Inanusyo ng Department of Health (DOH) nitong Abril 8, 2020 ang 106 na bagong kaso ng COVID-19 dito sa bansa kaya’t pumalo na ang bilang nito sa 3,870.

Umakyat na rin ang bilang ng mga namatay dahil sa sakit sa 182 ngunit nadagdagan naman ang mga gumaling na ngayon ay 96 na katao na.

Ang unang kaso ng COVID-19 dito sa bansa ay naitala noong Enero ngunit nagsimula ang mabilis na pagdami ng kaso noong Marso. Nagpatupad ng Metro Manila Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) noong Marso 15 at kalauna’y naging Luzon lockdown, na naunang ibinalitang nakatakdang matapos sa Abril 14, 2020. Gayunpaman binanggit ni Cabinet Secretary ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Karlo Nograles na inaprubahan ni President Duterte ang rekomendasyon ng Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) na ipagpatuloy ang lockdown hanggang Abril 30, 2020.

Marami ang sang-ayon sa naturang ekstensyon. Isa na rito ang pangalawang pangulo na si Vice President Leni Robredo na sinabi sa isang interview sa ANC na “Sang-ayon ako (ipagpatuloy ang lockdown) dahil ‘yong nakikita natin na mga projections, makabubuti para i-flatten ‘yong curve kung hahabaan pa ito, pero tingin ko kasi crucial, crucial para mag-cooperate ‘yong mga tao, crucial na naiintindihan nila kung bakit kailangan ‘tong gawin. Kasi kapag hindi nila naiintidihan kung bakit kailangan ‘tong gawin, ‘yong resistance nandiyan.”

Upang manatiling updated sa mga nangyayari, maaaring magbasa sa mga sites ng news agencies.

May binuo ring grupo ang mga mag-aaral ng UPIS. Maaaring maging updated sa pamamagitan ng pag-follow ng COVID-19 PH Bot sa twitter na pinamamahalaan nina Christian Sarabia, Bree Catibog, Danie Cabrera, Klyssa Betito, at Cresel Lawas mula sa UP Rural High School.

Batay kay Christian Sarabia, nakukuha ang impormasyon ng kanilang COVID-19 PH bot tulad ng bilang ng mga kumpirmadong kaso, PUI, PUM, bilang ng mga namatay at gumaling sa sakit mula sa DOH ncov tracker at pag-check ng iba pang online sources kaugnay ng COVID-19 updates. //ni Mariel Diesta

(COVID-19 PH bot twitter: https://twitter.com/PHCovid19)

(DOH NCOV tracker: https://ncovtracker.doh.gov.ph/)

On April 7, 2020, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reached 3,660, the death toll climbed up to 163, and a total of 73 people have already recovered from the disease.

Given the current supply of testing kits, Jack Ma’s donation of 57,000 COVID-19 testing kits, and the newly approved kits produced by UP, people are pushing for mass testing that prioritizes Persona Under Investigation (PUIs), Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs), and frontliners, such as healthcare personnel, security guards, custodial workers, and military forces.

According to COVID-19 response head Carlito Galvez, Jr., the government is eyeing to conduct mass testing beginning April 14. However, he clarified to the media that testing is ongoing and the Department of Health (DOH) has already tested 22,958 people as of April 6, 2020. The importance of testing has been frequently emphasized by the World Health Organization and by countries with best practices for curbing the spread of the virus for it will help to see the real numbers and even detect those who have the disease but are asymptomatic. Without mass testing, this lockdown will be useless.

However, with the number of COVID-19 patient cases, and PUIs and PUMs continuously rising, some medical centers are running out of space to accommodate new patients. Hospitals such as Makati Medical Center, The Medical City in Pasig, St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City, Chinese General Hospital, The Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa, and Delos Santos Medical Center in Quezon City, have released separate announcements that they are already at capacity. Since it is highly possible that the number of cases will increase with amped up testing, the government has to be prepared and should have an effective system in place.

Last April 3, Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects Vince Dizon told the media that the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac will become a temporary hospital which can house about 1000 patients. The Athlete’s Village will also be used as a quarantine facility. On the same day, the government started converting the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), World Trade Center, and the Rizal Memorial Complex into COVID-19 isolation centers. The government, together with the LGUs, needs to act urgently and efficiently in converting facilities into COVID-19 isolation centers to prepare for the COVID-19 peak.

Unfortunately, rooms for COVID positive patients aren’t the only problem of hospitals. They are also running out of supplies of Proper Protective Equipment (PPE) and have started asking for donations. Since healthcare workers are most exposed, it is a must that they be provided with enough PPE so that their work is unhampered. Part of the 275B-peso budget allocation as stated in Republic Act No. 11469 or Bayanihan to Heal as One Act would be used to provide PPEs for our frontliners.

In another late-night address on April 6, President Duterte mentioned that all resources in the Bayanihan Act have already been allocated. This covers funding for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to assist the LGUs in providing aid for their people, particularly to poor families. People who are earning minimum wage, no work no pay, street vendors, and those whose source of family income is driving public vehicles, should be prioritized by the government for they are the people who can’t stock-up basic necessities, which make them vulnerable to starvation. This will tide them over until the end of the extended ECQ on April 30.

These programs and guidelines will be more effective if everyone would do their part as individuals.

Citizens can also help by staying at home, as much as possible, unless it's necessary to go out to buy food and medicine. Always disinfect by washing your hands with soap for not less than 20 seconds. With cooperation, smooth communication, and proper prioritization and allocation of resources, more lives may be saved. //by Mariel Diesta

Lumalamig na muli ang simoy ng hangin at nagsisilabasan na ulit ang mga Christmas decors sa iba’t ibang lugar gaya ng mga bahay, malls, opisina, paaralan at kahit sa mga streetlights. Disyembre na at nagmamadali ang mga tao na mamili ng regalo para sa Pasko, humahabol sa mga sale at promo.

Kilala ang Pasko bilang panahon ng pagbibigayan kaya ‘di maiiwasang masira ang budget at mabawasan ang mga ipon.

Narito ang ilan sa mga ideya na maaaring magamit pamasko na swak sa inyong budget! Madali lang itong mabili dahil maraming stores lalo na sa mga malls ang nagbebenta ng mga produktong ito kaya mayroon kang variety ng mga maaarin mong pagbilhan.

1. Korean socks

Litrato mula sa: www.aliexpress.com

Bukod sa murang presyo nito, makasisiguro kang magagamit talaga ito ng taong pagbibigyan mo! Maaari nila itong gamitin tuwing lumalabas o gumagala sila. Dagdag pa ay napakakomportable nitong gamitin!

Kung naghahanap ng murang mga medyas, may nabibiling 10 pares sa Divisoria sa halagang ₱200.00 hanggang ₱300.00.

Kung gusto niyo naman ng ibang opsyon, maaari kayong bumili sa Mumuso, Daiso, o Japan Home Center. Ang isang pares ay nagkakahalagang ₱88.00 hanggang ₱99.00.

Kung kaya mo pang itaas ang budget ay pwede mo rin subukan ang Iconic Socks na madalas ipinanreregalo tuwing Christmas party. Ito ay nagkakahalagang ₱150.00 hanggang ₱200.00 kada isang pares.

2. Second-hand books

Litrato mula sa: https://www.facebook.com/ZeitgeistBookshop/photos/pcb.3070891572963581/3070891369630268/?type=3&theater

Ngayong pasko, patok ang pagbukas ng mga tiangge sa iba’t ibang lugar. Halimbawa na rito ang tiangge sa UP Diliman. Isa sa mga tiangge nila ay ang Zeitgeist Bookshop kung saan nagbebenta sila ng mga high-quality secondhand na libro. Isang halimbawa sa kanilang binebenta ay ang Everyday ni David Levithan na nagkakahalaga na lang ng ₱250.

3. Stationery set

Litrato mula sa: https://creativemarket.com/Graphicsegg/845362-Stylish-stationery-set

Litrato mula sa: www.papemelroti.com

Ang stationery set ay isang magandang ideya para iregalo lalo na sa mga estudyante ngayon. Marami itong mga disenyo, lalo na sa mga mahilig magsulat o gumawa ng kanilang journal.

Ang nilalaman ng isang stationery set ay mga journal notebooks, iba’t ibang uri ng ballpens, at iba pa. Maaaring makabili ng mga stationery products sa Papemelroti kung saan pwede kang makakita ng notebook na nagkakahalagang ₱35-55. Maaari rin kayong bumili sa Shopee ng mga murang gamit!

4. RAINcelets

Litrato mula sa: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1444993298981255&set=pcb.1444995688981016&type=3&theater

Ang RAINcelet ay isang bracelet, angklet, o headband na gawa sa mga makukulay na strings. Ito rin ay pagmamay-ari ni Rain Fagela Tiangco mula sa 11-MLM Barros.

Nagkakahalaga ito ng ₱20.00 hanggang ₱100.00 kada piraso. Mainam itong bilhin hindi lang dahil sa ganda ng disenyo nito, kundi dahil sa pagbili mo nito ay nakatutulong ka na rin sa pagsagawa ng outreach program na pinagagamitan ng nalilikom na pondo.

Noong 2018 ay nagsagawa ng outreach program si Rain at tumulong siya sa mga residente ng Smokey Mountain sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng pagkain at school supplies.

5. Skin care products

Litrato mula sa: https://www.collegefashion.net/beauty-and-hair/affordable-korean-skincare-products/

Perfect na perfect ang skin care products ngayon lalo na tuwing hell week. Manatiling mukhang fresh kahit tambak ng requirements at mga kailangan gawin.

Isa sa mga maaaring ibigay ay ang Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel na hindi malagkit sa balat kapag ginagamit. Ito ay nagkakahalagang ₱185.00 lamang.

O ‘di kaya ay ang iba’t ibang face masks ng The Face Shop sa halagang ₱65.00. Mayroon silang olive face mask, potato, blueberry, aloe vera, shea butter, honey, rice, cucumber, real ginseng at marami pang iba. Maaaring mabili ang mga ito sa stores nila sa malls o kaya ay sa online store na beautymnl.

Mayroon ka na bang regalo?

Ilan lamang ito sa mga pwedeng ipanregalo ngayong Pasko na siguradong matutuwa ang pagbibigyan mo at hindi ka pa mahihirapan sa pag-budget dahil affordable naman ang mga ito.

Dagdag pa rito, magagamit din nila ito sapagkat pangmatagalan ang materyal na ito. Siguradong sulit ito! Ngayon--nakabili na ba kayo? //nina Mariel Diesta at Alapaap Coquilla

MESSAGE. Atty. Baguilat leaves his attendees inspired as he reminds them of the social issues involving human rights violations. Photo credit: UP College of Law

Atty. Raymond Marvic Baguilat redefined human rights in his talk to selected Grade 12 students of the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) track at Room 208 of Malcolm Hall last October 29.

In his talk, Atty. Baguilat discussed about the basic definition of human rights (HR) as both being a standard of humanity and living with dignity. He also stated significant qualities of the concept, namely universality, inalienability, inherence, interrelation, interdependence, and indivisibility.

Atty. Baguilat also mentioned common misconceptions of HR; specifically, those frequently spread on the internet through social media. These include a sense of entitlement among defenders and a bias towards Western ideals. He also connected those misunderstandings with social issues such as prioritization of development, investigation of HR violations, and public trust.

According to Aldric De Ocampo, one of the attendees of the talk, “Mas lumalim ‘yung alam ko about HR… may napulot pa rin talaga akong synthesis regarding the topic. Naging somewhat philosophical siya and humanistic discussion para sa'kin kaya masasabi kong napaka-helpful niya para sa growing body of knowledge ko regarding the topic.” [My knowledge about human rights deepened…I picked up a synthesis regarding the topic. It was somewhat philosophical and humanistic for me so I could say it was helpful in my growing body of knowledge regarding the topic.]

Atty. Baguilat is an Associate Professor of the UP College of Law. He is also a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Human Rights (IHR) of the UP Law Center.

This talk was given as an enrichment to students who worked at the UP Law Complex for their on-campus internship. It was also open for students who were willing to attend the said talk. //by Mariel Diesta, Cyñl Tecson, James Tolosa, Gabe Ulanday

PAKITANG GILAS. Labis ang ngiti ng mga atletang nagtanghal sa taunang UP Pep Rally nang matapos nila ang kanilang routine. Photo Credits: Jose Gabrielle Dela Peña

Lumahok muli ang mga atleta ng University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) sa taunang UP Pep Rally na ginanap sa UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK) Gym noong Agosto 20, 2019.

Ang UPIS na kumakatawan sa Juniors varsity team ay nagsama-sama rin sa isang sayaw. Kabilang dito ang mga miyembro mula sa UPIS Table Tennis, UPIS Swimming Team (VST), UPIS Basketball, UPIS Volleyball, UPIS Track and Field, at UPIS Pep Squad. Itinanghal nila ang isang dance routine na itinuro’t pinamunuan ng UPIS Pep Squad coach na si Coach Ellorah “Sophia” Araneta.

Layon ng pep rally na ipakilala at suportahan ang mga koponan para sa UAAP Season 82 na magsisimula sa Setyembre 4.

Ang mga host ng gabing iyon ay sina CK De Leon mula sa UP Women’s Softball Team at Cynthia Escutin mula sa UP Women’s Volleyball Team. Dumalo rin si Chancellor Michael L. Tan upang ipakita ang kanyang pagsuporta sa unibersidad.

Patuloy na naghahanda at nag-eensayo ang mga atletang nagtanghal para sa nalalapit na UAAP ‘82 at iniimbitahan ang lahat na suportahan ang sports teams ng UPIS. //nina Mariel Diesta at CJ Herrero

PANININDIGAN. Magkakasama ang mga mag-aaral at guro nang matibay nilang kinakapit ang kanilang mga karatula. Photo credits: James Tolosa

Nagsama-sama ang mga estudyante at guro ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman (UPD) bilang pagtutol sa militarisasyon ng kanilang paaralan sa UP Day of Walkout and Action noong Agosto 20.

Pinamunuan ni College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) SALiGAN Ivan Sucgang ang naturang walkout sa AS Lobby ng Palma Hall. Ipinaliwanag niya ang mga ipinaglalaban tulad na lamang ng pagpigil sa nais ng gobyerno na militarisasyon sa loob ng paaralan.

Nagbigay naman ng talumpati sina UPD Student Council Councilor Froilan Cariaga at CSSP Representative Joshua Dy tungkol sa pagbabanta sa kalayaang pang-akademiko ng mga state university. Tinalakay rin nila ang mga posibleng kinahinatnan ng pagpapatuloy ng batas-militar sa Mindanao at mga sinusulong ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na mandatory drug testing at Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).

Pagkatapos nito, nagmartsa ang mga estudyante at propesor mula AS Steps hanggang Mendiola. Sumama rin sila sa Day of the Mourning sa Liwasang Bonifacio noong ika-3 n.h. upang gunitain ang pagpatay sa mga magsasaka sa Negros noong mga nakaraang buwan.

Ayon kay Sucgang, “The system-wide walkout is a clear manifestation of student, faculty, staff, and alumni unity in dissent and opposition towards increasing threats and attacks by the state to critical minded individuals, organizations, and institutions.” Dinagdag din ng mga mag-aaral mula sa CSSP na hindi sila “bine-brainwash” ng New People’s Army (NPA), kundi ginagamit lamang ang kanilang kritikal na pag-iisip.

Bukod dito, iginiit nila na ang pagpasok ng militar at pulis sa campus ay maaaring magdulot ng banta sa mga estudyante.

Dumagdag din sa mga bantang ito ang mula sa batas na ipinasa noong panahon ng paghihimagsik ng mga Hukbalahap. Ayon dito, ang sinumang magsagawa ng mga rebelyon at pagreklamo sa gobyerno ay maaaring ikulong. Naibasura na ito noong napatalsik si dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos ngunit nais muling ibalik ang ng kasalukuyang administrasyon.

Kamakaila’y nagpahayag ng kasunduan si kasalukuyang Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa mga estudyante-ralyista ukol sa pagsusog ng Security Act sa kasalukuyang Saligang-Batas, at kabilang din dito na maaaring makulong ang isang tao ng sampung araw hanggang isang buwan kahit walang warrant of arrest. Aniya, kung papayag sila sa mga pagbabago, ipawawalang-bisa ang batas militar sa Mindanao. Bilang kapalit, ipatutupad ang ROTC sa senior high school.

Bilang pangontra, ipinaliwanag ng mga mag-aaral na lumahok sa rally na ang ROTC ay hindi dapat bilang depensa sa mga maralita kundi sa mga “kaaway” ng bansa. Higit pa rito, ang pagkawala ng warrant of arrest ay pagpapatuloy lamang ng “ipawawalang-bisang” batas militar.

Kabilang din sa mga ipinaglalaban ng mga mag-aaral ang budget cut sa edukasyon at pabahay. Sa halip na pakinabangan ng mga mamamayan ay binibigay lamang ang pera sa mga militar.

Nagkaroon din ng kasabay na mga walkout at protesta sa iba’t ibang constituent universities tulad ng UP Baguio, UP Cebu, at UP Los Baños. //nina Mariel Diesta at James Tolosa

On April 30, 2019 a horrible beast was sighted, a Media Center staff member reported that a toilet on the second floor was clogged to the point that the bowl was gathering sediment and that a “large black beast” was floating in the filth. The Media Center member stated that the “horrendous vile smell” which emanated from the “beast” caused himself to “lose his lunch”. On May 3, 2019, Media Center staff reported that the “beast” was still there four days after first being reported, except now it was dissolved into a “chocolate milk” like substance.

Unfortunately, sightings of the “Bann Yow Beast” have been rapidly rising. Experts of the Media Center have attributed this beast to the UPIS’ water shortage.

Since the Manila Water Company, Inc, ran into problems with its water supply, many institutions and public buildings have encountered routine water disruptions. The UPIS academic complex has not been spared from this draught. As a result, hygiene together with sanitation seems to be ignored.

(For more information on the Water Crisis, see: http://upismc.blogspot.com/2019/03/opinion-wheres-our-water.html)

Due to the disruption, water pressure in the third and fourth floors of the 7 – 12 Building has been effectively neutralized. To address the students’ “earthly needs”, the Admin, according to Assistant Principal for the Administration, Prof. Portia Dimabuyu, has decided to cordon-off the third and fourth floor restrooms and place blue water bins in the first and second floor restrooms. “Noong tuluyan nang humina ‘yung tubig, nadesisyunan ng Admin na iutos sa mga janitor na isara na ‘yung mga toilet sa third at fourth floor.” (“When the water pressure weakened, the Admin decided to cordon-off the third and fourth floor restrooms.”)

According to Prof. Dimabuyu, the blue water bins were procured through coordination with the PTA Board. “Ang ginawa naman ng Admin ay naki-cooordinate sa PTA Board para maka-aquire ng malalaking bins para punuin ng tubig.” (“What the Admin did, was to coordinate with the PTA Board to acquire large bins to fill with water.”)

The administration, Prof. Dimabuyu said, requests the participation and cooperation of the student community to use the provided containers to assist in the maintenance of the cleanliness of student restrooms by pouring water into the used toilets to substitute or supplement the lacking flush systems. She also added, “Wala rin kasing kooperasyon ng some students…” (“There is lacking cooperation from some students…”)

Unfortunately, the Admin has noted a lack of cooperation from the student community. They have noticed toilets clogged by “nature’s call” due to the lack of manual flushing and excessive use without proper disposal of sanitary products such as toiletries and used sanitary pads. They were informed by the janitorial staff that students carelessly leave said products in the toilet bowl, on the floor, etc. further contributing to the overall situation of the restrooms. According to Prof. Dimabuyu, “Kahit may tubig, ‘di sila nagbubuhos, dahil hindi flush.” (“Even if there is water, they do not pour, because it is not the automatic type flush.”)

Several students were asked for opinion regarding the hygiene and sanitation of UPIS students when it comes to using the restroom. Their answers can be summarized in one sentence: It’s unhygienic for some students who are not responsible enough to manually flush their waste. Also, it is inconvenient for some since only the 1st and 2nd floor restrooms are available. In addition, school hygiene and sanitation are important since students spend most of their time at school, from 6 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. According to a health staff, hygiene and sanitation are important because with the kind of restroom that the school has, it increases the health risks of students.

We are all responsible for the situation of the restrooms. If we do not make do with the manual flushing or dispose of our trash, the situation of the restrooms will continually degrade. Who will be negatively affected by this in the long run? Us, the students. What do we risk? Cholera and food poisoning comes to mind. With all these risks, why do we not flush our own waste down the porcelain throne?

Some students have stated that the provided water bins are prone to rapid depletion, thus they choose not to bend into the gallon to retrieve the low levels of water to flush with.

According to a Grade 11 student who requested not to be named, the reasons why some students exhibit such unhealthy practices is due to “laziness”. “Tinatamad ‘yung mga students kasi ayaw nila sa mano-manong pag flush. Kawawa nga ‘yung mga janitor na naglilinis sa kalat nila.” (“Some students feel lazy due to them having to use a manual method of flushing. I pity the janitors who will have to clean up their messes.”)

Is personal convenience justification enough for indolence? Besides the janitors are paid to clean the restrooms and pick up rubbish, right?

While there is a janitor assigned to each of the floors, Prof. Dimabuyu has stated that they are often overwhelmed by the amount of trash to collect and the number of toilets to unclog. “Kailangan ng kooperasyon ng mga estudyante, kasi hindi naman lahat kaya ng ating mga “ate at kuya” (Janitorial Staff). (“We need the cooperation of the students, as our comrades, the Janitorial Staff cannot deal with the situation all alone.”)

Cooperation is all that the Admin asks from the students. No one wanted this water shortage. No one wanted UPIS students to have to manually pour water to down their daily refuse. For all our sakes we need to cooperate with the Admin not because they said so, but because it is for our own benefit if we keep our restrooms in clean and sanitary conditions. //by Mariel Diesta and Gabe Ulanday

"Alam niyo, anti-poor ang death penalty. Ang nahahatulan lang ng death sentence ay ang mahihirap, at alam naman natin na ang issue ng death penalty, hindi yan ang sagot sa krimen.”

Ang pahayag na ito ay binanggit ng tumatakbo sa pagka-senado na si Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno sa Ikaw Na Ba? The DZMM Senatorial Candidates' Interview.

Noong taong 2016, inahain ng House of Representatives ang Senate Bill no. 42 “An Act Re-instituting the Death Penalty in the Philippines.” Tinalakay nito ang mga pagbabago na ipatutupad sakaling maibalik ang parusang kamatayan sa mga mapatunayang nagkasala sa batas. Ang pangunahing paraan ng pagpataw ay ang lethal injection. Ang mga sumusunod na krimen ang kabilang sa mapapatawan ng parusang death penalty:

• Treason

• Qualified Piracy

• Qualified Bribery

• Parricide

• Murder

• Infanticide

• Rape

• Kidnapping and serious illegal detention

• Robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons

Naging isa sa mga pangunahing usapin ito na ginamit sa mga debate sa pagkilatis ng mga tumatakbong senador. Ayon sa sinabi ni Chel Diokno, ang death penalty ay maaaring gamitin laban sa mga mahihirap. Makikita ito sa mga nangyayari sa kasalukuyan. Isang halimbawa ang Oplan Tokhang na naglalayong magbawas ng krimen sa pamamagitan ng paghuli sa mga drug pusher at pag-rehabilitate sa mga drug users. Sa kabila ng tila magandang layunin ng programa, ang mga hinihinalang drug lords o pinuno ng mga sindikato ay nauugnay sa mayayaman o may posisyon sa gobyerno. Ang mga makapangyarihang ito ay hindi naaaresto o naiimbestigahan. Sa halip ang mga mahihirap na drug pushers at users na “pinaghihinalaan” pa lang bilang suspect o person of interest ay napaparatang “nanlaban umano” kaya madalas na napapatay sa akto ng paghuli sa kanila. Inonsente man ang marami sa mga ito, hindi pa rin nakakamit ang hustisya sa pagkamatay nadamay. Ilang halimbawa ng napatay sa laban kontra droga ay sina Kian Delos Santos at Carl Aranaiz na mga menor de edad pa man din. Ang hustisya ay pinapaburan lamang ang mga mayayaman dahil na rin sa kakulangan ng kakayahang pinansiyal ng mahihirap upang makakuha ng mahusay na abogado. Karagdagan pa ay ang koneksyon ng mga taong ito sa mga may kapangyarihan at may mataas na posisyon sa gobyerno.

Ang paghahaing maibalik ang death penalty ay bunsod ng isang insidenteng nangyari kamakailan. Nitong nakaraang Marso 11, 2019, naging mainit na balita ang tungkol sa marahas na pagpaslang sa 16 taong gulang na babae sa Lapu Lapu City Naging usap-usapan ang balitang ito dahil sa pagkalat sa ng mga larawan at artikulo nito sa iba’t ibang network ng media at maging sa social media. Dahil sa pagpukaw ng simpatiya ng mga tao sa biktiam ng krimen, umigting ang usapin sa pagbabalik ng death penalty.

Ngunit tunay nga kayang naipapataw nang maktwiran ang death penalty? Kung babalikan ang nangyari noong taong 1982, nagkaroon ng isang kaso ng panggagahasa kay Pepsi Paloma, kung saan nadawit sina Vic Sotto, Tito Sotto at Joey de Leon. Sa taong iyon, umiiral ang death penalty sa Pilipinas. Ngunit sa naturang kaso, hindi napatawan ng karampatang parusa ang mga kinasuhang gumawa ng krimen hanggang sa nabaon na sa nakaraan ang nangyari. Hindi na nahalungkat ang mga ebidensya at halos wala na ring maalalang testigo. Ngayon, ang mga nabanggit na kasangkot ay mga komedyante, nakikita sa TV at may posisyon pa sa gobyerno.

Sa isa pang banda, may ilang opinyon din na nagsasabing sa death penalty, tila ba hinahayaan natin ang kriminal na makatakas pa sa kasalanang ginawa niya sa pamamagitan ng pagpatay sa kanya. Usap-usapan ngayon sa social media na mababaw na parusa ang kamatayan dahil sa oras na siya’y patayin, hindi na niya magagawang harapin pa ang krimen na dapat niyang panagutan.

Dagdag pa na ang death penalty ay hindi maaaring bawiin, hindi tulad ng pagkakakulong na kung saan kapag napatunayang inosente ang isang tao, maaari siyang pakawalan.

Huwag nating kalimutan kung gaano kagulo ang sistema at kawalan ng hustisya dito sa ating bansa bago natin sabihin na pabor na tayo sa death penalty, dahil maaaring maparusahan ng death penalty ang isang tao para sa krimeng hindi niya naman ginawa. Kahit gaano ka-ideyal ang isang panukalang batas, lagi nating tingnan ang konteksto at mga pangyayari sa ating lipunan. //ni Mariel Diesta

Nakikinig ang mga kalahok ng Ethnic Music and Dance session sa tagapagsalita mula sa Kontra-GaPi bago sila tumugtog ng mga katutubong instrumento. Photo credits: Erika Sasazawa

Lumahok ang mga mag-aaral ng UPIS sa Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) noong Pebrero 14, pangalawang araw ng UPIS Days, mula ika-8 hangang ika-10 ng umaga. Isinagawa ang iba’t ibang sesyon sa mga silid sa Gusali 3-6 at Gusali 7-12.

Nilalayon ng ACLE na mabigyan ng ibang karanasan ang mga mag-aaral sa loob ng silid-aralan. Malayang pumili ang mga mag-aaral ng sesyon na kanilang dinaluhan ayon sa kanilang hilig, talento o interes.

Nang tanungin si Wilnor Papa, speaker ng Amnesty International, kung paano nakatutulong ang ACLE sa mga kalahok at tagapagsalita, sinabi niya, “It (ACLE) gives you opportunities to learn other things that you don’t normally learn in school. (Ang ACLE ay nagbibigay ng oportunidad para matunan mo ang ibang kaalaman na hindi mo kadalasan napag-aaralan sa loob ng paaralan.)”

Ayon naman kay Patricia Chua, grado 7, “ACLE is a chance for students to explore new hobbies and get to know other people. It opened my mind to new ideas so I think this year’s ACLE is a huge success. (Ang ACLE ay pagkakataon para sa mga mag-aaral na makatuklas ng mga bagong libangan at makakilala ng ibang tao. Binuksan nito ang aking isipan sa mga bagong ideya kaya sa tingin ko, ang ACLE ngayong taon ay malaking tagumpay.)”

Sinisimulang gawin ng mga mag-aaral ng grado 3-6 ang kanilang natutunan mula sa pagtalakay tungkol sa watercolor painting. Photo credits: Danie Cabrera

Ang mga sesyon na dinaluhan ng mga mag-aaral sa grado 7-12 ay ang sumusunod:

• 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines

• Amnesty International

• Baking Cookies

• Brushpen Calligraphy

• Digital Painting

• Ethnic Music and Dance

• French

• Guitar

• IBON Foundation

• Japanese

• Signing Exact English

• Silakbo

• Social Dance

• Taekwondo

• World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines

• Young Filipino Advocates of Critical Thinking

Ang sumusunod na listahan naman ang mga sesyon na dinaluhan ng grado 3-6.

• 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines

• Amnesty International

• Basic Watercolor

• Ethnic Music and Dance

• Guitar

• Hiphop

• Italian

• Mandarin Chinese

• Signing Exact English

• Taekwondo

• Teach Peace Build Peace Movement //nina Mariel Diesta at Erika Sasazawa

Planning to spend Valentines’ Day on a low budget? We have you covered!

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, we’ve prepared non-customary ways to spice up this year's Valentine’s for you and your special one.

I. Spark of art

A grade 11 student who gives poems to his significant other every year shares, “It’s (creating an art of your own) fun and it fills your heart with joy.” He also adds that he chooses this method since he believes that his partner would appreciate a gift more when it’s made and not just bought.

So why not let the warmth of this special day inspire you to create an art piece of your own. May it be song-writing, choreographing, literature writing, photo shooting or painting, just let your heart out!

Aside from offering these works to your special one, you could enjoy this activity better by doing it together with him/her.

Result? An art souvenir plus a very special day.

II. MC Live

If you wish to spend Valentines’ Day nearby, MC Live is the best event to go to. For just Php 50, you can have a night filled with all kinds of talents, from singing, dancing, to poetry reading. And of course, food, drinks and merchandise in budget-friendly prices such as stickers, stuff toys and handmade notebooks.

MCLive is a place for sweet moments. Last year, MC Live became a bridge for a couple from Batch 2020 to reconcile after an argument. When a song of their favorite band, LANY, played that night, they started to get along once again and they even got their pictures taken in the photo booth.

MC Live 2019 will be on February 14, 5pm-8pm. You can buy tickets by approaching any Media Center staff or through this link: bit.ly/MCLiveTix19

III. UP Fair

“It’ll (UP Fair) bring couples together because it’s not everyday you get to go to a school’s fair. There are things there that you won’t get to experience just anywhere, example, rides and listening to live bands,” a grade 11 student shared. She has been going to UP Fair since 2017

True enough, for only 80 to 160 pesos, you can watch your favorite OPM bands perform live in this year’s UP Fair. This is one of the best ways to spend your Valentine’s Day with your family, friends, lover, or even yourself because of the event’s budget-friendly entrance fee plus there are also rides and food stalls inside the venue. UP Fair is undeniably one of the most awaited events in the campus.

Let the OPM bring you closer together! The UP Fair will be on February 12 to February 16. Grab your tickets and enjoy the rak n’ rally theme of this year’s fair.

IV. Handmade gifts

Showcase your love by allotting time and effort to create stunning handmade or DIY gifts for your loved ones. The most well-known handmade gift is the creativity of the explosion box. Some people are also old-schooled and prefer handwritten letters, so express your love by writing them a love letter just like in the good-old days.

A student in a 4-year relationship shares, “Gifts are just add-ons to strengthen relationships. In other words, it’s just a small amount of glue in a relationship because we shouldn’t base our love on material things that our girlfriend/boyfriend gives to us.”

Handmade gifts are perfect if you want to keep your Valentines’ Day simple yet memorable. Let your hearts be filled with joy as you pour your creativity and effort on these presents.

V. Workout

Another fun way to spend hearts day is to burn those calories you gained during the last Christmas and New Year celebrations by doing a couple of workouts. This is a really ideal way to spend an athlete’s Valentines’ Day, but of course non-athletes can also hit the gym, run around the academic oval or do a few workout routines like push-ups, planks, squats, crunches, and many more exciting exercises to look out for.

A grade 10 athlete in a 1-year-and-3-month-old relationship, mentioned that doing a couple of workouts has not just helped him and his partner improve as a couple but it also improved their health individually. It also boosts their self-esteem and helps them become goal-oriented.

With these five simple suggestions, you’ll get to spend a budget-friendly, fun and exciting Valentines’ Day with your special one. In fact, even if it’s not the day of hearts, we should still show our love to the important people in our lives. As a Grade 11 who has been in a 5-year relationship, puts it, “Dapat everyday you do sweet things [to your loved ones] -- not just on a special day. It's better to do sweet things when they are not expecting it.” //by Mariel Diesta and Erika Sasazawa