CAGAYAN DE ORO - The Republic Act (RA) 10627 or Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 signed by President Aquino

September 12 is seen as one of the possible ways to improve student’s academic performance. The law defines bullying asthe use of written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture to cause physical or emotional violation by one student to a fellow student. Minimizing or successfully preventing the forms of bullying can possibly result into a better teacher-student and student-student relationship and thus produce better academic results. “Bullying attacks the self-esteem and thus affect the student’s participation during class activities. If the new law is implemented well in classrooms, we can see better participation.” says Rosevale School, elementary teacher Rj Dumalag. “Usahay kay ma-label naman dayon sa estudyante iyang self sa mga words nga ginakanchaw sa iyaha, mao na dayon ang ilang gakahimo nga identity nila, maulaw na nuon dayon silag apil sa class discussions kay bubo na kayo ilang tan-aw sa ilang kaugalingon.” he adds. However, the law doesn’t stop on the victim’s performance. It also seeks to provide counseling for the bully to help and guide them. “There should also be policies to help the bullies, who knows they might be acting out like bullies because they are victims of bullying somewhere else.”says Corpus Christi secondary education teacher, Meredith Francesca T. Peralta “I agree about it being a criminal offense. But on top of this, there should be thorough counseling on both the bully and the bullied in our schools.” says Jeniffer Calo Pajaron-Mabalacad, Head, Erdkinder Program, the Abba’s Orchard. Identities of the bullies are strictly confidential and only availableto the involved parties. This is to ensure privacy and security for both parties. A

Anti-Bullying Act eyes to improve student performanceBy: Arnel Jade A. Evangelista II

LUMBIA, CAGAYAN DE ORO–A new dawn of hope was given to the Sendong survivors during the turn over of the Xavier Ecoville

Livelihood Center by Xavier University and its benefactors at “Dayun, Padayun: The Xavier Ecoville Hope Festival” last July 6. The livelihood center is seen as an essential avenue for the resident’s development as it aids to the community’s sustainability. It will serve as a training ground that will provide programs to enhance livelihood skills such as welding, sewing and plumbing; As well as being a storage of wholesale merchandise to aid the residents in building up their own small stores. The ceremony was officiallyopened as Xavier University President Father Roberto C Yap S.J. gave his opening remarks. He said in his speech that now that the villagers have a place to stay, the challenge is more focused on the residents’ livelihood. He emphasized the urgency to provide a livelihood center

Xavier Ecoville Livelihood Center gives hope for Sendong SurvivorsBy: Arnel Jade A. Evangelista II

due to the loss of most job opportunities after the closing of Lumbia domestic airport. Representatives from Steag State Power, Inc., Smart Communications, Maybank, Peace and Equity Foundation, the local government of Barangay Lumbia, Rustan’s, and Rotary Club West were also present to witness the turnover ceremony. It ended with a contract signing between Maybank’s Mr. Eric H. Montelibano andXEMPCO, to officiallyrenew more opportunities regarding livelihood developments in Xavier Ecoville. The turning over of the said center and the contract signing were just parts of the main activities during the event where in 568 permanent houses were also blessed and turned over into the residents. Xavier Ecoville, located at Brgy.Lumbia, is a community that was built to give resettlement for the development of the survivors of the typhoon Sendong last 2011. A

The Department of Education (DepEd) says that the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 aims to lessen and further prevent unnecessary

and inappropriate disciplinary actions by schoolofficials. DepEd reminded that the Anti-Bullying Act does not only apply to bullying of any kind done by a fellow studentbutalsocoverstheschoolofficialsandteacherswhoinflictthesame. “The anti-bullying law is a big boost in our continuing push to develop our schools into safe and caring, learner-centered institutions” says DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro

The new act also improves the existing Child Protection Policy, a policy that also ensures a child’s welfare inside academic institutions, by DepEd, Luistrio added. In the new act, common punishments such as being scolded and in front of fellow classmates or being asked to stand and face the wall are highly discouraged as it could humiliate and cause mental and emotional stress for the victim. Though the act is not yet fully implemented on academic institutions, due to DepEd ongoing consultation on other sectors for the drafting of the

implementing rules and regulations; the act is slowly taking effect on some schools. “We teachers should be extra careful now with the way we address our students through words and action. Instead of enforcing punishments we are encouraged to talk to them.” says East City Central, Lapasan grade 1 teacher Mrs. Joan D Kee. The Republic Act (RA) 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 was officially signed by President Aquino last September 12. This is to secure students from bullying and other form of violence committed by fellow students, adults and authority. A

DepEd eyes Anti-Bullying Act to eradicate teachers’ improper disciplinary actions. By: Arnel Jade A. Evangelista II

Arnel Jade A. Evangelista IIBSDC 2

Student Columnist

Opinion

History will never lie when asked about the anatomy of a great injustice drama. An issue will arise as an unsung

whistle blower sings his tune. A villain, whose name none of us has heard before shall be exposed out from the darkness into light and the judgmental crowd begins to feast as they express their own “intellectual” opinions. The unwanted villain is found to be nowhere as the issue escalates and more unsung “heroes” join the band. Then after a series of “hide and seek” sessions, the villain shows up and surrenders, but a few days later he professes to have a terrible disease and earns the crowd’s sympathy. The escalated issue fades slowly, as the villain makes his way out of the spotlight. Thus another curtain call was made until a new issue arises. This has been the common drama when it comes to the nation’s justice system.The government never tends to resolve an issue, names are sung, verdicts are done, yet no one seems to pay the price. (Or shall I say Juan is still the only one who suffers the consequences.)Justice was never served. Janet Lim Napoles, clearly our latest unwanted villain after alleged as the queen of the pork barrel scam, just surrendered to President Aquino in fear of the treats on her life last Wednesday, August 28, 2013. The surrender

Another Drama in the Making?

happened just hours after the bounty for her head was released by the President. After the surrender, a blizzard of news and allegations arises about her having special treatments while being under the custody of the law enforcers. Thus we see another drama in the making. How sure are we that justice will be served this time? Isn’t this a familiar scene when the great escape artist Senator PanfiloLacsondidasheshowsuptothepublic after being a fugitive for a long time, and up until now justice was never served?Will she be another person on the wheel of fate and ride her way out of trouble on one of those hot wheels that impeached chief justice Corona and former President turned House Representative Gloria Arroyo used? Or will she end up so desperate and take the late Angelo Reyes as her role model?

Or will she be fortunate enough and repeat the greatest comedy of all time? Get charged as guilty of corruption, enjoy a house arrest, get a presidential pardon and win as Manila’s next awesome Mayor. Just like how Mr. luckyMayor Estrada did. These are political dramas that took the spot light for a couple of years now, and the Napoles issue is nothing different. These injustices have become so mainstream in our system, and for this reason more aspiring “artist” desire to take the spotlight. The cycle will never change until we deliberately stop it, and we do that by giving power to the law, by having a leader with an iron-fist. I amnot suggesting a dictatorship; I am just saying that the law has no power over these people. The people in power and the people with great money forgot to give reverence to the law. Lack of respect to the judiciary system and lack of law enforcement has caused this mockery. And it is evident that the people who suffer from these dramas are the marginalized. Until the law has regain its power and people, from all walks of life, begin to revere the justice it brings, only then can we experience a drama free government.History will always repeat itself unless people learn their lesson. A

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No one expected the tragedy that happened; a smart and enthusiastic 16 year old freshmen student from the

University of the Philippines, Manila found dead on a cold Friday night. Kristel Tejada, consumed by all the desolation around her, decides to take a shortcut and commits suicide. A tragic fate brought by her own hands. An untimely demised that factored from a reason that could have been prevented. The depression due to her failure in complying her academic fees. This problem was never a new issue for us. We have always been hearing about how poverty hinders a person’s right for proper education. As unfortunate as it may sound, this problem has become so real for us Filipinos and has somehow became a part of our modern culture. But what makes it more tragic is that despite of being a “iskolar ng bayan”, a student whose academic fees are subsidised by the citizen’s taxes, Kristel still failed to enjoy such privilege. These sentiments are now starting to get mutual for the recent Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scholars as the Supreme Court just released a temporary restraining order, holding the pork barrel budget for politicians and their constituents, which greatly affects the allocated funds for these scholars. Though the budget is on hold, theschoolyearstillcontinues,andfinalsweek is fast approaching. This leads to the requirement of every student, including these scholars, to comply and pay their matriculation fees.A problem that is not supposed to be minded by these scholars, but is unfortunately felt after the twist and turn of events. Where will all these series of unfortunate events lead? Another forced leave of absence from a scholar? Another desolated and depressed soul? Another tragedy like Kristel’s? All these problems could have been prevented if the government made a more coherent procedures regarding the issues on education, specifically onscholarship programs. First of all, instead of giving a portion of the budget into the hands of a publicofficialandhavetheofficialchoosescholars of his own, why not directly give the budget to the state universities?

Temporary Restrained Education?

Arnel Jade A. Evangelista IIBSDC 2

Student Columnist

In such way, these scholars will get their privileges directly from these academic institutions. This will not just make the life of the scholar easier, but it also saves us citizens from the unnecessary vanity that we normally get from these politicians. It abolishes the “Thank me because I’ve made the Mr. Congressman Scholarship Program” that we usually hear from theseofficials.Making itas if theywerereally the one who paid for all the fees. Aren’t they forgetting that this budget is from the people’s taxes? And regarding the on-going TRO vs PDAF issue that affects the current PDAF scholars. Will the government really allow an innocent student to suffer from the crimes of made by these irresponsibleofficials?Won’t itbe easier if they allow the release for the budget on education and healthcare, and just hold the budget for the NGOs and other affairs, since that was the main cause of the whole pork barrel scam? For the officials who claimedand promised good education during the campaign period, are they really willing to sacrifice for their constituents? Whynot use a little from your own cash banks while the whole TRO vs PDAF is on its peak and save the students. This just shows the real intentions of politicians; that they are just after the budget kick-backs and not on the service that they will render. May the story of Kristel be a lessonforthegovernmentanditsofficial.Yes there might be more factors on why she committed suicide, but one main factor was sure and that was because she lost hope. She lost hope on the thing that she valued the most, and that is her chance in education. That same value for education is also shared by these PDAF scholars. They value their education, seeing it as a hope that someday through it they can elevate their lifestyle. And it is the government’s responsibility to guard and protect these dreams. A

The mind is man’s greatest tool for various cognitive capabilities. It is the central operating unit that shapes a person’s virtues and

character. Tiny as it may be compared with the other human organs, it is capable of storing knowledge that is beyond compare. A fragile piece that requires great compassion and influence in theform of education in order to be designed initsfinestform. This is the responsibility that is carried on daily by our unsung heroes, our beloved educators. To be martyrs in the name of knowledge. Dedicating a lifetime of service in order to bring influence that would shape a student’smind. The low salary compensations was never a hindrance for these heroes to pursue the desire to educate. Instead, it fueled their passion and brought out ever more encouragement into the lives of their students. As the world celebrates the sacrifices that our educators are doingin order to elevate the intellectual and emotional capacities of students like us. We, the body of ēdūcō, salutesthe hardships and endeavor of every educator. Not just here in Cagayan de Oro but into the whole world as well. We acknowledge the fact that we can never achieve anything without the compassion and guidance from our educators. We thank you for being the spark that ignited us and lead us into the burning light of knowledge. Just like what the late Henry Adams said; “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influencestops.” Saludo kami sa inyo ma’am at sir. A

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I need a hero” says a little boy named Lito* Lito an elementary pupil from City Central School had a

childhood believing that a superhero would someday show up and rescue him in his misery. Not a single day has passed without the thought of magical asteroids from outer space or advanced glowing light sabers would just pop out from nowhere and grant him confidence and powers to retali-ate and defend himself from his op-pressors. Lito is just one of the 50% pupil in the Philippines that experi-ences bullying inside the school. The place that was expected to promise sanctuary for conducive learning and healthy relationships, but unfor-tunately turned into a dreadful and chaotic slaughter house. Stories like Lito’s pushed the formation of the House Bill 5496 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2012 which is now formally legislated into a law after being signed by President Be-nigno Aquino III. Thus made way into the Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. Finally a law that would act as a superhero and save Lito and students with the same predicament from the sufferings that they’ve been through. A law that is seen to be a way to restore the schools from being a dreadful place into a sanctuary for learning. Bullying as defined by the in Republic Act 10627 is any repetitive written, verbal or electronic expres-sion, or physical gestures that can cause emotional and physical harm on a student.This means that a student is now protected from the repetitive jokes and remarks that may sound harm-less and funny, but cause emotional stress and destruction from within. The student is also said tpo secured from cyberbullying on social net-working sites and of course from the physical treats that could bring harm on the student’s wellbeing.Though the law was originally dedi-cated to the unfortunate students like Lito who suffered from their fel-

low classmate, the act does not just apply on student-student relation-ship; but in addition, it also covers the abuse that a student might suf-fer from the hands of teachers and school officials.This gives a student freedom from the unnecessary and improper disci-plinary actions that one suffers from an old and traditional instructor. Not to mention the injustice from those instructors who just happen to have a bad day and immaturely burst their unwanted emotions on these unfor-tunate students.Fortunately for the likes of Lito, the new law and its power once imple-mented can bring ease into their suf-ferings. It can even prevent it from happening again, but there is still a loop hole in the story.Bullying will always be subjective and the law (though it should not be) can always be evaded by someone. This is something very common on verbal forms of bullying, one can simply say

that he/she is just saying something out of pure and clean fun.This brings the likes of Lito into a point that the law can only do so much, and that he himself must also do things for himself in order for the oppression to stop. There will always be a bully and a bullied, the law is just a tool for justice to be given to the oppressed. Still the solution to the prob-lem of bullying is empowerment for the weak, boosting their self-esteems and bringing back their stolen iden-tities. For Lito, that is teaching him that he doesn’t need a hero. Instead, he is the hero that will save himself and step out into the abyss where he is in.

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*the names used in this article are purely fictional, any coincidence in real life was never intended. A

I Need A HeroBy: Arnel Jade A. Evangelista II

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