Tuition Fee Increase

Patuloy ang pagpapahirap sa mga estudyante dahil sa mga nakaambang resulta ng pagtaas ng matrikula sa mga paaralan sa Pilipinas. Hindi lamang ang PUP ang may ganitong sitwasyon sa ating bansa. Habang patuloy ang komersyalisasyon ng Edukasyon sa Pilipinas at hindi pagtutok ng mga kinauukulan, lalung lalo na ang gobyerno sa kalidad ng Edukasyon; nananatiling biktima ang mga kabataang Pilipino, ang kanilang mga magulang o mga nagpapaaral sa panganib na maidudulot nito sa kanilang kinabukasan. Ang PUP, bagama't may mga organisasyong tumatayong mata at boses sa naturang mga hinaing ng mga estudyante ay maaring mauwi lamang sa wala ang kanilang mga pinaglalaban kung hindi mareresolba sa pamamagitan ng dialogo o matinong pag-uusap upang mailahad ang mga isyung kaakibat nito kasama na ang agarang resolusyon. Paano na lamang ang ibang mga paaralan na walang organisadong liderato ng mga estudyante? Mananatiling busal ang mga kanilang mga bibig sa mga ganitong usapin at patuloy ang mga ganitong klase ng paglabag ng mga namamahala ng kani kanilang mga paaralan. Hindi rin bago ang naturang usapin sa mga ilang paaralang may mga student council ngunit ang kanilang liderato ay PAPET ng kanilang school administration. Oo, inuuna ang pampisikal na hitsura ng paarala, maaring mabuti nga sa imahe nito at makaakit ng iba pang mga mageenrol subalit pinunan ba nila ang mga kakulangan sa mga pangangailangan sa pagtuturo at mga importanteng gamit para itaas ang kalidad ng edukasyon?

Hindi na dapat mauwi sa marahas na demonstrasyon ang mga estudyante ngunit nakakapanggalaiti ang kawalan ng tainga ng mga taong nasa CHED na ibalik ang naturang usaping sa mga school administration ng PUP na ayon sa mga militanteng estudyante ay hindi handa sa pakikinig at bagkus hindi tapat sa kanilang mga tinuran para resolbahin ang naturang usapin.

Nawa'y hindi ganito ang klase ng pamamalakad ng mga ibang school administrators. Dapat sila maging handa at tapat sa estudyante sapagkat ang huli ang mga nakikinabang sa mga teorya at mahahalagang balangkas ng aralin na kanilang itinuturo. Kung ganito man lang ang sistema, marahil tama nga si Osyo na lahat ng mga tagapagturo sa paaralan ay sinungaling simula't sapol pa.

Tuition Fee Hike

Nakakainis hindi ba? The CHED does cha-cha over their stand on schools who are requesting some tuition fee hike amidst the economic slowdown that the Philippines is on (Economic slowdown, not recession according to Winnie Monsod). Ang masaklap pa nito, maraming mga paaralan sa bansa ang abuso sa kanilang deregulated status na kesyo hindi na sila sakop ng CHED moratoriums eh halabira na silang gawin ang gusto nila at the expense of the "kawawang" parents (na nagkakanda-kuba na sa tuyot na sakahan na pagmamay-ari ng iba). Marami ding hanep ang sakripisyo, tigil-aral kasi hindi na kayang tustusan. Pero hindi kailangan masadlak nalang sa ganitong sitwasyon. Kung talagang magaling ka, puwede kang magbanat ng buto at labanan ang sistemang dulot ng kawalanghiyaan ng mga ilang paaralan, ang kakitiran ng mga utak ng mga nasa sangay ng pagbalangkas ng mga polisiya sa Edukasyon at iba pang awtoridad. Utak niyo amag!

Worse, karamihan ng mga estudyante ay feeling! Wala lang sa kanila ang mga aspetong ito bagkus mas inintindi pa ang pagliit ng kanilang kupit mula sa kanilang ibabayad sanang tuition fee sa kanilang paaralan para matustusan lamang ang kanilang luho: bisyong alak, babae, drugs, yosi, textmates, computer games, atbpa. (Huwag ka, totoo ito... nakatira ako sa community na maraming nagpapaboarding kaya alam ko ang huwisyo ng maraaming estudyante.). Imbes na mag-aral ng mabuti para kapag naka-top eh makadiscount or ma-exempt sa exam ng maging proud naman ang parents, hayun naroon sila sa kanto kanto ng Mormon's Church patext-text at pabaske-basketball... Hay buhay! Mabuti na lamang ay walang tuition fee hike sa LC. Pero hanggang kailan? Ano naman ang mga masasakripisyong services? Hindi naman ito magic magic para ignorin ang needs ng school para sa isang de-kalidad na Edukasyon at para sa mga empleyado nito. Pero saludo ako sa LC, katulad din ng ilang schools sa Dagupan sapagkat kasama nila ang parents na tumitiklop sa panahon ng krisis pang-ekonomiya na nararanasan ngayon. Matatandaan na hindi lamang sa taong ito nagkaroon ng "No tuition Fee Hike" sa LC kundi nagkaroon din ng ilang payment scheme sa naturang paaralan kagaya ng O down payment, enrol now pay later, etc.

Kaya mga estudyang pulpol... Huwag na kayong mag-aral kung hindi niyo kayang ayusin ang buhay niyo. Kung mahal niyo ang pamilya niyo; Makisama kayo sa pagtitipid. Nag-imbestiga na ba kayo kung nagmemeryenda ang nanay o kaya tatay niyo, may maiabot lang na datung na siyang kakaltasan niyo lang sa bandang huli? Kaya pala walang naglalakas-loob sa inyo para salungatin at ipaglaban ang karapatan sa school kasi karamihan mismong mga estudyante lalu na ang mga lider lideran, mga nagsisimula sa mababang uri ng corruption... ang "pagkupit" sa tuition fee. At ano ang susunod na mangyayari? "Infection", na magdudulot ng "chronic" na sakit na matindi pa sa TB na tatama sa inyong buong pagkatao at magpapahirap sa buong bansang Pilipinas. At pagkatapos, maninisi kayo ng iba? What a lame excuse!

Hay buhay... gising gising! Makibahagi sa pagtiklop, hindi lang school ang dapat gumawa ng paraan. Kayo din. Nakita niyo naba ang mga estudyyante ng DMMMSU? Maraming naglalakad hindi ba? I-divert ang ilang energy para makatipid. Gamitin ang utak hindi ang utak sa ibaba... turn off the TV when the freak shows are there, watch programs that matters. Hindi yung mga programang nagpro-promote ng hindi matalino at realistikong pakikipagrelasyon, "marami na pong tao sa Pilipinas buhay ng mga artista parin ang pinoproblema..."

5 Ways to Survive College

First of all, gusto ko lang mag-apologize kay Jenny for the late reply of her email. Gusto ko man sagutin lahat ng emails mula sa mga students ng Lorma Colleges, hindi ko naman kaya ang multitasking. Right now, I am bound to fly in Dhaka, Bangladesh to check on this University in which I intend to pursue a crash course in business.

The email question is, "How to survive College?". Since, Jenny (not her real name) mentioned that she is pursuing a BS Nursing. I was relieved that somehow I can relate
my experiences when I was still a student.

Nursing is not an easy course and it is in fact one of the expensive courses in the country today. Some may totally disagree but majority of the programs may even have the same financial quotations as if you're studying Medicine in a private institution. I would not mention any schools in that instance since this article is not about the cost of such course. Yet, I presume Jenny 's parents have really planned for her education since the choice was mutually decided by her and her parents. Meaning, as she wrote, "Umupo kaming tatlo ni mama at papa sa dining table para pag-usapan ang gastos after researching which College in La Union will be the best for me.". Since her Dad is an OFW, majority of the remittances ay napupunta sa kanyang College Education basically her mom sticked to the planned budget. That's pretty impressive because not all parents stick to any budgeting and Jenny stressed that it was effective since she would pay her tuition fee on required time.

The problem appeared when the dollar went down and worse, nagkaroon ng problem ang Dad niya sa work. So she continued her email on what are the possible/ available options that she could survive in College, should stopping for one semester a good option?

I took a deep breath and I went to visit Lorma's website to check on any good news because I was also moved by some news that most schools are also increasing the tuition fees due to the global economic crisis.

I am relieved that Lorma will not have a tuition fee increase and this is a good news for Jenny and the rest of the students. Or else, some would have transfer to another cheaper nursing schools in La Union and may have to undergo another form of adjustment/s.

Adjustments in taking the same course and with the environment may have different impacts to a College student. Kung tutuusin, kapag na-kick out ka, expected na may impact yan sa self esteem mo. Lalo kapag ang peers mo ay naroon, pursuing the course and you felt being left behind. On another point, if you are transfering because of financial problems, halos ganoon din ang impact sa isang student and certainly getting back on track is a crucial stage.

So to help Jenny ease her problems, dahil nga hindi pa siya decided if she will transfer or not; here are some of the survival tips.

1. Scholarships and discounts. Maraming hindi ito napapansin pero andaming scholarship option sa LC. Visit, lorma.edu.ph to know more about this or simply, visit Mrs. Melba C. Ano, Dean of Student Affairs to find out if you are qualified for any of the scholarships. If you are good with academics, meron ding discounts depending on your grades, meron ding discounts if you have relatives working in the company (Lorma schools, hospital), meron ding discounts if you have siblings (I'm not sure if this is still followed but ask the business office about it) at higit sa lahat, be an active member of an accredited school organization in Lorma because they have discounts sa tuition fees upon approval of the org's adviser and the College Director. Some of the most notable orgs are: the Lorma Highlights, SML, Lorma Dance Troupe...

2. Volunteer and be a working student.- There are postings for volunteers usually for some offices in the College. If maluwag naman ang schedule mo, you can make arrangements with it. Usually top sa list na nagpapa-volunteer/intern for a clerical work ang Library, Guidance Office, Registrar. Yet, kung gusto mo naman ng iba pa, I would suggest you to express your intention in writing sa Lorma Foundation, MIS or even in the hospital. This way, you can make arrangements for certain fees and you will be entitled for a work experience also while rendering volunteer work.

There are some establishments in San Fernando area that hires students like food chains, burger stands, and other services. I would suggest you to secure some necessary papers (NBI, barangay clearance and other stuff, it's also a good experience since you'll be doing the same processes after College and mahahasa pa ang interpersonal skills mo.). I also suggest to choose a work that is "decent" (hindi naman yung pang-club thing, siguro naman gets...) and something that you will learn for future application of your chosen field.

Is network marketing a good option?

I have mixed opinions to this because one of our professors in College was "makapal ang mukha" in introducing his networking business while we were having and after our class. It is unethical to do it in class because student-teacher may have to deal with conflicts of interests in the academic environment. It is not bad to be a network marketer. I am also engaged to this but you have to research first before joining and assess if you are capable with the terms of the networking system. Baka naman maabala ang schedule mo, you'll get exhausted and mabaon kapa sa utang. Keep your options open and be nice in declining if you wish not to when solicited by your professor.

3. Shared expenses.- I have been an advocate of this while in College. Gustong gusto ko ang group work kaya kung may projects sa mga subjects, Always suggest for group works. Yun nga lang may ups and downs din ito because you cannot expect everyone to really work on their assigned task dahil iba iba naman ang group dynamics. On the other hand, kung kelangan ng photo documentations, kelangan yung may mga kaklaseng may efficient na camera ang gamitin (good thing if everyone has a good camera phone), for paper works- siguro you have to do away from the Malls kasi mas mahal po ang school supplies nila doon (may mga mura option but same good quality along supermarkets), computer rentals is a no no (make a written request sa Internet room duly endorsed by your professor and Dean to make special arrangements kung hindi kayo makasingit), printing naman sa school is cheap but edit your work thoroughly before printing. If there are excesses in your supplies, assign a classmate to be the custodian (piliin naman yung nasa malapit ang boarding house) just in case kailangan niyo ulit gamitin ang pentel pens, bond papers for future projects.

If it's a big project like case studies, kelangan may listahan, keep all receipts para hindi akusahan na ibinulsa ang excess.

Another thing that can be shared in terms of expenses ay food, pamasahe (mostly sa DMMMSU area eh nakikita ko, naglalakad nalang ang students papuntang bayan, mainit but it's also an exercise.), boarding house (if there is a boarding house that has a lower rent but it has good amenities and safe, why not?). These are among the things I could say na puwedeng "shared". Ang problema lang minsan sa food ay kung mas matakaw ang isang contributor at nagdadala pa siya ng sabit like "syota" or barkada, sira ang budget so be specific to this when you decide with your peers.

4. Plan for the summer and semesters to come. -I had a good experience when I approached Prof. Pacita Apilado when she assessed my transcript of records. So, find a mentor to deal with your academic issues. If you feel like you want to take a subject in advanced, look for some of your classmates who wanted to "open" it, seek the advice or endorsement of the Dean for the Registrar to act on your problem. Do not leave pre-requisites and minor subjects behind. Lastly, when you're given a project, avoid cramming...

5. Sacrifices. - Of course, you are in College to Study and expected to finish the course with flying colors and with dignity. Kaya, huwag ng kupitan ang parents or tell lies about what you have to be needing na hindi naman. Wag na bumulakbol at magbisyo. I'm talking about some extra money to buy luxuries like clothing also (usually branded at mamahalin pa yung iba). I remember one classmate who is not ashamed that he "arbored" a uniform from a previous roommate because the latter is graduating. Some of my classmates also were good at "arboring" books, extra school supplies, notes from their roommates. I would not say you would do it na sobrang "OA" but there are some practicalities out there. Be assertive. If you can't buy brand new books, seek for used ones, if you can't buy fashionable clothing for now, work for it or find a better option at the "wagwagan". I tell you, there's nothing wrong about being "jologs" to that effect. Sir Ever even boasted he joined a fad and he was surprised to buy a designer pouch at wagwagan. Going back to books and manuals, you can advocate your classmates not to spend much on these if there is a viable reason. Be united, be a leader. My batch did not have a yearbook because majority of my section then were united and they fought for their rights at that time. Ikaw ba naman ang lapitan ng isang classmate saying, "Madi kam pay nakalako ti irik my friend. Tal-talaga." Anya ngay ti ubraem nu sika ti LEADER?

To end this 5-point Survival for College. (Which will be followed by more...) I hope Jenny would be enlightened and will have a good decision in staying and finishing her course in LC.

LORMA Polls Oct . 9, 2008

Sasagutin ko lang ang Lorma Polls nung October 9, 2008 for my own sanity...

On Intramurals 2008.

Pageant-oriented parin ang LC Intramurals. Sana dagdagan ang safety para sa cheerdance competition. Sana repasuhin na ng SML ang sports program ng College and make use of the full potentialities of professionals who know the ins and outs of sporting. Why not seek professional guidanc3e from Dr. Pedro Patacsil?

On milk scare.

Paso na ang topic na ito. While lipana ulit ang mga commercial ads ng gatas at mga produktong nasama sa listahan ng mga "alleged" na melamine sa ingredients ng mga ito, will it change the fact that more mothers are still neglecting the benefits of "breast feeding" for their children up to 2 years old. This is a challenge to student nurses, "are you good enough to be part of that breast-feeding campaign while pa-bungee bungee lang ang ilan sa mga community-health nursing activities?". No offense but if you're gonna upload youtube entries sana naman yung may kabuluhan to make a different impression of what community health nursing is all about. Is this the ill-effect of that gross transportation expenses in which the College has not yet addressed to date?

Course na i-offer ng lorma.

I don't think LC should open another course when it neglects the other departments to achieve their full potentials. I would suggest that LC should keep track of the nursing program (more hands-on and modalities) and hire more competent clinical instructors who are really dedicated to the profession (di basta yung nagsasabing "CI nalang ako...") Imagine the impact of how this less empowered individuals contagiously pass unto the student nurses. I don't think it's time for LC to open other courses. For what reason? Experimentation? Have they conducted feasibility studies on this? How about the rest of the paramedical courses? Puro nursing nalang ba? The IT and Ab department? I think it's about time to review on how to make the other courses progress. Neglect nalang ba ang pagbili ng gamit nila just because they have a low population on their enrolments? C'mon, where's the spirit?

ang pinakamagaling na instructor sa lorma

My best yet the worse is dead. Tama, yung English teacher namin dati na si Mrs. Rufina Depalco who was principal then of LCSSHS. Sana gawan siya ng pagkilala. The best instructors are the ones who left the school with a heavy heart simply because they hold unto their principles...

ano ang reklamo mo? hinaing o ano mang suhestiyon sa kahit anong bagay na may kinalaman sa lorma.

Marami. Yet, the crusade just goes on. Hindi kelangan hilain ang pangalan ng school because of these. Pero sana, mabuksan ang gate para sa mas mahusay na LC para sa estudyanteng nangangarap at lumalaban sa mabilis pa sa alas kwatrong pagbabago.

Does the School Matters?

I visited my old old school's website and I'm surprised to find an ongoing argument via the LH message board. It has been there for a while, the argument was posted by an unknown person claiming to be a Luisian. It was a funny ass I guess but as he keeps on bugging the site for Lormanians to react (not even sure if they are from LC); it arouses claims on the superiority of two rival schools who are totally different in terms of the standard of Education that it provides its students. Popularity-wise, Lorma and SLC do share their own domains but to tackle on its "superiority" without making concrete points as to what areas are mere immature quarrels that is not even viable as a Debate proposition. The LH blog is not even the proper forum to post such pronouncements as it lacks that kind of feature. Why the absence of such forum? Is this part of the transition from a threat? I know jalm might react on this because way-back few months ago, he did a little contribution in coming up with an amateur discussion forum that lacked support from the LH staff. There was even fear as we chat, is that due to censorship issues? Personally, I admire people like jalm because he is a proof of a student who seeks answers to variable questions and issues concerning them. However, we could not be sure how long his determination could hold him up and others; or simply he is just a representative of so many youth who are bored by this existing Educational Systems in most schools in the country.

Going back to the question, "Does the School Matters?" I would have to qualify my answer with a "yes" because it is a learned social behavior that is relevant to most Asians - it is in Education that uplifts the individual to interact from one social agency to another. An individual begins interaction within the Family through his parents and the school is usually the second agency that he interacts with. Education plays a crucial part in "career path" and certain elements within the school are influential factors in a man's self-esteem and ability to survive in each niche. Remember, Obama attended Harvard and it is within Harvard that he has expound his political views crossing from a least passive role in Chicago to now, the ultimate path of his career as the new US president. I would say that the school matters because that agency should have a "simulation" of the actual world up there but I think most schools stagnate because instead of moving forward as society progresses from agriculture to industry, it makes a significant picture that indeed it has a difficulty in adopting to such vicious change. The late Gov. Justo O. Orros rationalized that the "Philippines is taking its time" when confronted with a question as to why Malaysia and other rice-producing country in Asia are far progressive well in fact they trained from the Philippines via IRRI? The politician had that rationalization which stuck into my head for years in one of the events in LC. I was struck by the response of laxity and I bet those who listened have their own opinion. (Why would LC have such laxity on choosing such speakers? What are their guidelines?) I am not against politicians speaking in schools but how good are these "figures" in motivating students? The school matters because the student is supposed to take his first liberal step outside of his own family circle. I would affirm Dr. Emilio Joven's little chat while we were assisting him in a minor operation commenting on "Why would student still be accompanied by their parents in the enrollment process? Aren't they old enough to make decisions?" He has a point there, was it because of a certain level of "mistrust" that the parents are so rigid in entrusting their money or was it the over-protectiveness or fear of most mothers that they felt the need to accompany their children all the time from filling up those enrollment forms, doing the talking for their children at the Dean's office or Registrar. There are many implications of such unnoticed harmful effects of over-protectiveness. On the other hand, a "student" begins to "cheat" based on outside variables. His vulnerability is a result of so many laxities, within the family itself and yes, the schools are not addressing such laxities because some are just too concerned about getting the cash and providing a sound-to-be-good service disguising as Best Quality to be sold. Like what Inday said in her earlier testimonials about that Champion detergent commercial, that you have to pay... School matters because the school is supposed to be the first battle ground to exercise your freedom. It is saddening to realize that most schools are "underachiever" of so many things, that they could not facilitate to preach what they revised in their new directions. No matter how authorities would "revise and put a tag on a commodity if the content is still the same, fortification will fail (just like what happened with FIT, it did not replace water to wash our vegetables and fruits.)". You want to know where your money goes? Don't look at the new buildings, not the facilities... look at the heart of the institution- the teachers. They are significant determinants of the power of quality Education. The question is, how long will the teachers remain "passive"? Are the students ready to learn?

Ulalume's Fate in two Schools Unveiled

While the contenders fight for whose the one who did it better over youtube, as I studied the videos, though they deserve considerable commendation for a "job well done". I think it's just self-exaltation to boast that the winner is the "best" when the performance is nothing but a drama that is "branded" positive but as a literary and drama enthusiast myself... this is a "circus" so amateur and deserved to be called "neophyte". The outcome always reflects about the English coaches' skills but they failed to train how to read one of the best written literary pieces of Edgar Allan Poe. They dramatize yes but the drama just plainly destroys what is supposed to be simple but elegant Ulalume. I hope the next interpretations would turn out to be better. My New York City friend commented that the poem is freely interpreted in parks by high school students and she believed that there was music as the lines are delivered. I think that point was distorted in these two interpretations. The natural music is lost as they interpreted it. There are too many elements where in fact, the essentials are not in props and drop-dead entrances, it's about RHYTHM.

Lorma Idol

Inspired by the wave brought about by Simon's popular American Idol that soon revolutionized Star in a Million, Pinoy Pop Superstar and other reality singing contests that invaded Philippine TV. JJ Macagba, director of the Creative Services , Albert de Guzman (Chairman of the project, SML secretary) brought the Brown Flava to LC's stage. Brown Flava composed of Carlo, Nelson, Josia, Jaema, Deni, Johann infused the new flavor of urban music mostly to my interpretation a groove soul of RnB. They appeared as opening acts of South Border in their Northern Luzon Crossover Concert in SLU so with Side A's promo tour. Also, they played back-to-back with K24/7,Retrospect, Pido and P.O.T.... It was August 14, 2003 when the Gimik Night was held at the LC Multi-purpose Hall. The first Lorma Idol was Genalyn F. Viola, a nursing student. The runners up were Jhoanalyn Noble Nano, followed by Trisha Badong, if my memory serves me right. The other contenders were: Gerald Roque, now a full pledged nursing Clinical Instructor (the last time I saw him was during a job fair in LC coz he's eyeing a middle east job.)- he was one versatile singer who could do pop, RnB... he was singing in LGS to LCSSHS, Ireneo Dulatre- he's a balladeer, Jaycus Nacis- too bad he pulled out last minute in the contest (reasons are not clear)- he's a superb amateur singer from the MT Department, also a PAMET scholar (I saw him at ITRMC Laboratory Complex), Kristina Marie Vendiola, Marife AimeeTrinidad, and Princess Marie Antonio also heat the night. Well it was a good project and the Gimik Night was a fresh experience. The SBO chairmen were among the judges but there was a text vote that enraged me that night. I'm just disappointed with the result because my bet was really on Jhoanalyn who rendered a difficult Miss Saigon piece but lost the title to Genalyn due to some text votes. I really don't believe in text votes. Sorry to say but I hate how the PDA or PI does when they do promote text votes. It spoils the real talent! More to say, I saw Trisha Badong's earlier performances before she stepped the Starstruck. I heard she's in the USA as a full pledged nurse now but I still bumped at some easy videos showcasing her talent over youtube. The Lorma Idol was also supported by the Lorma Highlights in terms of poster designs and some leaflets... some editors were even part of the production crew. The stage back-draft was done by the LC Visual Arts Guild. LH also partnered with the "Donate a Book Project" chaired by former EIC, Albert de Guzman who was SML secretary.

PROSTITUITION

There has been some buzz over an alleged prostitution activity of LC BSN nursing students (basing from an alleged email that has been circulated, it also involved some other schools.). Opinions have been posted on the LH blog message board which as follows:

by kasyam apo:
yuck….
at take not jalm….
hindi lang po mga babae
kundi pati mga lalaki na din…. i have a friend na lalaki… third na sya ngayon dito sa lorma, nursing student sya… ang sabi sa mismong mga boarding house nila ginagawa yun..
i hoping sana next issue ng lormahighlights, maging bahagi po ito doon… thank you po

by Jalm
To kasyam apo:
yupz may nabalitaan na rin akong mga ganyan. mas malala pa yung iba kasi mismong mga doctors ang costumers nila. di naman pinangalanan ang mga nursing students na mga yun.

sana nga sa next issue meron na ito. para malaman na rin natin ang kanilang mga rason kung bakit nila ginagawa ito. nga pala kasyam apo kung gusto mo eh magregster ka sa forum site ng LH

by kasyam apo:
sana nga po.. mailathala po ito sa next issue
salamat po ulit…

by sabaw:
wag niyong ijudge ang other people malay niyo may rizon cla kung bakit ganun

by kasyam apo:
baka naman sabaw you’re of them…
walang lugar ang mga pokpok dito sa mundo..
sila pa nga ang sumisira sa isang pamilya eh…
at one more thing, bawal ang makiapid… so better quit in that bad habit or else… KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

by have mercy:
kasyam apo is right. malay mo baka maadik sila sa gingawa nila at magkaroon sila ng sakit. o di kaya ay magkakaso sila pagdinemanda ng kampo ng pamilya ang pagiging kabit nya. see………

by Igmedio Damian:
I don’t think that publishing the issue would change much as the city seems to be legalizing prostitution at some points. Jalm, nurse ka diba… u should be aware that local prostitutes are even entitled for medical check-ups sa city health. Don’t judge the person, you should point to the act. Tama si Sabaw at some points, may rason ang lahat ng bagay. Oprah even admitted to have been in that situation. Remember empathy Jalm. If you’re really concerned about these persons, bakit hindi niyo sila tulungan? Isa lang naman ang klaro diyan eh, they seem to have no other choice… give them another choice so that they can change. Payak na pag-usapan ang acts of prostitution… you should dig dipper. Kung may rason kung bakit napipilitan ang ibang cheerers (because they are failing academically); I’m sure may rason din ang mga alleged nursing prostitutes na yan.

by piz:to igmedio damian….may razon nga sila pero hindi naman nila iniisip kung ano yung mga negative or magiging bunga ng kanilang ginagawa… nakaksira sila ng pamilya… hindi mo kasi alam kung anong pakiramdam.. i admit ng dahil sa isang nursing student, nawala ang taty ko… iniwan kmai ng nanay namin at ngayon, 3 na lang kaming magkakapatid ang nabubhay dito sa mundo… mahirap yun.. sana wish ko lang maramdaman mo din ang nararamdaman ko, namin…

by jalm:Yupz may reason nga sila, pwedeng kulang na ang pangtuition nila. I know the feeling kasi scholar din ako hehehe. Pero I think prostitution is not the best solution to that problem. Pwedeng siya ang pinakamabilis na pwedeng kumita ng pera pero Nurse tayo eh, dapat imaintain natin ang “kaputian” ng ating uniform. May ibang paraan pa naman siguro para kumita ng extra income.
About sa medical check-ups sa city health, nakita ko yung mga pics at profile ng mga CSW at ang bata pa nung iba. At kung sakali mang maipublis ito, I think dalawa ang magiging result nito, first - pwedeng matauhan ang mga Nsg Students na ito at maghanap na lang ng ibang job and Secondly - pwedeng maencourage yung ibang Nsg Student para gawin din iyon knowing na di sila nag-iisa!

by jalm:to piz: nag-aaral ka pa rin ba? ang hirap naman ng situation mo ngayon. I got your point. At sana di na lumala pa ang problemang ito, sana ay magawan na ng solusyon.

by Igmedio Damian:To Piz: It must have been very difficult for you. I am not tolerating the act or even taking sides on the alleged people involved. Don’t prejudge as if I am insensitive. Dysfunctional nga ang society natin eh. Kaya napakadaling masira ang basic foundation which is family. To strengthen it is to find ways to understand the whereabouts of the components. You are speaking as to experience, I understand the rage but if we radically hang each suspected prostitute, will this world a better place to live in? I’ll give you a hypothetical question, are you blaming solely on the prostitute because of what had happened to your family? That is why you are reacting on that compulsion? In that case hindi pa nga handa lahat ng senses mo para makinig.

by Igmedio Damian:Jalm, tama ka sa puntong hindi nga solusyon ang prostitution. It will never will. Classical ngang example ito ng dysfunctional behavior. Kaya nga natin yan pinapag-aralan kung papano natin atakihin ang problema. Kaya dapat huwag kang maging OR nurse eh kasi mas magiging epektibo ka sa human to human interaction. More to say buddy, tama na maipublish ang prostitution issue pero dapat protektahan ang identities ng alleged people involved. Menor de edad nga eh. Matagal ng may ganito sa Lorma. May encounter na ring ganito si Jubilo noon (former dean). Ang punto lang, gaano kalawak ang jurisdiction ng school dito? Kung pagbabasehan mo yung Guidelines ng Nursing Department, wala ng laban ang mga ito kung tutuusin. Pero, Christian educational institution ang LC, alam mo ba kung ano ang meaning ng pagiging Christian? So to speak, responsibilidad din ng Lorma na palawigin pa ang kanilang kamay para maitama ang mga ito. To add, may batas tayo eh. Kung may reklamo sa mga ito, mag-file ng kaso. Kung tutuusin nga trial by publicity na itong ginagawa natin. Man, may human rights din sila.

post script: LH already published a topic related to the issue titled: Investigative Journalism... PLAZA: Sa Likod ng Liwanag written by Elmer dela Cruz (Filipino Literary Editor). Vol 27 issue 2 of LH magazine with a theme CAMPUS JOURNALISM TOWARDS A HUMANISTIC SOCIETY.

Sporting On

Sporting On
by
Igmedio Damian

Hindi natin alam kung papano nangyari ang aksidente.
It was posted:
Let us pray for the fast recovery of one of our
schoolmate...

Walang masama sa pagdarasal. Ang pagdarasal nga
"can move mountains". Hindi ba? Gusto kong iparating sa mga authorities na bagaman ito ay
matatawag na aksidente. Hindi kaya't mayroon ding
matatawag na kapabayaan o pagkukulang?
Pagsasawalang-bahala sa kaligtasan ng mga
estudyante na may kinalaman sa aktibidad ng
paaralan? Do all schools have safety rules on sporting
events?

Sa aking pagkakaalam, itong insidenteng ito ay
matatawag na grabe kung pag-uusapan ang bahaging
nasaktan. May mga aksidente narin noon na kung saan
nasaktan ang isang pep squad member. Hindi ko
sinasabing sa pep squad na ito, dito ring nagmula.
Sinasabi kong maaaring sa ibang departamento
sapagkat ang bawat Kolehiyo ay may sari-sariling pep
squad at ang main pep squad naman usually na pang
inter-school ay binubuo ng mga miyembro mula sa iba't
ibang departamento. Isa ito magandang tradisyon at
magandang ehemplong pagpapakita ng "true
leadership" ng mangilan ngilang guro. (Sinu sino pa po
ba sa mga guro ngayon ang may ganitong dedikasyon?
Mangilan-ngilan nga lamang hindi ba? Kung meron man
natitira ay yaong mga matatawag na lamang na
"remains", coaches for compliance sake.) Dapat po
natin tularan ang mangilan ngilan na aktibong
nagtataguyod ng interes ng mga estudyante.
Bagama't ito ay bahagi lamang ng usaping pang-
akademiko (maaring tutulang hindi nga pang-
akademiko sapagkat ang sigaw ng mga elitista ay
ibalik muli ang focus sa Agham at Teknolohiya);
sapagkat ang Isport daw ay hindi naman ang
pangunahing interes sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. (Is
this the reason why DE is no longer DECS?) Atin pong
alalahanin ang mga sinimulan ng the "great Dr. C." who
lived by example, advocating the value of physical
fitness in overall health.

Bagama't mukhang "cheering" na lamang ang
bumubuhay sa mapaklang sporting event ng bawat
paaralan at inter-school competitions; kung
pagbabasehan ang mga kumento sa LH blog at mga
opinyon ng common students; dapat din nating alamin
ang masalimuot na problema ng isport. Dapat,
dagdagan ang safety precautions sa mga practices ng
CHEERING o anumang event. Have it written. Science
should be applied in each stunts. It's not just an art.
"I've watched some documentries on how stunts are
executed, it's not just a matter of coming up with it
successfully (PE teachers know this) but behind
that... SAFETY should always be a priority. Needless
to say further, should we qualify an athlete's
assumption of risk factor?" O dili kaya'y nasabak
lamang sila sa naturang sporting event simply because
there is no better choice or simply this is quite the
easier choice than to take another exam? Or given No
choice? Oh yeah, because this is like an unwritten rule
kagaya ng isang Dean's prerogative over who
deserves to pass, who deserves to attend the
capping and badge ceremony, who deserves to
proceed in OJT or level higher and move one step
further, who deserves to graduate with flying colors.
Fact is, this is categorized in extra-curricular activity
to break some gaps in deliberation of grades. Or
rather, a poor interpretation and exercise of the so-
called Academic Freedom. Make sport an option to
supplement academics? If Logic could solve this
mystery, how would the logic gurus translate these?
Or just be blind and ignore the facial expressions of
students who don't want what they are doing? Watch
them in youtube, have fun, laugh till it hurts.

Kaya nga napakahirap maging isang boxer kasi
maraming exercises... Inaanyayahan kong suriin ng
studentry at mga student journalist ang
napakahalagang bahagi ng usaping pampalakasan sa
paaralan. Meron nga bang matinong sports program
ang bawat paaralan? Or simply it reflects how poor
and we lack so much that we can't even have a good
match in major events such as the Olympics? Or we
have the poorest Characters behind it that we can't
be proud of having?

Kung ikaw ay isang mapanuring estudyante,
napagtanto mo na ba kung ano ang importansya ng
PRISAA fee na inyong binabayaran? Bagamat hindi
natin nalalaman kung ano nga ba ang halaga ng
PRISAA sa buhay ng isang simpleng mag-aaral. Para sa
iba'y ito lamang ay payak na "patungkol sa simpleng
kataga na sports." Para sa isang tunay na atleta, ito
ay higit pa sa salitang sports. Ito ay nagpapahayag
dapat ng isang "pagkakataon" ng isang malalim na
paghubog sa isang pambihirang kakayahan ng
indibidwal. Ang salitang sports ay sumasalamin sa
isang kahusayan na hindi lamang pampisikal na bahagi
ng katauhan ang nahuhubog kundi ang kabuuan ay
natututong maki-ugnay sa bawat isa para namnamin
ang salitang "tagumpay" at "karangalan". Ano nga ba
ang kalagayan ng mga paaralan sa PRISAA? Marami ng
atletang sinubukang bagtasin ang rurok ng tagumpay
sa kabila ng "kawalan o kakulangan ng suporta" at
pansamantala'y maging popular pagkat nailimbag ang
kanilang nagawa sa mga pang-estudyanteng
publikasyon o promosyon. Hanggang pagpapalimbag na
nga ba? Hanggang padayu-dayong kumpetisyon kung
saang may piyesta na lamang ba? Manalo,
magpakasaya sa buong gabi sa isang night spot at
hintayin ang umaga? Let's aim for the National and
International Events. We can! Gaano ba kataas ang
ating pangarap? Gaano ba kataas tumalon ang isang
MVP? Makakaya ba niyang patumbahin ang mga
naghahariang mga kakumpetensiyang paaralan? Can
we give a good game or just mumble our bitterness
because of a beauty pageant? Kailan naman tayo
sisigaw sa level ng pang UAAP? One hundred years
from now?

Walang bang maayos na sport program? Everyone is
just preoccupied by Imeldific display of lighting
torches. Halos maghingalo na ang noo'y mga buhay na
buhay na guro ng PE. Nirarayuma na ang bawat kasu
kasuan ng mga ito sapagkat nanamlay ang kanilang
aktibidad. Papano'y wala namang malinaw na polisiya.
Wala hindi ba? "How do you make a Champion?" Paulit
ulit lang naman ang mga naglalaro sa basketball diba?
(Performance has never been so bland.) Kaalinsabay
ng ibang sporting event mula track and field,
badminton, tennis, chess, darts, volleyball, etc, sila-
sila na naman (minsan nagdo-double body ang isang
participant... dalawa or tatlo ang sport niya, conflict
tuloy sa schedule. Hindi na nakapagtataka if may
manalo by default.). Bad gaming. Bad schedule. Sila
na naman nung nakaraang taon, sila na naman
ngayon. Dapat kumukumpitensiya na sila sa labas para
"sila" naman na nagsisimula ay "sila naman". Saan ang
motibasyon na dapat ay nakapunla para sa mga
nangangapang freshman? Na-review na ba kung maari
nang isalang ang matagal nang nakaupo sa bangkong
atleta? O dili kaya'y naghihintay na lamang ng suporta
mula sa mga nag eeli-elitistahang student leader kuno
na pre-occupied sa isang napakagarbong "beauty
pageant" sa bawat school event. Pamilyar diba? Tipikal
na Filipino culture, mahilig sa pageant... di ba nga
halos lahat ng sulok may masasabing "pageant" mula
Miss Talipapa, Mr. Suwave, Mrs. Banyera. Pinoy na
Pinoy! Hindi ako nagtatangi sa mag ito pero ano nga
ba ang "sense", ano ang nais na iparating?
Imeldification. Bakit di niyo tignan kung maari niyo ng
palitan ang mga officers ng bawat sporting event?
Bakit hindi pag-aralan ang mga rules kung angkop ba
sa students? Baka naman may marunong sa faculty? o
sa non-teaching employee kaya? Ano naman kaya ang
mensaheng maipaparating nito sa isang baguhang
kolehiyala o high school? How could we erase the
blemishes of cheating? Meron ba?

Isa sa aking sina-saluduhang mga atleta ay ang
naghihingalong Martial Arts team ni Sir Noel Sumingwa.
Opo, ang walang kakupas-kupas na "Dragon" ng LC
martial arts Club. Mantakin niyong kayang kaya niyang
magpa-demonstrate ng routine sa ilalim ng puno ng
santol at sirok ng mangga? Hindi nahihiya ang team na
ibuhos ang kanilang high kick sa ere para lang ipakita
ang abilidad, ang pormang may disiplina. This team
should have a space in the Gym with real equipment!
Alam ni Sir Noel how it's like to have nothing to come
up with something but we can't wait to have
"quantum physics" take its effect. I mean, gosh
having a Champion coach is not enough to motivate
martial artists. This is not classical anime or
something. Martial arts is a discipline that Filipinos are
excelling in and out of the country. International
martial arts enthusiast come to this part of the world
just to train and learn variations from Kali to Sikaran,
etc.. Kaya support what the team deserves.

I met an athlete in a school in Pangasinan, yeah their
gym was in bad shape. The student paper keeps on
publishing how bad the gym was... but then, the lack
does not kill their morale. It sucks but their team was
struggling and they produce Champions. Should they
be given better equipment, their Champions are not
just ordinary Champions. However, when they should
be given a chance to compete in the Nationals, make
a step further to join the Olympic team... Hmmm some
crocodiles kill their hope. Yeah sad but true. Mafias in
the National Team. There's no unity to come up with a
powerful team. You can just feel how that Olympic
coach sighed. OMG! The lack, yeah the Lackl.

Sepak-takraw. Is sipa still our National Sport? Di
naman kasi importante ... (Hahah. No sense of
Nationalism nga ang kabataan ngayon. Biruin niyong
kailangan pang magpalabas ng directive si Sec. Lapus
just to stop playing canned Lupang Hinirang during
Flag Ceremonies. Well, do you still know how to sing
Lupang Hinirang with your heart?); Darn, do we know
how many teams that are viable for any sporting
events? Authorities would boast of the well-publicized
accomplishments of many students who made it to
the national or international arena but the reality is,
they only did little to the development of such talent.
Sad reality. I would say that those who made it to
these scenes are really the lucky ones because they
are well-supported by their parents, if not... let us
give commendation to PTO/PTA for their full support.
Give commendation for the Politician who signed some
clearance and gave financial support out from his own
pocket? (and make sure we dont forget to vote for
him in the next elections.) In most schools, an
athlete is lucky if student leaders will raise funds or do
something for the delegate. Sa barangay nga namin,
mismo yung mga atleta ang nagso-solicit pero
nakakainis, makikita mo lang silang tambay na naman
pagkatapos ng liga. When funds are available, there
are delegates... if non, hmmm maybe look forward for
another event next time or next school year anyway
the final exams are approaching, focus on your studies
instead. The high spirited athlete would go anyway.
Assuption of Risk factor. If he still have PE, inform the
instructor to make an exemption, don't tell other
students they might get jealous. For the remaining
subjects, make-up exams. Enter at your own Risk. Be
a Hero, they would just have to be too proud of the
"bacon" when you are LUCKY but truth is; the school
did only little. This is a sad reality again. Napapansin
ka lang kapag nananalo ka. If natatalo, normally
authorities would rethink of Politics behind the
sporting event: corruption, cheating, etc.; then wala
ng pasasalihin or kaunti na ang suporta the next time
kasi feeling nadaya yung result or di na worthy yung
competition. That should not be the attitude. Mas
masarap kaya ang matalo, at bumagsak, at
bumangon... It's better to fight and avoid
procastinations than to be Impotent. Impotent na
nga, wala pang erection.

We hate Politics in Sport. Some school authorities
really hate it to the point of discouraging inter-school
competitions. Others dance to the music. Can't beat
them, join them. Yeah, the fact that sports should
promote an apolitical environment as in the case when
Pacquiao's fight would allow politicians to enjoy the
fight nor we see the world leaders in Olympics to
convey their support... though the hot part is "We get
more ringings with activists outcry of Freeing Tibet".
No one would dare to talk much in media if a religious
fundamentalist burned himself as a form of protes.
Rather, we would track the medals, see who is the
hot babe or adonis among the athletes. Fact is, We
love sports to death that we are most amazed to see
our heroes demonstrate their world record skills. It is
like being in the game itself- inspiring, empowering,
adrenaline rush, sometimes stupid because it is spoiled
by technicalities and boboos from different factors,
protests due to age, scoreboards, unsportmanlike
behaviour, drugs, and shits. Hate Sports and Love it.
It's like reliving the Gladiator movie.

Worse and more exposes. In public schools... kids are
taught to lie on their age just to have a grip of that
scholarship; never try to break that old rule for the
school's glory. That expose is nothing more different
when that gymnast was asked... Too bad the
Standards imposed does not favor one's winning
strategy. Win, no matter how it takes. Be otherwise,
you'll break the rule then you'll have no future. Yet,
does an athlete ends being an athlete when the Game
is Over?