The Bastion Group of Publications

18/08/2024

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | The orate of the slice of life through their Valedictory Address, not only to celebrate the 7th Commencement Exercise of Batch 2023-2024 but to honor the graduates and their parents with the theme “PMRSU: University of Innovation Creating Global Impact".

Marching that feels walking on air, flying colors of each students proved that even the one's who feel as green as grass, having thoughts of spending with amateur hours during their journey, are all valid emotions as individuals. Emphasizes that everyone must get the picture of reality, fall down seven times, get up eight.

The vast current of knowledge will be an uphill climb, there may no path to cut the corner, but surely the reward may taste the sweetest, surpassing any satisfaction of understanding.

The graduate's hour of glory is a milestone reached by their parents. Deserving not only a bow, but with immeasurable pride.

Here's to conclude their farewell and gratitude to the University for producing future-ready graduates.

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Words by Lezel T. Arca
Layout by Jayson Ferariza

18/08/2024

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗣𝗨𝗟𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬 | 7th Commencement Exercises

This is the special news TV coverage of the 7th Commencement Exercises with the theme 'PRMSU: University of Innovation, Creating Global Impact' — Honoring the Achievements of Graduates from Main Campus.

17/08/2024

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Cluster 3 Valedictorian delivers trendy ‘EYYY’ speech

Alligning her valedictory speech to a trend created by BINI Sheena 'EYYY', Edriel Eden D. Espiritu, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English (BSEd-English) of the College of Teacher Education (CTE), redefined 'EYYY' with acronyms at the 7th Commencement Excercises of President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU), July 16.

The Bastion Group of Publications Copy Editor stood as a Magna Cum Laude of BSEd-English in front of 311 graduates.

"This trending, EYYY, which consists of four letters E-Y-Y-Y, summarizes my speech today. Let me begin with the first letter, and this is E, which stands for ENJOY. The next letter in EYYY is Y, which stands for YEARN. And when we yearn? We YIELD the second Y in EYYY. Finally, the third Y in EYYY stands for YODEL," Edriel stated.

Edriel also mentioned the struggles and victories of Ramonians from the College of Nursing (CON), and she gratefully appreciates the effort of the Faculty of CTE and her co-participants in the South East Asian Ministers Education Organization (SEAMEO) Exchange Student Program in Indonesia.

"I extend my deepest gratitude to President Ramon Magsaysay State University, especially to College of Teacher Education, Dean Zenvi, Dr. Felipa Rico, Dr. Santi, Dr. Baby Abagon, Sir Rey Dalusong, Dr. PJ Laguer, Sir Vlex, Ma’am Mildred, Ma’am Pem, and Dr. Pau. PRMSU’s representatives for South East Asian Ministers Education Organization (SEAMEO) Exchange Students, is standing before you today, harvesting the fruit of our sacrifices under the Program Terima Kasih. We are the living proof on how effective PRMSU is in creating a global impact. Ibu Shofi, Sir Furqon, Pak Ade, Ibu Himma, Kuya Rjay, Kuya Allen, Sundae, Ate Ladine, Pres. Andeng, and Isela kamu akan selalu dikenang, all of you guys, our stay in Indonesia, will always be remembered," Espiritu expressed.

Furthermore, Ramonians sing “Karera” by P-POP group BINI for their graduation song, wherein Ramonian shows their inner Blooms singing along with the lyric video.

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Report by Ejay Caguiniman
Photos by Emmeil Guillermo, Ma. Revekkav Ilao, Cyron Matampac, Jayson Ferariza and Ejay Caguiniman

17/08/2024

The journey of your own, the path was indeed tough. Stood against such tide, storm that they weathered, and you successfully emerged.

The smell of the late-night coffees, pile of books, walking through the scorching sun offering your service as a student-journalist, all led to this – marching with your tassel to your hard earned degree.

The Bastion Group of Publication extending a heartfelt greetings to each and everyone of you, the pillar of connection and the bastion of truth. You stood with the Publication against all odds.

The ascent to the mountain of knowledge was truly a feather in one's cap. Truly, your TBGP family are delighted to witness your moment of triumph.

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Words by Lezel Arca
Layout by Jayson Ferariza

16/08/2024

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Graduates perform 'Karera' hit song by the Philippine Girl Group 'BINI' as their graduation song.

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Report and Video by John Carlo Arizo

16/08/2024

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Senator, Senate of the Philippines, Hon. Jinggoy E. Estrada Commencement Exercises speaker, shares how he was able to pave the way in finishing education to pursuing Politics

"Ang pagtatapos sa kolehiyo ay simula pa lamang ng walang katapusang proseso na magbibigay sa atin ng kakayahang harapin at pagtagumpayan ang mga hamon sa buhay. "Sabi nga nila, "experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and lesson afterward" Senate expressed

"Ang tunay na kahalagahan ng inyong mga propesyon ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa teknikal na kasanayan at kaalaman. Ang tunay na tagumpay ay nasusukat sa inyong dedikasyon sa pagsisilbi sa publiko at sa inyong integridad bilang mga propesyonal." he added.

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Report and Video by Carlo Arizo

16/08/2024

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Graduates are now receiving their academic diplomas and their awards handed by the University President, Dr. Roy N. Villalobos, Hon. Jun Ebdane with other university officials.

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Rebort and Video by John Carlo Arizo

16/08/2024

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪| President Ramon Magsaysay State University Holds their 7th Commencement Exercises for Cluster 5 with Theme: "PRMSU: University of Innovation Creating Global Impact" The event brought together by the faculty, parents, and graduates from the College of Engineering (COE) , College of Industrial Technology (CIT) , and College of Communication and Information Technology (CCIT)

Hon. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada will serve as the guest speaker to share insights and inspiration to the graduates.

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Report by Jon Patrick Espiritu

15/08/2024

WATCH| TBGP's Senior Staff, Almira Vera Alminanza, Magna Cum Laude, Graduate from the College of Business, Accountancy and Public Administration (CBAPA) delivers her Valedictory Address for the 7th Commencement Exercises, University Gymnasium, Today.

15/08/2024

𝗞𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗞𝗦 | BUHAY AY 'DI KARERA

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Dibuho ni Juan Carlos Mercado
Inilapat ni Jayson Ferariza

14/08/2024

WATCH| With the theme PRMSU: University of Innovation Creating Global impact, University President Dr. Roy
N. Villalobos officially announced the graduates of Batch 2024, at the PRMSU gymnasium, August 14.

11/08/2024

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗣𝗨𝗟𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬 | Special coverage from The Bastion Group of Publication's for this year's 3rd Young Journalist Press Freedom Conference.

Join Emil Besa, Isela Gapi, Fatima Famisan, and Elaine Loteriña as they bring you the latest in their exclusive report.

Stronghold of Truth, opposing the False. This is The Ramonian Pulse.

11/08/2024

The cover of this issue of “GAME OF THE DECADE” depicts a Zambaleño fisherman being harassed by Chinese maritime forces while fishing in the West Philippine Sea. This powerful image captures the essence of defiance and resilience, reflecting the line from the Philippine National Anthem, “sa manlulupig, ‘di ka pasisiil.”

More than just a personal struggle, it symbolizes the broader fight for sovereignty and justice faced by the Filipino people. This cover story explores the harsh realities of the fisherman’s life, the impact of geopolitical tensions on their livelihood, and the unwavering spirit of resistance that defines our nation’s quest for true independence.

Throughout the games being played inside the magazine, players encounter story elements that reflect the real-world struggles of every Filipinos. These narratives highlight their defiance, resilience, and the broader fight for sovereignty and justice.

Mabuhay ang Kasarinlan, Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

This is the second special edition of Tabularasa.

11/08/2024

11/08/2024

𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗦 | Study reveals Masinloc
fishers’ lives amid maritime
harassment

Research conducted by a group of 4th-year Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) students showed the experiences of Masinloc local fishermen on the aggression of the China Coast Guard (CCG) within the Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

The study investigated how harassment affects the livelihood of Masinloc fishermen and how it influences their daily lives.

Researchers also came up with the rationale for China claiming territories despite PH having the advantage of the arbitration rule by the Annex VII arbitral tribunal constituted under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

A group of researchers interviewed 10 of 32 local fishermen of Bajo de Masinloc to ask about their exposure in the territorial conflict of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with CCG in the shoal.

"We came up with this study 'cause recently, China (CCG) had aggressively confronted our fishermen. We want to know the opinions and rants of our locals to help them by sharing their experiences," Lj De Guzman said, researcher.

According to the fishermen, one of their concerns was the presence of other regions in the fishing area of the shoal.

Due to the highly aggressive action of China, they said they were forced to change their route and avoid getting stranded between PH and China.

As of now, the Philippine Government still fighting the jurisdiction and sovereign powers over the oceans and continental shelf surrounding Bajo de Masinloc.



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Report by Aries Jade Refugio
Layout by Earl Domacena
Photo by JC Alvero

11/08/2024

“REAL OR FAKE? (drumroll, please) RE-YAL! 🎉"

Ang "thesis offended (defended)" na mina-manifest ng lahat ng estudyante ay finally, natapos na! Ang research ay hindi lang pang compliance—higit pa rito, para sa ikabubuti ng bawat estudyante!

Ang mga research na ito ay patunay na ang President Ramon Magsaysay State University ay isang innovative institution na nagkakaroon ng malaking tulong hindi lang sa bawat estudyante, kundi pati na rin sa komunidad. Sa pagtatapos ng lahat, ipinagmamalaki nila na sila ay na.

11/08/2024

10/08/2024

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | Villegas nasungkit ang Ikatlong Medalya para sa Pinas

Bigong makamit ng Filipina Boxer Aira Villegas ang ticket patungong Finals Match matapos pabagsakin ng Turkish Pride Turkiye’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu sa pamamagitan ng unanimous decision ng semis 50kg Women's Boxing sa 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hindi man pinalad ang beteranong boksingera na maiuwi ang panibagong ginto para sa bansa, pinatunayan naman nito na kaya niyang makipagsabayan sa larangan ng boxing dahil sa magandang kampanya nito mula elimination round.

“I’m not super disappointed because I know I did my best. And I have to admit that my opponent is really good and she studied me well. To all Filipinos who stayed up to watch my fight, I’m sorry. But we’re able to bring home a medal and I hope I still made you all proud,” ani ni Villegas.

Natapos ang laban sa iskor na 30-27, 30-26, 30-27, 30-27, 30-26, wagi si Cakieoglu.

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Ulat ni Vinze Andre Larga
Kuhang larawan mula sa One Sports

07/08/2024

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗜 | Ginapas na ginhawa

Sa ilalim ng tirik na araw
Tila hindi alintana ang init sa balat
Ang hapdi ng mga sugat at kalyong
Umaalpas sa mga daliri't talampakan

Maski ang kalamna'y tahimik na umiinda
'Pagkat masa't pamilya ang kanilang inuuna
Kinipkip sa sarili mga matang umaasa
Ang dasig ng galaw, ani'y gumaganda

Ngunit bakit ganun?
Kung gaano kahirap ang kanilang gawa
Ang siyang patuloy na pangungutya
Nilulubog ng salitang 'lang' ng matatabil na dila

Ang bawat butil ay tinumbasan ng pera
Presyong pangmasa'y ginawang pang-mayaman
Minsan nga'y inangkat pa sa dayuhan
Ano na lang ang silbi ng kanilang kabuhayan?

Sumulpot ang mga salot at peste
Sa dalubsakahang kanilang tahanan
Isang kalunos-lunos na pangitaing
Itinatangis na lamang sa ihip ng hangin

Sila'y nagtanim ng walang biro,
Ngunit sa iba'y para lamang itong laro
Maghapong likod ay nakayuko
Sa huli'y sa laylayan pa rin ang natamo.

Mga kama'y inilubog na nga sa lupa
Kasabay ng binhing tanglaw ng pag-asa
Isang balintataw ang iniukit sa isip,
ginhawa!

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Titik ni Jayren Cornoso
Dibuho ni Remus Medina

05/08/2024

FYI | The PRMSU Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced the opening of applications for the Supreme Student Government (SSG) elections. Interested candidates must submit a Certificate of Candidacy (COC), a platform of governance, a Certificate of Good Moral Character, and certified copies of their registration and evaluation forms.

Applications are due by August 23, 2024. Prospective candidates must be enrolled with a minimum general average of 2.50 and no failing grades. Candidates should also demonstrate good moral character.

Forms are available for download at

(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7p--b8hKhA0C2jA9_JmbTdH7w7EVdLk/view?usp=sharing).

For further details, candidates should coordinate with their respective Student Organizations Coordinators.

For more information, contact the PRMSU COMELEC or Office of Student Organizations.

See post here
https://www.facebook.com/share/xzd6zJyvCda8f2oH/?mibextid=WC7FNe

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Report by John Carlo Arizo

04/08/2024

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 | 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝘆 ✨
Carlos Yulo clinches second Olympic gold for PH

Celebrating one gold was not enough for Carlos Edriel Yulo of the Philippines as he captured his historic second gold medal after scoring 15.116 in the vault finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, on Sunday.

Just 24 hours ago, Yulo bagged the Philippines its first Paris Olympic gold medal in floor exercise with a 15.000 score.

Pinoy Gymnast made history in Paris by handing PH the most gold medals in a single Olympic season (2).

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Report by Aries Jade Refugio
Layout by Jayson Ferariza
Photo by Rappler News

03/08/2024

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | World's No. 2 Ej Obiena advances to Olympic finals

Ernest John Obiena of Philippines punched his second Olympics finals after Tokyo as he cleared a towering height of 5.75m in the qualification match of men's pole vault of 2024 Paris Olympics, Saturday.

Obiena escaped an early elimination in the qualification match after clutching his third attempt at 5.60m height.

His rival Armand Duplantis, World's No. 1, also going to the finals after clearing the same height as Obiena.

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Report by Aries Jade Refugio
Photo from ABS-CBN News

01/08/2024

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 | 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀
Two Physiques in one vital fluid

The blood of preeminence flows through the veins of those who truly aspire. Most of the sports geniuses’ sources of excellence and inspiration are procured from home which evinces that greatness is something that can be passed from generation to generation.

Having a sibling is a blessing and a privilege with no punches pulled. It is great to share mini-civilization with them having the same legends, languages, interests, and habits within the family. Two astounding female chess players once had partaken in their dreams and matter of course together.

The pair of Santos siblings, Jinerr Jinemmy Joyce Santos and Jinymm Jimymm Jade Santos graced the spotlight in this certain board game of strategic skill. They became each other’s shot in the arms and ideals. Who would have thought that their integral habits would bring their family name imprinted next into so many of their successes?

Game of Mind, not a Table’s Viand Board games aren’t meant to burn fat nor are a dessert or appetizer served on a table. Chess as one of the most interesting board games down through the years is creatively played commonly on white and black checkered boards. It is not a typical sport as it gymnastically challenges one’s mind and hence provides intellectual stimulation where both the left and right hemispheres of the brain are activated.

War is becoming more a game of chess, a struggle of one mind against another, rather than a physical fight in which brute force wins. It is traditionally set on top of a flat surface, particularly on a table yet some modern chess tournaments are now held online. In order to win, you must have a better plan of action to conquer your opponent’s kingdom.

“Broad kasi ang chess. Hindi siya basta basta natutunan within a day and kaya ko siya natutunan noong bata ako kasi marami talaga akong time,” Jade stated during a fun interview with her. It only rationalizes how crucial this sport requires an ache-prepared and tactical set of minds.

𝗞𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

Every sports athlete starts from being a complete novice before reaching the peak of their potential. Santos' family originally came from Puerto Princesa, Palawan then migrated to Taugtog, Botolan, Zambales for their begetter’s job designation unaware of the future that lies unto them.

Their transfer off a great start for the two young daughters as they meet their chess model and personal coach, Jerry Yap, who trained the Santos siblings with the schedule for diversion in order to build endurance for grueling matches and then brought them into the heights of their prestige and left and right victories.

Joyce was the second eldest among the six siblings and the archetype chess player in the family who started training when she was eight. Her engagement began as a fun hobby until she brought her capabilities into her primary curriculum. This urged her younger sister, Jade to train and follow the footsteps of her sister at the age of seven and once played for the 19th ASEAN age Group Chess Championship when she was sixteen. Both of them continued to give honor to their family, schools, provinces, and regions during elementary and high school.

They’ve had the same path of achieving lots of different championships and awards in chess but share different lines and competencies. Juvenescent time wasn’t a typical one for them playing in their backyards and building castles on the sand rather than expanding their hall of fame established once within their family.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲

Several sports were considered to be the domain of men. They may have a natural physical advantage but there is no proof that men are inherently smarter or better thinkers than women as for them playing chess. This game experienced the first c***k for men’s armor, however, studies proved that the natality of the famous Polgar sisters from Hungary exhibits that women's power can match or surpassed some of the greatest male players in the chess world. Traits of the empowered women and siblings formed in the Santos sisters who were not even a bit far from the Polgar siblings gained so much of their successful wins over men or women of all different ages in several open chess tournaments they’ve been with.

𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗸

Life journeys demand no tack backs just as in chess, if you touch a piece, you have to move it. Once you let go of a piece, you can’t move it elsewhere. During the reign of the Santos sisters in the kingdom of chess, they happened to meet discouragements and downheartedness leading to inconsistency filling the gaps in between their life and career dilemmas. They almost let go of the pieces they once had built until they received a call to play again together prior to college.

“Naging buhay ko talaga ang chess. Nadala ako nito sa sobrang daming lugar, natulungan ko rin parents ko financially at nakakilala ako ng maraming tao,” Jade confidently answered when asked the role of the sport to her being. These words evoked too much of her memories on how they almost neglect touch-move rule for their chess career. They once again nudged their own flaming pieces, moved and bounced back brighter and determined.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗶𝗻

Joyce sits victorious as the silver medalist humbly lagged a bit behind Jade, clenched home the gold for the women’s chess match during U-wide Sports fest representing the College of Accountancy and Business Administration. They both became fierce participants in SCUAA III represented PRMSU where Jade hailed second in a hard battle of wit with her rivals.

“Before di ko talaga matalo yung ate ko, ngayon na lang yan nung nagstop siya. Ate ko siya so kilala ko na yung galaw niya at kung di ko siya madadaanan sa board strategy ko, sa oras ako babawi, kasi pinakaayaw niya talaga sa lahat is time,” Jade said during an interview as she looked back from the time she won over her sister for a gold. This game affords ample room for all ambuscades and stratagems which are practiced thoroughly. A game of chess is a correct representation of two armies in a battle. The objects of each party in both cases are the same, differing only with the traits of the opposing characters whose regularity and proper disposition of forces are indispensably necessary for the life and soul of the other. Siblings are not always each other’s best friend nor best playmates; rather they happen to be rivals sometimes who fight over simple things, misunderstandings, and even in chess person-to-person. Santos sisters have the same blood running but differ in so many traits and aspects.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗲

Geniuses are not born. The anecdote goes like one’s greatness is either natural or nurtured yet Santos siblings epitomize their skills and talents in chess truly runs through their blood and their greatness lies within them aroused from their early training and specialization. They were raised to be chess prodigies destined to mark their names on a headline written next to so many victories. Privileged to acquire scholarships, benefits, and support from people they inspire and see their nonpareil skills as chess masters. They were once each other’s sports icons within the family yet now they are a graven image of two powerful chess queens with one blood conquering the local chess federation.

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Written by Marriane Acosta
Photo by Raymhond Beso

31/07/2024

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | Paalam batters Gallagher to punch quarter-finals slot

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam humbled Irish boxer Jude Gallagher via unanimous decision, 5-0, gaining him a trip to quarter finals of men’s 57kg division of 2024 Paris Olympics, July 31.

Gallagher’s aggression and unnecessary punches was completely countered by Paalam using his stance-switching.

Meanwhile, Paalam smartly uses his time to unleash a perfect right hook on the opponent’s warring approach.

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Report by Aries Jade Refugio
Photo from Philippine Star

30/07/2024

𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗖𝗢𝗠 | 𝗣𝗔𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗛𝗨𝗞𝗔𝗬
Dredging activities sa Zambales at lagay ng baybaying buhay

Matapos mailathala ng The Bastion Group of Publications ang ulat nito ukol sa isinagawang dredging sa ilang bahagi ng Zambales, hindi lamang bumalik sa ginagawang paghukay ang mga dredging companies, ngunit nadagdagan ang kanilang bilang sa loob lamang ng isang taon.

Matatandaan na noong 2023, sa bisa ng Department Order 13 ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) series of 2019 na inaprubahan ni Gov. Hermogenes Jun Ebdane Jr., nabigyang katwiran ang mga dayuhang kumpanya upang maghakot ng lahar o hindi naman kaya ng buhangin upang suplayan ang ginagawa di umanong reklamasyon sa Manila Bay.

Tatlong ilog mula sa iba’t ibang bayan ng Zambales gaya ng Sto. Tomas River sa San Narciso, Bucao River sa Botolan, at Maloma River sa San Felipe ang napabilang na maging dredging sites at sumailalim sa naturang aktibidad.

Sa kasalukuyan, sa huling pagbisita ng TBGP nitong ika-20 ng Hunyo, napag-alaman na bukod sa patuloy na paghahakot ng mga buhangin mula sa seabed coastals ng mga nabanggit na bayan, dadalhin naman ang mga ito para sa bagong ipinatutupad na 360-ektarya at 260-ektaryang Pasay Harbor Reclamation Project.

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗞 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗬-𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗬
Bagaman mayroon itong ambag sa kabuuang estado ng bawat bayan katulad ng pagpapalalim ng mga pangunahing daluyan ng tubig tuwing may pagbaha, pagpapanatili ng navigability ng mga daungan, o makakuha ng ilang yamang mineral na kapaki-pakinabang para sa ilang proyekto ng gobyerno, hindi naman maibabaon sa hukay ni maitatago ng matataas na bakod ang lantarang dredging operations sa mga lugar at ang perwisyong dala nito sa bawat residente.

Simula nang maumpisahan, walang tigil na ang pagdagsa ng mga shipping vessels na naghahatid ng mga buhangin papunta sa nasabing proyekto.

Nito lamang ika-10 ng Hulyo, namataan ang dalawang dredging vessels na Sheng Peng 009 at Feng Shou 178 mula China na walang humpay sa pagkabkab sa Bucao River.

Saksi si Luisito Pajarillo, 75, mangingisda’t residente sa Barangay Porac, sa nangyayaring operasyon ng dredging sa kanilang bayan.
Ayon sa kaniya, mahigit dalawang taon nang isinasagawa ang paghuhukay sa ilalim ng tubig at pinangangambahan niyang aabutin pa ng ilang taon ang aktibidad at makarating ito hanggang sa dulong bahagi ng kanilang ilog.

“Mayroon na kaagad nagsulputan diyan, kung saan na lang itinatambak ‘yong buhangin. Nakuha na nila nung nakaraan lang,” ani ng mangingisda.

‘𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗣 𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗢𝗕𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗢’
Bilang kompromiso matapos maglatag ng hinaing ang mga residente, nagpadala ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Bucao ng mga magsisilbing bantay ng mga dredging vessels sa paligid ng Bucao River.

Tungkulin ng mga bantay na masiguradong hindi makapag-huhukay malapit sa pampang ang mga ito, bagkus sa gitna lamang ng nasabing ilog.

Bagaman may hakbang na sa awtoridad, hindi naman maiwasang isipin ni Pajarillo ang perwisyong hatid ng operasyon na aniya, wala silang magagawa dahil utos ito ng gobyerno.

“Okay naman ‘yung paghuhukay ng buhangin sa gitna lang, huwag dito sa gilid gilid. Kaso nga lang, magiging dagat na hanggang sa dulo dahil masyado na ‘tong lalalim. Baka umabot pa sa 40 meters yung lalim kaya magiging dagat na buong Bucao kung matutuloy. Iyan ang ayaw sana naming mangyari. Pero wala e, utos nila [gobyerno],” sambit niya.

Iba naman ang opinyon ng ilang opisyal sa pagsasagawa ng dredging, anila, nakatutulong ang nasabing aktibidad upang hindi umagos sa kanilang barrio ang tubig na galing sa kanilang mga kabundukan.

Pag-aamin nila, noon pa man, malakas na ang agos ng tubig na siyang umaanod sa buhangin hanggang sa loob ng kanilang mga kabahayan.

𝗡𝗢𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗧 𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗡
Bilang pangunahing hanapbuhay, pangingisda lamang ang nakikitang susi ng mga mamamayan ng Bucao upang makaahon sa hirap na kanilang nararanasan.

Aminado rin sila, na wala silang sapat na kakayahan upang humanap ng alternatibong trabaho kapalit nito.

Ngunit sa pagpasok ng mga kumpanya at mga kasangkapan nito, hindi na madaling nakapapalaot ang mga mangingisda sapagkat binubugaw ng aktibidad sa mas malalayong bahagi ng tubig ang mga isda maski di umano ang breeding sites ng mga ito.

“Lalong nawala yung kita. Kung noon, nakabebenta kami at nakakukuha ng libo, ngayon sentimo na lang dahil isa o dalawang kilo na lang ang aming nabebenta. Kumpara dati— mga nakakalima o sampung kilo kami,” paghahambing ni Mang Luisito.

“Kung minsan, naze-zero pa kami. Kagaya nung anak ko, nakakuha lang ng isang piraso, nung kelan lang ‘yon. Lalong lumala ngayon, kung saan-saan na kami naglalambat. Punta ka sa laot, wala rin. Punta ka sa tabi, wala rin. Hindi kagaya noon may naibebenta pa.” dagdag pa niya.

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗡
Bukod sa usaping hanapbuhay, isa rin sa mariing tinututulan ng ilang residente ang dalang sakit ng mga operasyon.

Inirereklamo ni Amado Tinagan, 36, nakatira ilang metro lamang mula sa mga dredging sites ang nararanasan nilang kawalan ng ginhawa tuwing nagpapahinga.

"Sana matigil na ang dredging para hindi na masyadong maapektuhan itong barrio namin lalo na’t ang ingay ingay. Minsan apat silang papasok diyan at tuloy-tuloy ang pagsipsip. Lagi kaming nababalahaw,” hinaing ni Tinagan.

Dahil dito, hindi lamang di-umano mga mamayang nasa wastong gulang ang apektado sa ingay, gayundin ang kanilang mga anak at pag-aaral.

“Nung pumapasok ang mga bata napupuyat kasi pag nag-umpisa na sila ayun di ka na makatutulog, hindi sila makapagfocus. Yung iba may online classes pa,” dagdag ng residente.

Pananaw naman ni Mang Luisito, mahalaga ang pagkakaisa ng kanilang komunidad upang mapanatili ang dating estado ng kanilang lugar.

Pangarap niyang magkaroon nang maayos at makatarungang aksyon sa kanilang kinahaharap na sitwasyon.
"Mabago kaya natin?" tanong niya.

Samantala, sa San Narciso, Zambales, Hunyo 17, tatlong araw matapos ang pagbisita ng TBGP sa Botolan, nahuli naman ang dredging company na Shuaful Resources Inc. dahil sa paglabag nito sa Clean Air Act.

Parang nabunutan ng tinik si Mang Jaime- di niya tunay na pangalan, 47, sa ibinabang desisyon kaugnay ng operasyon ng naturang kumpanya.

“Sa araw-araw, ang mga barko rito, nagbubuga ng maitim na usok, kaya bukod sa amin, higit kami na nag-aalala para sa napakaraming bata dito sa aming lugar,” pahayag ni Mang Jaime isang residente ng San Narciso.

“Itong mga ito [Shuaful Resources Inc.] parang hindi nag-iisip sa kapakanan ng aming komunidad. Nakikita lang namin ang unti-unting pagkasira ng aming likas na yaman,” giit niya.

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡 𝗢 𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗨𝗛𝗔𝗡
Sa katabing bayan naman, sa San Felipe, Zambales, pareho din ang sitwasyon. Diskumpyado at duda ang mga residente tulad ni Tatay Geronimo na para sa kanilang kapakinabangan ang ginagawang Maloma River Rehabilitation na proyekto ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at ng lokal nilang pamahalaan.

“Hindi kami naniniwala na ang dredging ay para sa aming kapakanan. Tingin namin, ito na ang simula ng paninikil ng mga pulitikong negosyante. Kapag dumating ang sakuna, tiyak na aalis sila tulad ng ginawa nila sa Bucao,” diing sabi niya sa isang panayam.

Dinepensahan naman ito ni Gov. Ebdane at ng mga nabanggit na ahensya kasama ang Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) at sinabing mahalaga ang milyong pisong proyekto upang maiwasan ang pagbaha kung kaya't nagpapatuloy ang dredging sa Bucao, Maloma, at Sto. Tomas.

𝗔𝗞𝗦𝗬𝗢𝗡 𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗢
Humiling naman ng masusing imbestigasyon si Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada noong bumisita ito sa Zambales at nakipagdayalogo sa Laoag Integrated Fisherfolks Association (LIFA) ng Barangay Maloma Marso 15.

Binigyan niyang pansin ang patuloy na dredging activities na diumano’y isinasagawa ng mga manggagawang Tsino sa baybayin ng lalawigan.

Sa kanyang inihaing Senate Resolution 966 noong Mayo 15, hinimok ni Estrada na siya ring Senate Committee/ Chairperson on National Defense, na imbestigahan ng mga kaugnay na komite ng Senado ang dredging activities na nagdudulot ito ng panganib sa kapaligiran.

Higit pa roon, aniya, naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng mga residente, at nagiging sanhi ng pinsala sa turismo sa mga baybayin.

Nakarating rin sa kaniya di-umano ang daing ng mga residente tungkol sa mga plastik na bote, sigarilyo, at basura sa baybayin, na umano’y galing sa mga Chinese crew ng dredging ships.

Binanggit din ni Estrada ang mga alalahanin ng mga environmental advocates tungkol sa pinsalang dulot ng dredging, tulad ng coastal erosion at pagkasira ng San Felipe Coastal Road, pati na rin ang paglabag sa Republic Act No. 9003.

Ayon naman kayi Renan Gilig, Executive Secretary ng LIFA, labis na pag-aalala ang nararanasan ng mga residente sa kanilang bayan dahil sa pangambang magpatuloy ang mga operasyon ng dredging na lubha nilang tinututulan.

"Mahirap hindi isipin na baka magsimula ulit ang mga dredging activities nang hindi namin nalalaman, lalo na’t nakakita kami ng mga kahalintulad na barko ng dredging sa lugar kamakailan. Kung ito ay may kinalaman sa plano ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na ipagpatuloy ang nasuspindeng proyekto ng Maloma River restoration, kailangang makialam ng national government," giit niya.

Dagdag pa niya, mahalagang maisakatuparan ang pagtatapos ng ganitong gawain, gayundin ang kinakailangan nitong imbestigasyon nang sa gayon ay maging bukas ito sa bawat mamamayan at matiyak ang tunay at tamang layunin ng nasabing proyekto.

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡
Hindi maitatanggi na isang malaking banta sa kapakanan ng kalikasan lalo na sa mga nasasakupan nitong mga bayan ang pagkakaroon ng mga ganitong uri ng aktibidad. Ang lagay ng baybaying buhay sa lalawigan ay unti-unting nalalagay sa peligro, hindi lamang sa kasalukuyan kundi pati na rin sa hinaharap.
Tungkulin ng bawat mamamayan ang maging mapanuri at aktibong tumutol sa mga gawaing sumisira sa ating kapaligiran
Mula sa paggamit ng mga kakayahang mayroon tayo katulad ng pagsali sa mga adbokasiya, pagbibigay ng kaalaman at impormasyon sa komunidad, at pakikilahok sa mga aktibidad na naglalayong protektahan ang kalikasan— may malaking maitutulong itong kaakibat upang mapanatiling buhay ang ating mga baybayin.

Sa ganitong pamamaraan, maiiwasang tuluyang mailibing sa hukay ang mga pangarap at kinabukasan para sa mga susunod pang henerasyon na naghihintay.



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Isinulat nina Vivien T. Ong at Ilonah Jean R. Cordero
Larawan ni Arnex Bungar
Inilapat ni Jayson Ferariza