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

FLP spearheads Local Work Conference

     With the goal of highlighting students' skills and excellence, the Future Leaders of the Philippines of Capiz State University Pontevedra Chapter organized the two-day FLP Local Work Conference with the theme, “FLP: Strengthening Filipino Youth Leaders as a Pathway to Excellent Sustainable Agro-Ecosystem” at CapSU gymnasium, March 30-31.

    “One of the critical challenges that we face today is ensuring the sustainability of our Agro-ecosystems. Agriculture is a vital industry in the Philippines, providing livelihoods for millions of people, and playing a significant role in our economy. However, unsustainable practices, climate change, and other environmental challenges threaten the future of our agricultural systems,” Dr. Aleta Rose A. Onglatco, OSS Chair, said in her welcome remarks.

    The FLP formulated a variety of skills and cultural contests for the first day, including the identification of farm seeds, farm weeds, and plant pests and diseases, the propagation of asexual plants, the computation of fertilizer and feed, the capture of fish (net mending/patching), and the identification of common commercial fishes.

    Table skirting with centerpieces, bangus deboning, fruit carving, tour guiding, actual landscape gardening, battle of the brains, and Pinoy hip-hop dance contest were among the events that were covered during the second day's plenary session.

    Dr. Leah U. Bulan, an Agriculturist who served as the guest speaker, stated in her keynote address that the call for young leaders in reshaping our economy is of great consideration today.

    “Embrace the teachings and philosophies, and emulate the learning you got from these activities. Live with it, bear in mind that these will help you grow personally, and professionally, and even mold you to the right perspective of self-actualization. Become productive in your own limits, wherever you may go, whatever endeavors you will be facing, look to the future with a high sense of responsibility of taking care of your own community even if you are in this countryside. Apply what you had learned and let the community appreciate your little efforts that may contribute to our goal of sufficiency and sustainability,” Dr. Bulan added.

    The said conference ended with the awarding of certificates and recognition of participants in the various contest categories.

Text by: Chloe Eunice Cabalquinto

Photo credits: Jesie Maido, Eunice Tumlos, & Mark Ronel Decio

BES holds Entrepreneurial Week

 

The Business and Economic Society (BES) of Capiz State University - Pontevedra Campus organized The Entrepreneurial Week 2023 with the theme, "Business as Usual: Revamping the Entrepreneurial Spirit through Camaraderie, Competition, and Cooperation" which all students pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration attended on March 27-28.

The Entrepreneurial Week is made up of many different events and competitions, but the main attraction is the inauguration of the BES market, which has 12 booths including Negocio Fructifero, AB Snackpoint, I Am Booth, Romantic Charm, CTM Booth, CD's Foodies, Tropical Paradise, Food Lodge, Snack Hub Booth, True To Taste Booth, GH Entrep Booth, and Balay Silingan: Horror Booth.

All Business Administration students showcased their skills and knowledge in operating business and they were allowed to think about what kind of business they would create and offer may it be food or services.

The BES Market will stay from March 27-31 to give students the opportunity to generate income.

The BES officers organized several activities including BESinaot sa Kalsada: Street Dance Competition, Baliktaran Runway 2023, and Battle of the Bands in the afternoon of Day 1.

On the second day, business administration students show off their elegance and beauty as they joined the BSBA BALL: A Glistening Star at Dusk, where John Rod Bigcas and Rea Divine Blancaflor were chosen as the BSBA BALL King And Queen.

Text by: Charlie Mae D. Esimos

Photo courtesy from College of Management - Tanglaw Publication

Project Rescue a solution to DepEd Capiz problem–EPS Baranda

As part of the Extension Services of Capiz State University – Pontevedra Campus, the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences collaborated with the Department of Education – Schools Division of Capiz and Pontevedra Elementary School to implement the “Project Rescue: A Literacy and Numeracy Enhancement Program” which aims to address the literacy and numeracy challenges faced by elementary students as a result of the educational gap during the pandemic.

The launching and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CapSU Pontevedra and DepEd Capiz took place at Pontevedra Elementary School Multi-purpose Hall, on March 28.

During the MOA signing, Dr. Honey Lee E. Casa, Campus Administrator, represented the CapSU University President, Dr. Editha C. Alfon, while Dr. Miguel Mac D. Aposin, the Schools Division Superintendent, was represented by Mr. Salvador Dale B. Artates, Education Program Supervisor in English and Mrs. Elenia P. Baranda, Education Program Supervisor in Mathematics.

According to Mrs. Baranda, Pontevedra is one of the priority districts based on the consolidated results gathered from the three assessment tools and emphasized that the said project is one of the solutions to the problem of DepEd Capiz particularly in the district of Pontevedra.

The objective of the project is to conduct a series of tutorial sessions for both reading and literacy, to enhance the reading and literacy level of the beneficiaries, to appreciate reading through differentiated instructions, to appreciate the significance of numbers in real life, and to make reading a habit.

Dr. Mary Ann T. Decrepito, BEEd Program Chair and major proponent of the project stated that numeracy and literacy were really a prevailing problem since then and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic where there is a shift from face-to-face to modular learning.

Pre-reading and pre-numeracy testing at Pontevedra Elementary School revealed that 148 children in grades 1 through 6 struggle with reading and math. 74 BEEd students from CapSU - Pontevedra will instruct and attend to it as needed.

“The higher the memory, the more performing the computer is. And that I think amo man na sa aton nga mind. Kung ang bata mag-train mag-develop, kag mag-nurture sang iya nga memory, the better would the child to absorb and process the information in later use,” Dr. Judel V. Protacio, COEAS Dean, said during his inspirational message.

The tutoring sessions will be every day that will last for 3 months. To avoid hindering the students’ class schedules, the project will be done for Grades 1, 2, and 3 from 10 to 11 AM for their remedial schedule, and for Grades 4, 5, and 6 to be done every 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

“Coming here starts the beginning of our small steps towards the attainment of our goals. We have to be together in order to move forward and we will work together for the attainment of our goal,” a message shared by Dr. Honey Lee E. Casa, Campus Administrator.

 “Upon knowing this project or program, damo na gapabati- bati sa amon nga kami man. Galing ginabalibaran ko subong kay di gid masarangan kung amon e-cater tanan nga eskwelahan. So, one at a time, kay si Ma’am Mayo ang nag una request, unahon ta anay and the rest will follow later. Probably, after 3 months, the rest of the elementary schools in the nearby district will be given also the opportunity to be held,”said Dr. Abelardo Y. Bermejo, the Extension Chair of CapSU – Pontevedra.

The pupils, teachers, and parents were entertained by different intermission numbers and Zumba dances spearheaded by the BEEd students of CapSU – Pontevedra. Elementary pupils received their gifts consisting of story books and school materials.

Text and photos by: Teddy Rose Benosa & Renan Patino

CapSU Pontevedra participates World Water Day Celebration

Capiz State University-Pontevedra Campus joined the World Water Day Celebration by participating in the clean-up drive of Esteros within the campus under the Adopt-an-Estero program on March 17.

The activity was organized and spearheaded by Dr. Rossandrew B. Villaruel, Chairperson, Physical Plant and Facilities, together with Prof. Krotchiv F. Apolinario, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Coordinator, and Prof. Stephanie B. Uy, National Service Training Program (NSTP) Coordinator.

The drainage along the College of Management, the drainage from the FADC Hall to the Alay-Tanim Building of the Agriculture Department, the drainage along the lemon plantation in the Teacher-Education Department, and the drainage along the rice plantation in the Engineering Department were just a few of the areas that each college was tasked to clear and clean.

Every year in March, World Water Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation and to promote access to clean water for all people. People utilize water on a daily basis for many different things, such as drinking, agriculture, industry, recreation, hygiene, sanitation, and health care.

Text & Photo by Jesie Maido