NEVER BACK DOWN, NEVER SURRENDER!

By: Renan B. Patiño

       When two parties fight for supremacy over a thing, they are vying for a valuable asset. However, is it always worth the cost of the conflict?

The West Philippine Sea is known as a diverse and vibrant underwater world. Various marine creatures inhabit it, a distinct reason why it is often called the center of marine diversity in the Philippines. Not only that, this area is also rich in natural gases and minerals, which could provide power to the three major islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is incredible how much life and energy can be found in our beautiful ocean, isn't it? It is ours and should only be beneficial to Filipinos.

      However, The West Philippine Sea, known for its wealth and greatness, has faced various issues. Misconceptions about the ownership and greed of an interested country caused too much trouble and threat to its real owner. Nevertheless, the Philippines stands firm with its strong and valid evidence and is passive but never surrendering.

      According to China, the South China Sea, which includes the West Philippine Sea and Scarborough Shoal, is part of their territory based on their nine-dash line. This declaration contradicts the Philippines' claim, which asserts its right to the aforementioned sea. According to the National Bureau of Asian Research, the Philippines argues that Scarborough Shoal and all other Spanish marine features surrounding the Philippines archipelago were transferred from Spain to the United States in 1898. After gaining independence from the US, the Philippines was given the title of Scarborough Shoal. Furthermore, according to the article of Ubac in Inquirer, under Philippine law, only those parts of the South China Sea that the Philippine government asserts are part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are referred to as the West Philippine Sea. This is an ongoing issue that requires diplomatic efforts to resolve.

      Nonetheless, China has never hesitated to assert its power over others, despite claims by both nations to the contrary. The Chinese government began to exert control over the disputed area, causing concern among local fishers and Philippine government officials. The Chinese authorities initially used water cannons against the fishers and later involved coast guards. The aggression continued as they exploited the area's resources, leading to an eventual appeal to the United Nations by the Philippines. After thorough investigation and evaluation, fortunately, in July 2016, the Philippines won a groundbreaking ruling in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, invalidating Beijing's massive claims over the South China Sea. This ruling was significant evidence that the West Philippine Sea legally belonged to the Philippines despite China's allegations and aggression.

      Strong and valid evidence. By the result of the trial, the Philippines expected a positive action--- to stop the raging conflict in the area, but that was not the case, as the opposition country never recognized this ruling and continued to push the ideologies and beliefs therein. To further resolve this, former leaders have made efforts in the Philippine government to avoid a possible war between this powerful country and the Philippines. Agreements and peace talks have been organized, yet aggression continues.

           Several reports reached the media in the previous years since the conflict started. The issue of harassment cases toward Filipino fishermen by the China Coast Guard, even after the result of the trial came out, has further heated the situation. In just this year, according to the news article in Philstar by Macairan (2024), the Philippine Coast Guard-West Philippine Sea spokesperson, Commodore Jay Tarriela, confirmed that the CCG had been known to harass Filipino fishermen and reportedly instructed them to return shells they had gathered from Scarborough Shoal. Witnesses stated that the CCG's rubber boat chased after the Filipino fishing vessel, preventing them from taking shells, which are a local delicacy they usually cook in the place. Four CCG members even jumped from the rubber boat. They swam towards the Filipino fishing vessel to instruct them to return the shells. Furthermore, witnesses have reported that the Chinese Coast Guard personnel continue to prevent Filipino fishermen from departing with their fishing vessels unless they comply with the order to throw back the sea shells they had gathered.

         Apart from the harassment to Filipino fisherfolks are the reports of stealing of some of the equipment and devices made by Filipinos to support the locals in the area. Just this April 18, 2024, according to an article in the Philstar of Cariaso, Vietnamese allegedly stole the contents of a fishing device in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), while Chinese vessels removed the 'payao' that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) had installed for Filipino fishermen at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, according to a fisherfolk group leader in Zambales.

         It was in 2023 that the BFAR awarded a  ‘payao.'   Payao is an artificial structure deployed on fishing grounds to catch marine species, specifically tuna, commonly found in the area. It can be made of steel but is traditionally a bamboo pontoon type used in fishing operations. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) made this effort of augmentation to ensure food security and good catch among Filipino fisherfolks living in that area despite the ongoing conflict.

"My fellow association members requested that the payao be placed at Scarborough Shoal, but it was already cut before we harvested," Alpay said. "Our fellow fishermen helped BFAR remove the Chinese floating barrier and it triggered the removal of the payao. Our fish catch could reach five tons and above if we have the paya," he  added.

      "There were times that our catch only reached half a ton, one ton, but we had no choice but to stay longer to cover the expenses. We go as far as 15 to 20 miles away from Scarborough just to catch more fish," Alpay explained.

         Despite this tool's benefit to Filipinos, the removal of Payao, according to China, lies in its destructive nature. BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera condemned it in his statement and pointed out the most detrimental action made by China, which is the unabated reclamation that destroys coral reefs (Cariaso, 2024). 

         In the face of China's aggressive actions in previous years, it has been a cause of concern for many leaders and organizations. Further, leaders and concerned agencies never failed to take a stand in the Philippines even in earlier years. In response, according to the issued press release of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in 2015, DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario, during that time urged the international community to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution of maritime disputes. Del Rosario emphasized the importance of the UN as a platform to achieve this goal. He also emphasized the Philippines' request for assistance during the UN-ASEAN conference to implement the declaration on the Conduct of Parties concerning the countries of China and hasten the creation of a binding Code of Conduct. These endeavors seek to enable a nonviolent resolution to conflicts among countries claiming ownership of territories in the West Philippine Sea.

           Further, in the current administration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remained steadfast in his commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty of the Philippines. As per the Presidential Communications Office, in the year 2023, according to President Marcos, the Philippines will continue to collaborate with China to promote regional peace and stability, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, and to facilitate strong trade and economic activity. Despite the challenges confronting the two nations, the relationship will be defined not by differences but by common areas of interest, shared beliefs, and cultural similarities.

         Also, the Philippine government and its designated agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard, are helping people living in the disputed area. Moreover, the National Task Force warned the public against the spread of fake information on different social media platforms by pro-Chinese users to weaken the factual information about the aggression made by Chinese Nationals in the West Philippine Sea. It encourages netizens to be vigilant and critical of what they are reading online about the West Philippine Sea, while the Philippine Coast Guard is taking a transparency strategy where Filipinos will see reality and what is happening in the area. 

         Alarming as indeed it is to see such behavior of our neighboring countries on our territories. Aggression meant to have aggression as what people would think. However, the actions of the Philippines on this issue are indeed relevant and critical. 

         Passive but never surrendering. The Philippines' passive conduct is often misinterpreted as weakness, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Our actions are a calculated display of our unwavering determination to protect our rightful territories. Despite facing significant challenges, we refuse to back down. It's a well-known fact that China's population far exceeds ours, and they possess immense power. However, we must remember that our leaders have engaged in peace talks and agreed on this issue. We will continue to stand firmly and fight for what is rightfully ours, and we won't be intimidated or subdued by any outside forces. We will never back down and never give up.

         The Philippines is for Filipinos. Let it be known that the Philippines owns the West Philippine Sea legally. The highest trial has proven this fact beyond any shadow of doubt, and it's as clear as daylight. The resources of this sea are the rightful property of the Filipino people, and no other country, including China and its neighboring states, has any right to lay claim to them. 

In the fight for power over the West Philippine Sea, the cost of the conflict is worth it. It is worth fighting for. It's time for us to assert our sovereignty over our own natural resources and put a stop to any unwarranted foreign meddling---with no harm, only awareness, diplomatic, and peaceful means as it takes. Remember, West Philippine Sea: Yaman nito ay para sa Pilipino. 

         We must come together and protect what is rightfully ours. We cannot allow misinformation to spread about this disputed territory. Let us rally and support each other as we raise our voices and make our concerns heard. Let us stand with advocates and leaders who are fighting for this cause. Let us stand today. Let it be NOW. Philippines. NEVER BACK DOWN. NEVER SURRENDER.

CapSU Pontevedra bags first place in Tourism Quiz Bowl

 CapSU Pontevedra bags first place in Tourism Quiz Bowl

Text by: Charlie Mae Esimos & Christian D. Degollado

Sarah Duron, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management student of Capiz State University – Pontevedra Campus, won first place in the Tourism Quiz Bowl category at the recently concluded Capiz Regional Tourism Expo with the theme" Tourism and Green Investment" held at Robinsons Place Roxas, September 30, 2023.

Miss Duron has proven her exceptional knowledge and love for tourism, setting her a remarkable win. With the help of her mentor, she emerged victorious and was hailed as the champion among the participants from the six competing universities.

She expressed her sincere gratitude to her mentor in an interview, who provided unwavering support and time and believed in their abilities during the tournament.

 "It was such an amazing experience to represent the CAPSU-Pontevedra in the Tourism Quiz Bowl. It was a nerve-wracking moment but also an exciting one since I could compete with other contestants with the same goal as mine: to win. To be honest, I still can't believe it until now. I feel nothing but delighted and proud because I was able to represent and give pride to our campus. But it is not possible if it's not with God. All the praise and glory is unto him." she said during an interview.

Meanwhile, CapSU Pontevedra also won 3rd place in the College Category of the Capture the Taste: Culinary Competition, represented by Argold June Amaraco and Christian Kent Plamiano with their dish Tinum-anan nga alimango.

In an interview, Amaraco expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the faculty of the HM Department and their coaches who gave support and time, believing in their skills and capacity throughout the competition.

The Capiz Regional Tourism Expo is the highlight of the Tourism Month Celebration every September.

 

COEAS Teacher Education Department spearheads welcome program to Indonesian SEA-Teacher Student Exchange

The College of Education Arts and Sciences - Teacher Education Department of Capiz State University Pontevedra Campus organized the welcome program to the Indonesian SEA Teacher Student Exchange held at FADC Hall, on September 14.

Rania Kairunnisak, a 4^th-year student from the Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Indonesia was welcomed by the students, teachers, faculty, and staff, and selected members of CapSU Pontevedra Dance Troupe (CPDT) performed the local folk dances to entertain the visitors and exhibit the cultural richness of the country.

"It is our great privilege that we will be part of your practice teaching journey during this internship of yours in the humble university," said Dr. Mary Anne Decrepito, Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) Program Coordinator.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the College of Education Arts and Sciences, Dr. Judel V. Protacio, highlighted the goals of the SEA-Teacher Student exchange program which are to enable future student researchers to practice and develop their teaching skills and language, encourage our future teachers to practice their English skills, and allows future teachers to gain broader regional and world view.

"This is to expose our future teachers to diverse teaching and learning situations and opportunities and to value the importance of flexibility in everything that you do," Dr. Protacio uttered in his message.

On the other hand, the Campus Administrator, Dr. Honey Lee Casa, was thankful to the Office of External Affairs and Linkages for emphasizing internationalization and their efforts to bring CapSU to the international arena.

“Internationalization of higher education involves international and intercultural dimensions to higher education's purpose, function, and service delivery. The very purpose of this student exchange program is for the students to exhibit a higher degree of awareness, acceptance for cultural diversity, and an increase to their cultural capital.” Dr. Casa stated.

The partner school in DepEd President Roxas, Dominggo M. Locsin Elementary School, headed by Mr. Gerebilto Dadivas, Principal IV, graced the said program together with Mrs. Mary Altes Pagayon, the assigned cooperating teacher of Ms. Kairunnisak.

Text by: Jeesha Ruth Villarino and Martin Cris Caro

Photos by: Josel V. Dilla & Mark Ronel Decio

 

‘Paghugpong sang mga Tumandok’ itinampok ng KapFil;

CaPEDS itinanghal na kampeon

ni Kyla Mae Villareal

Inihandog ng Kapisanan sa Filipino (KapFil) ng Capiz State University Pontevedra Campus sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika 2023 ang patimpalak na "Paghugpong sang mga Tumandok," na nilahukan ng mga mag-aaral mula sa iba’t ibang samahang nagtagisan ng kahusayan sa pagsayaw at interpretasyon sa pag-arte kasama ang malalim na pag-unawa sa iba't ibang wika at kultura ng bansa.

Itinanghal na kampeon sa nasabing patimpalak ang "Ibaloi" ng CapSU Association of Physical Education Students (CaPEDS), samantala ang "Gadang" ng Society of Undergraduate Math Students (SUMS) at Diwa ng Teknolohiya at Agham (DIWATA) ay nagkamit ng ikalawang gantimpala at ang "Yakan" mula sa organisasyon ng The Linguist Club at The Generalist para sa ikatlong gantimpala.

Samantala, naghandog ang bawat kasapi ng KapFil ng unity dance bilang pagpapakita ng kanilang pasasalamat at pagkakaisa.

Nagpahayag si Gng. Ricaflor R. Avila, Tagapayo ng KapFil, ng kaniyang pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga nag-ambag upang maging matagumpay ang Buwan ng Wika 2023. Pinuri rin niya ang malasakit at dedikasyon ng mga mag-aaral sa pagpapakita ng kanilang pagmamahal sa wikang Filipino at sa mga katutubong wika na nagbigay-kulay sa kulturang Pilipino.

Sumentro ang taong selebrasyon ng Buwang ng Wika sa temang "Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Ingklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan."

Kuha mula sa ipinamalas na performance ng CapEDS. Larawang Kuha ni Jesie Maido.

 

 

3 BSEd English seniors to go Indonesia, Vietnam for the student exchange program

 Three senior students of the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English of Capiz State University - Pontevedra Campus will enter the international arena as they go to Indonesia and Vietnam for student exchange programs.

Alexis Kirsti S. Villarin is to be deployed to Universitas Ahmad Dahlan Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from May 15 to June 9; Romena B. Pagay to Universitas Muhammadiyah Puworkerto, Indonesia, from May 15 to June 9; and Lyndemae Denosta to Dong Thap University, Vietnam, from May 8 to June 2, are part of the 9th batch of South East Asia (SEA) – Teacher Student Exchange Program of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO).

"This initiative strengthens the university's linkages with partner agencies and allows students to learn, collaborate, and unlock new skills," Dr. Jereline D. De Pablo said, CapSU Pontevedra External Affairs and Linkages-Chair.

For Romena Pagay, an education senior, the student exchange program will be an enriching experience for her to gain a global perspective and enhance her personal and academic growth.

"Participating in the student exchange program would give me access to a wider range of academic opportunities and resources. I am excited to start this new adventure, learn about a new culture, make new friends, and gain skills and knowledge that will benefit my future academic and professional pursuits," Pagay stated.

Alexis Kristi Villarin also shared that joining the programs was both overwhelming and exciting for her.

"One of the things that I have considered in joining this program was the chance for growth. As a fourth-year student, the next step for me is already the real world, however, just thinking about it can be scary at times. Joining this program will give me the chance to know more about myself and to see life from a different perspective," Villarin stated.

Spearheaded by the university's Office of the Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages (OVP-EAL) and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar about cultural diversity and practices, ethical values, and proper behavior was conducted at CapSU Central Admin-Boardroom, last May 3, attended by 19 Education seniors from the different CapSU campuses.

Text by Christian John Villamor

Photo courtesy from  Dr. Jereline De Pablo

 

 

 

CapSU Pontevedra student leaders and advisers join National Interactive Youth Forum; Patiño represents Visayas as resource sharer during couch session

 Six student-leaders and advisers of Capiz State University – Pontevedra Campus attended the three-day Interactive Youth Forum at Venus Parkview Hotel, Baguio City, April 20-22.

Student-leaders were Renan Patiño, Supreme Student Council President; Lorence Albert Estilloro, Future Leaders of the Philippines President; and Christian John Villamor, CapSU Forum Editor-in-Chief. They were accompanied by Dr. John Ralph I. Fayo, SSC Adviser; Prof. John Paul L. Araneta, CapSU FORUM Adviser; and Prof. Michael A. Bañas, Student Organizations, and Activities Coordinator.

Mr. Patiño was chosen to be a resource sharer on Day 2 during the couch session, representing the participating universities all over the Visayas. In his interview, he shared that student-leaders must value self-care as their physical and mental health serves as a core foundation to effectively serve the student body.

“Student-leaders cannot serve well when they are tired. It is therefore important to take a rest when you needed to because energizing oneself radiates a positive aura to other leaders, leading to effective and productive service.”

Workshops, open forums, social night performances, and other interactive activities were conducted, anchored on the theme, “Post-pandemic Perspectives becoming REAL: Reconnecting, Embracing, Adapting, Living Now!”

This year’s IYF, spearheaded by the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, was participated by 59 schools nationwide, with a total of 304 participants – 211 of which were student-leaders and 103 were student affairs and services practitioners.

Text by: Christian John Villamor, EIC, CapSU FORUM

Flattening the Curves

 

Imagine governance with less transparency. What could a country be? For Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (CPI), a zero scale is an assessment of a country being “highly corrupt” and 100 as “very clean.” With the latest CPI score of 33, the Philippines continues to be dubbed as one of the most corrupt countries worldwide, ranked 116th among 180 countries. No wonder why the curves of some politicians’ stomachs fatten - instead of sharing the funds with the public, they feed it to themselves.

Freedom of Information is a move towards transparency. Through Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016, signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte, the public is allowed to access all government documents, records, and transactions. FOI serves as a needle in popping the stomachs of politicians. It lets fake news, dishonesty, and stolen funds out of their stomachs. However, the curves do not easily result in flattening. Though the public could freely access the information they want to know, there are limitations to be considered.

The list of FOI exemptions covers national defense or international relations; confidential information such as records of proceedings especially minor victims; trade, business, and other proprietary information. Others might argue to exclude these exceptions since the purpose is transparency in the first place, yet, everything should have boundaries. If everything would be freely accessible, the country would be at risk – national security on military operations and intelligence gatherings will not be protected; personal privacy on medical records, financial information, and personal identification could lead to data and identity theft.

FOI will not only expose corruption. It will also pave the way towards the “right to know” and the right to accurately inform the “misinformed, disinformed, and those who are not informed at all.”

Others believe that it is a ‘need’ for them to know the documents related to government agencies. Little did they know, FOI shifts the thinking from a “need to know” basis to a “right to know” basis. This means that by ensuring that information is accessible to the public, we not only promote transparency and prevent corruption but also guarantee that the right of every citizen is put into practice. As Article 19, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

Moreover, FOI accurately informs the aforementioned group of individuals in a “less money and time” manner. Through the electronic portal, FOI continues to bridge accurate information across the nation. On their latest data, the top requested information and agencies related to the COVID-19 pandemic include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): the list of 4Ps and Social Amelioration Program beneficiaries and 2020 Approved Budget Cost for the Social Pension of Senior Citizens of LGUs; the Social Security System (SSS): status of calamity loan applications; and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): CAMP Application Status, AKAP Financial Assistance, and list of approved companies for CAMP per Local Government Unit (LGU). The eFOI Portal has specifically contributed to the academic sector, with 49.45% of users. It has also been essential by those in areas including government, media, and others. This has been particularly important during a time of crisis when people need reliable information more than ever.

With the help of FOI, campus journalists are able to provide transparent information on the government’s actions and decisions. Yet, in some cases, the government can still release information that is misleading, incomplete, or selective. The same goes for other journalists. They can be biased and one-sided. Truth is a two-way process - journalists demand the government’s transparency and accountability, and the government requires the journalists’ reliability and accuracy. No one manipulates the other. As Jemin B. Guillermo, J.D., Officer-in-Charge of Philippine Information Agency – Region VI reminds campus journalists, “Be the gateways, not gatekeepers of timely and relevant information. The goal is to ‘explain, explain, explain’ the narratives of the government to empower Filipino citizens.”

The more the citizens are aware of the government’s actions and decisions, the more effective the FOI becomes. The more the politicians hide the information from the public, the more chances we have to use the needle of FOI. If we ever hesitate to pop the stomach curves or not, bear in mind that they always had an option, but chose to live with secrets and lies. In the first place, corruption and disinformation should never have a place inside one’s stomach as it is like toxins. They are harmful and damaging, destroying the trust of those who consume them. Never let those toxins destroy more stomachs. Sharpen the needle of FOI. Pop the stomachs. Flatten the curves.

Written by: Christian John Villamor, Editor-in-Chief

Illustrated by: Joshua B. Baquilar, Cartoonist