.

"The longstanding struggle of the USC students must end now, and it relies on our collective pressure against repression in our education system. The school administration must cooperate with its constituents, especially in the talks on TOFI, and recognize student councils and publications as representations of the USC community. Furthermore, genuinely collect and fund Today's Carolinian for its unwavering commitment to critical reportage amid press attacks," Lacerna concluded.





PRESS RELEASE
January 17, 2025

References:
Brell Lacerna
CEGP National Spokesperson
[email protected]

16/01/2025

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗦𝟭𝟬𝟭 | 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲

According to the recent survey conducted by ThePILLARS Publication on 3 to 6 January 2025, the majority of the respondents disclosed their disapproval of the change in the schedule of the activity period. An estimate of 385 students from various college departments of Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) answered the survey, with 66.2% (255 of the respondents) of students answering they are not in favor of the change and 33.8% (130 of the respondents) contrarily answering they are in favor. | via Reina Narvaez & Sophia Marfega

Read more here: https://thepillarspub.com/VoxAteneo/voxateneo-stats101-or-students-share-feedback-on-revised-activity-schedule-1152025-52809-pm

Reports by Terrence Azañes
Pubmats by Edward Alipio

10/01/2025

𝗩𝗢𝗫 𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗢 | Long queues. Blocked enlistment accounts. Inability to enlist subjects due to late grades. These are just some of the challenges that plagued the Ateneo student body once again during the enrollment for this academic year's second semester.

An alumni recall similar frustrations during their stay, highlighting how this problem continues until today. However, this semester's enrollment woes have reached extremes, with students and their guardians lining up in the cold and occasional rains as early as 1:00 a.m. to get their queue numbers, only to wait until late at night to pay their initial enrollment fees. With the senior high school enrollment simultaneously happening, the volume of enrollees for the past four days have shown limitations of the current systems in place. For some parents, this experience stands in contrast to the prestige the Ateneo name holds.

In light of this, ThePILLARS Publication collated firsthand sentiments from the same Ateneans who braved long lines and waited long hours on their experiences on the processes in place this enrollment season for the second semester and the need for a proactive, long-term solution to these recurrent, years-long problems. | via Ivan Obias

You may access the full transcript of interviews here: https://thepillarspub.com/VoxAteneo/voxateneo-adnu-enrolment-1102025-121857-pm

Reports by Terrence Azañes
Pubmats by Thaddeus Noble

09/01/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗦 | Hindi upang gawing romantiko ang sitwasyon, ngunit ang dedikasyon ng mga estudyante ng AdNU na magpunta sa paaralan nang kasing-aga ng 4 a.m. para lamang makapag-enroll ay nagpapakita kung gaano nila pinahahalagahan ang kanilang edukasyon. Kaya naman, nararapat lamang na tumbasan ng institusyon ang pagsisikap na ito dahil sa huli, ang mga estudyanteng ito ay masikap na nagbabayad ng napakamahal na matrikula at sumusunod sa mga rekisito ng unibersidad. | via Edward Alipio

Cartoon by Salvador Ferro III

09/01/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | In a memorandum released today, the Office of the Vice President for Higher Education adjusted the deletion dates for enlistment to next Monday, 13 January 2025, the earliest.

The VPHE's move aims to address enrollment issues raised by parents and students since the start of the enrollment period last Monday. It can be noted that issues surrounding the enrollment this second semester, including long queue lines and blocked enlistment accounts, have arisen since the start of the enrollment last Monday, 6 January. | via Ivan Obias

Source:
Memorandum, Re: Extension of Deadline of Class Registration

06/01/2025

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥 | Everything has a beginning, just as much as it comes to an end. This new year might feel daunting, and it’s natural to lament that nothing feels the same as it used to. Still, we should remember that nothing stays the same forever. Things change, and we must learn to accept it. And when we change, that's when we thrive and grow into our own person.

Here are the important dates for this month to remember:
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭: New Year's Day
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟱: End of Christmas Vacation
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟲-𝟭𝟭: Enrollment week for 2nd Semester (A/Y 2024 - 2025)
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟲: Start of Enrollment for Upperclassmen with Advisement (UWES), Graduate School
Incoming Freshmen, Re-Ad, Transferees, Degree Holders, Non-Credit, and Cross-Enrollees.
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟴-𝟭𝟬: Open to all/First Come-First Served Enrollment (UWES), and Opening of Adding/Dropping of Subjects
(with Approved Applications).
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟬: Deadline of Application for Delayed Final Exams for First Semester, 2024 – 2025
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟯: Start of Second Semester A/Y 2024 – 2025
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟯-𝟭𝟱: Late Enrollment
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟳: General Faculty Assembly (Activity Period)
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟵: Chinese New Year

𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘯. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺.

06/01/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | According to the memorandum released by the Office of the President, a consultation meeting regarding the proposed Tuition and Other Fees (TOF) for the academic year 2025-2026 is scheduled to take place on 24 January 2025, Friday, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Arrupe Convention Hall, Main Campus.

All parents and college students are encouraged to attend and participate in the TOF consultation. | via Lenin Faith Babilonia

Source:
Memorandum, Re: Tuition and Other Fees for SY 2025-2026 in the Colleges

05/01/2025

The assessment survey for the schedules of the activity period will be open until 𝟭𝟮 𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝟲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

You may access the survey through these links:
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7

Note: For AdNU college students and teaching faculty/staff, please use your respective Gbox accounts.

📣 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗬 | 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱

ThePILLARS Publication invites all involved stakeholders to partake in this survey, which aims to assess the sentiments on the schedule of the new activity period after a semester of its implementation.

This survey will be a gauge on the perceptions and preferences of the students and the teaching staff regarding the sudden schedule changes and to compare their preference between the two schedules based on their experiences.

You may access the survey through these links:
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7

Note: For AdNU college students and teaching faculty/staff, please use your respective Gbox accounts.

03/01/2025

📣 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗬 | 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱

ThePILLARS Publication invites all involved stakeholders to partake in this survey, which aims to assess the sentiments on the schedule of the new activity period after a semester of its implementation.

This survey will be a gauge on the perceptions and preferences of the students and the teaching staff regarding the sudden schedule changes and to compare their preference between the two schedules based on their experiences.

You may access the survey through these links:
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7
https://forms.gle/4dspBc4mHbfr1WKG7

Note: For AdNU college students and teaching faculty/staff, please use your respective Gbox accounts.

31/12/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗮)

"𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘬𝘰 𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 90 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 2025!"

Sparks are left after the fireworks burst in the evening sky. The motivation for self-transformation that has long died before the “-ber” months even arrived is reignited. The fireworks leave a domino effect, kindling passion in those who witness it. The memory of that spectacle pulls me to my desk, where I grab my pen and begin a stroke down, then to the right, down again, then left—it’s a checklist box for yet another New Year’s resolution.

I tell myself that I won’t have another grade below 90 in the next year as I wait in unnerving silence for this semester’s grades. To prepare the balm as I anticipate my academic wound, I soothe myself by focusing on what I can do in the future. I've created a mental list of everything I'll do differently for 2025. After all, it feels much more special and motivating to start something new when the first day of the year strikes, doesn’t it?

Motivated by the “new year, new me” mindset, creating a New Year’s resolution is not an isolated experience. We are naturally inclined to follow freshness wherever novelty is stirring in the atmosphere, and what better way to match the newness of the year than to also do something new with ourselves?

Over the years, resolutions we’ve made since childhood have evolved into more introspective and realistic goals. “As I grew older, I became more reflective. My resolutions shifted to focusing on setting firm boundaries, being kinder to myself, and prioritizing personal growth,” says Ed, a BS Digital Illustration and Animation student. He expounds on how his resolutions are effective drivers of motivation, even achieving a few as the years pass.

However, it is also no surprise that most of us who have listed 20 goals will not have checked more than five by the time December 2025 arrives, as I am guilty as charged.

So, why do we lose interest in something when we initially wanted it with such a strong desire?

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀-𝗞𝘂𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿

Beginning a new project fills us with excitement. However, the idea of the probable success of completing a goal tends to outweigh the concrete actions taken to achieve it. Infamously known as an idiom that is—unfortunately—characteristically Filipino, the 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘴-𝘒𝘶𝘨𝘰𝘯 behavior occurs when the fire of strong enthusiasm for starting a goal is extinguished before fruition. With such an experience repeating year after year, interest fizzling out has become an unsurprising ending of goal setting.

When the need for discipline and commitment surfaces from the fog of our projections, the reality of what success really entails reels us back to earth to reevaluate our goals. What is the result of this? Not finishing the task started because it’s too much work. Some lose interest in the challenge of consistency and not receiving immediate results, while others are swallowed by self-induced unrealistic expectations.

The goals we’ve set loom over us with an intimidating glare that ignorance is the only solution to escape them. “Instead of serving as motivation, they [resolutions] can create pressure and guilt,” Ed explains, expressing the downside of setting resolutions. “They can cause us to focus too much on hustling for future goals, leading us to neglect appreciating and working on the present moment.”

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

This dilemma persists in various aspects of our individual experience and extends beyond applying New Year's resolutions to goals that affect the masses. Projects promising to create better roads made at the beginning of the year are left for fixing until the end of December.

“𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘣𝘢𝘨𝘰,” is a phrase repeated by elders as news about hours-long traffic is, again, brought to our attention. Loved ones travel across the country to visit their families, as they long to spend the holidays with them. Only for this longing to be aggravated by 17 to 20 hours of traffic from the usual 8 to 12-hour journey. Year after year since 2021, this concern resurfaces during the holidays.

Instead of alleviating the difficulty of traveling, constructing new roads delays those needing repair. Resource and labor shortages coupled with proposals for shortcuts and highways only defer the pending problems that eventually result in more traffic. New paths are built before the old ones are fixed—a curious analogy to the process of achieving New Year’s resolutions.

𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄

As I write in my journal expressing everything that has transpired over the past December, I can’t help but flip through the pages of this hardbound notebook until I come across a checklist written in faded ink from last year. Most are relatively achievable goals—I’ve only accomplished one. However, it comes to a point where new resolutions become obsolete because of the pending tasks I’ve made for myself.

After realizing the self-bombardment of goals—the unrealistic goal—I began looking deeper into myself, reflecting on the parts of me that need healing, not fixing. Yes, it will be another task for my New Year’s resolutions, but it transforms into a small step of improvement. One that clears blockages from my old path to forge space for new ones. Perfectionism is not the aim, but the wisdom to use my flaws as strengths—transmuting qualities I once perceived as negative into healthy attitudes.

Perhaps the loss of interest isn’t the only driving factor for not pursuing a New Year’s resolution but the suppression of wounds that pull us into negative patterns and habits that inhibit fulfilling our desires. It takes an act of genuine love to accept areas of ourselves that we want to keep hidden—a quality that lasts a lifetime to fulfill.

So, we create New Year’s resolutions to change, for progress keeps us alive. The human inclination to seek change drives us forward with the promised hope of a new beginning. What fuels renewal is the completion of the past, but in the pursuit of healing, let us remember to be kind to ourselves.

It is us that reignite the motivation for self-transformation that long died before the "ber" months even arrived. Hundreds to millions of stories have lived in 2024, and the next are countless resolutions that write us new chapters for 2025. We re-emerge alongside the new year to be better and brighter for ourselves no matter how fleeting our existence is, carrying the desire to leave a lasting memory, like the sparks left after fireworks burst in the evening sky. | via Liane Quillo

Pubmat by Jan Harold Bermudo

30/12/2024

There got to be a reason why "words" and "sword" have the same letters. Both an armor to wars waged against humanity, when rights and freedom are crippled by imperialist rules.

Most notably testified by the life of Jose Rizal, the Philippines' National Hero, the words penned in the chapters of his works extends and outlines the footprints toward the independence. Centuries had passed when our ancestors are made to dwell in the peripheries of our own land, yet defiance transpired amid the exhaustion of being caged and the resolution to reclaim our dominion, bringing us, Filipino people, back into the heart of power.

In much the same way, we hold at our inks—that is, our inherent ability to continue rewriting the stories of resistance and courage, as we are battled in a landscape where truth is suppressed to favor the oppressors who are no less than the powers that be.

Our modern heroes—journalists, especially—topple over this face of greed, or at least defy it, by getting ahold of their inks in hopes that the rights and independence we regained be sustained, as an indelible mark and heritage from our past heroes who fought for the better future we now relish today. | via Francine Raña

24/12/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀

"𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳?"

It feels strange that I only just noticed a post on social media reminding me there are a few days left before Christmas. It made me wonder: Have I been so busy that I failed to notice the holiday approaching? As I walked with my friends, I asked, “Are you guys feeling the Christmas spirit?” To my surprise, they bluntly said, “No.” At first, I dismissed it, thinking they were just overwhelmed by finals season. But then I realized...

By now, we would usually be swept up in the holiday breeze—feeling giddy as Christmas songs play everywhere and counting down the days through Simbang Gabi. Yet, this year, something feels off. The festive spirit seems lost. And why is it that despite the glowing parols and sparkling lights decorating our streets, the warmth of Christmas does not seem as bright as it used to be in our hearts?

𝗔 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

Filipinos are known for our optimism, often romanticizing even the toughest situations. But today, it is quite hard to find even a glimmer of hope amid the difficulties surrounding us. Traditionally, the “-ber” months mark the start of our Christmas celebrations, but have you noticed? This year, we have not been actively counting down the days. Many of us are too preoccupied, dealing with our own stuff.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the national budget only amplifies this sentiment. The PHP 6.4 trillion budget raises serious questions about its integrity, particularly due to the blatant pork barrel allocations. Instead of addressing the pressing needs of the country, it appears to serve the interests of traditional politicians and perpetuate corruption.

This budget flagrantly contradicts the administration's "Agenda for Prosperity." It prioritizes pork barrel spending and projects that benefit the wealthy while neglecting critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. Significant budget cuts to DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, coupled with the disproportionate allocation to DPWH—widely associated with pork barrel—highlight the inequity at its core.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?

Our country has weathered countless storms—both literal and figurative—and while resilience is our hallmark, the weight feels heavier this year. Inflation has made even the simplest joys, like preparing Noche Buena, a struggle. Our beloved Pinoy spaghetti now feels like a luxury. The devastation wrought by multiple typhoons has left many without homes or hope, making celebrations bittersweet for those who have lost so much.

And it has not improved in the past years because we still have not secured social safety nets, better risk reduction management, and, most importantly, voter literacy. Without structural reforms and transparent governance, the struggles of the masses will persist, dimming the light of hope that Christmas traditionally brings.

"The Christmas season has a vibe reminiscent of the pandemic in 2020, just shorter in a way," shared Liane, a BS Psychology student. "This December doesn't feel like December, it's more like November dragged on. Everything went by so fast after the typhoon, leaving no time to warm up to the season."

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁

But even in these challenging times, the true spirit of Christmas flickers, persistent as ever. As the Ghost of Jacob Marley reminds us in A Christmas Carol: "It is required of every man," the Ghost returned, "that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow men, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death."

The bayanihan spirit, uniquely Filipino, continues to shine. We see it in relief drives after every calamity, in quiet acts of generosity, and in the undying solidarity of our communities. Even small gestures—checking our privileges and being sensitive to others' struggles—can reignite the light of Christmas.

“During the first Simbang Gabi I attended, the priest’s homily stood out to me. He emphasized that Christmas isn’t about material gifts but about the warmth we share with others. He illustrated this with a touching story about a soldier who encountered a helpless little boy. When the soldier asked the boy what he needed, the child replied, ‘I want you to hold me.’ Moved by the simplicity of the request, the soldier gently picked him up in his arms, embodying the true spirit of love and compassion. Then he added, Hope is not optimism, Hope is courage,” Liane added.

It is imperative to actively hold the administration accountable and demand transparency, accountability, and the proper utilization of public funds. The budget must reflect equitable allocations that genuinely address the needs of the people and promote the common good.

At the end of the day, Christmas is not illuminated by extravagance but by our ability to make space for others—to love, to hope, and to find joy, even in the midst of sorrow. Let us create space for those who struggle, so that, even if they cannot see it as the most wonderful time of the year, they can still feel seen and hopeful—for this is the true essence of Christmas. | via Edward Alipio

Cartoon by Jascyl Jee Sayson

24/12/2024

🎶 'Tis the season to be jolly! 🎶

As the cool air dances around us, gather 'round to enjoy the soothing melodies and joyful chime of bells that whisk away our worries! Let's come together to unwrap our long-awaited presents and revel in one of the most wonderful days of the year.

Don't shoo away our heartfelt carols, for we wish everyone Happy Holidays!

17/12/2024

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 | A magnitude 3.0 earthquake shook parts of Camarines Sur today at 5:19 PM.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the epicenter of the earthquake was six kilometers south, 58° east of Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

Intensity III was felt in Canaman, Intensity II in Pasacao, and Iriga City felt Intensity I. | via Jam Mazo

A complete report from the volcanology and seismology institute can be found here: https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/earthquake/earthquake-information3

16/12/2024

#𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗟 | Golden Knights edged out by Tigers in BUCAL Finals, 61-60

The Ateneo Golden Knights were on the verge of redemption in the Bicol Universities and Colleges Athletic League (BUCAL) Season 6 Championship but saw their hopes dashed in the final seconds of Game 2 as the NCF Tigers clinched the title with a 61-60 victory at the AdNU Gymnasium on Sunday, 15 December 2024.

As the game tipped off, Ateneo’s No. 3 Mac Tripulca wasted no time drilling a three-pointer to ignite the Knights’ offense, with No. 61 Angelo Domingo adding a smooth jump shot that gave Ateneo a 5-point edge over the Tigers during the early minutes of the opening frame.

Trailing to pitch as the clock ticked down, the NCF Tigers initially struggled to find their rhythm, with multiple missed shots sailing wide, allowing the Knights to close the first quarter with a 12-9 lead.

The second quarter was a tightly contested affair, with both teams going neck to neck up to 17-all as the NCF Tigers adjusted their play to stay within striking distance, but Ateneo’s No.70 John Christopher Plaza broke the deadlock with two consecutive three-pointers, pulling the Knights ahead 24-19.

Ateneo stood its ground as the Tigers tried to will their team back, scoring off key shots to close the gap, but the Knights' defense pushed back, holding on to a narrow 27-25 lead despite Tiger's relentless push.

The third quarter erupted as Ateneo’s No. 13 Rodney Fulgar ignited the offense with a series of excruciating three-pointers, suffocating the Tigers. With relentless precision, Domingo sank key free throws, and Tripulca followed up with aggressive layups, clinching a lopsided 39-30 lead.

Playing with a sense of urgency, the NCF Tigers launched a powerful third-quarter onslaught, tightening their defensive screws as Ateneo struggled to score, with Tiger No. 16 and No. 3 hitting free throws to cut the Knights’ lead to just one by the end, 39-38.

In the final stretch, Ateneo surged ahead as No.55 Mhon Aurellano sliced through the defense with explosive layups and a sharp three-pointer, reigniting the Knights’ momentum, but the Tigers answered back with a flurry of layups, keeping the pressure on as the ball bounced back and forth through missed opportunities on both sides, leaving Ateneo a 48-46 lead, with 3:39 left on the clock, as the intensity reached its peak.

With the series on the line, Ateneo’s No. 16 Oscar Beltran drained a three-pointer and hit free throws to widen Ateneo’s lead to 58-51. The Tigers pressed on as No. 24 sunk back-to-back layups, and No. 88 delivered a clutch finish, bringing the score to 60-59, with Ateneo holding on to a slim one-point advantage with 28.48 seconds remaining. A tense scramble ensued, and after a contested play, the referee awarded possession to NCF, setting the stage for a dramatic final sequence.

With just 14 seconds left, NCF’s No. 1, EJ Palilio, drove to the basket and sank the game-winning layup, giving the Tigers a 61-60 victory. Ateneo ended the tournament as first runner-up, while NCF emerged as the BUCAL Season 6 Champions. | via Kenneth Frias

Photos by Judah Conde, Joaquin Gomez & Jen Buela

16/12/2024

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗮𝘁'𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗗𝗖 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗼𝘀𝗮 '𝟮𝟰

Remontados: The Ateneo de Naga University Debate Society has once again showcased their prowess at the recently concluded National Debate Championship (NDC Hermosa) 2024 hosted by the WMSU League of Debaters and Zamboanga LYDO last 12-17 November in Zamboanga City.

As the prestigious British Parliamentary National Debate Tournament makes its return, the Remontados clinched a spot among the top teams. ADNU SG, composed of BS Psychology student Emilia Mari Goyena and BS BA Legal Management student Justine Sio, secured 20th-ranked team in the Octofinals, marking the society's second national break this season.

In addition, two Remontados teams excelled in the Union Cup. ADNU CB, represented by AB Philosophy, Foreign Service, and International Relations students Cedric Cortez Jr. and Jhanina Sophia Bermas, emerged as the 2nd Breaking Team. Meanwhile, ADNU RC, composed of BS Accountancy student Vincent Reis and BS Psychology student John Josper Clores, topped in the same category.

"One of the biggest challenges was competing against more experienced teams from well-established institutions, which could feel intimidating at times. Josper’s creative, calculated approach and my classical take on issues often required nuanced adjustments for each round, but we turned those differences into diverse strengths. We pushed forward by focusing on our preparation, relying on each other’s skills, and reminding ourselves why we chose to debate—for the joy of learning and engaging with ideas," according to Reis.

The tournament featured seven preliminary rounds, followed by out rounds and final rounds, with sixty teams from across the Philippines competing. NDC Hermosa is considered one of the country's biggest debate tournaments, making this a significant milestone for the Ateneo de Naga University community and highlighting the growing prominence of the Bicol Debate community, as the Remontados continue to represent the region on the national stage.

"Debate is a very unforgiving sport—with every win, the thought of losing becomes a lot more terrifying. Our week-long stay in Zamboanga taught me not to mull over what I could’ve done better but to take pride in every win. I’ve learned to value the grit and love I’ve poured into the craft and the community that allowed me the space to dream big despite the odds.

I share the same sentiment as others that it is truly frightening to dream, as it is an uncomfortably revealing act. But we are never truly dreaming if we are afraid of the risks of trying and the pain of disappointment. Thus it requires courage—to lean into the discomfort of wanting something so bad. The risk of loss must not prevent us from wanting, becoming, or at least trying, to be who we aspire ourselves to be," according to Sio. | via Edward Alipio