Do you remember how many years it has been since you started voting? Do you still recall the promises made by those candidates who were begging for your votes? For many years we, Filipinos, have been used to the chaotic and misleading platforms of these aspiring government officials. We became used to electing the same person to lead us which blinds us the reality. But, today is the time for us to change our actions and act for our future and the future of the next generations, our children, grandchildren and our loved ones. We Filipinos need to stand and fight not only for our rights but also for our children, the younger generation. We don’t want them to live in a society governed by greedy officials. We have the power to change the future. We can help each other by exercising our right to vote wisely and ethically for deserving public officials.

   We all share the same sentiment regarding this matter because I, you, us, the citizens of the Philippines want what’s best for this country and for our children to live in a place where there are harmony and peace. I have observed and experienced myself the things you wanted to voice out. All together, we will lead a government where the whispers of the marginalized and less privileged sectors of the society will be heard and the advocacies of the government will benefit both the economy and its people. A country that allows personal growth and improvement of its people towards a more empowered establishment that would bring great changes in our economy, society, and nature. The choice originates from the moment we shade our ballots. We can’t keep repeating the same mistake as yesterday. We are vigilant and educated citizens. We have the power if we will, and I know we can.

By: Rasgo

Sante

Potato

by: Arianne H. Pagador and Hazel Mae J. Pagal

        Hindi matatapos ang problema, kung walang magsisimulang itama at ayusin ito.

         Alam kong sa dinami dami ng mga isyu at problemang nagaganap sa ating bansa ngayon ay hindi na masyadong inaasahan na magiging maganda pa ang ating bawat umaga. Hindi man positibong pananaw ito, pero paano tayo makakita ng solusyon sa mga problema kung patuloy parin nating binabalewala ang negatibong epekto nito sa atin? Kailangan nating sabihin na hindi tayo okay, tanggapin na hindi na maganda ang kondisyon ng lipunan, na hindi na tama at maayos ang pamamalakad, na nagiging malabo at hindi na natatanaw ang magandang kinabukasan dahil sa mga nagaganap.

        Hindi ba’t tayo’y mga magulang, at magiging mga magulang sa hinaharap? Bilang isang magulang na gagabay at magbibigay ng magandang buhay sa kanyang pamilya, naisip ba natin kung saan tayo dapat nagsisimula? Sa panahon na nabubuhay tayo, hindi pa ba natin nalaman kung ano’t sino ang may kagagawan ng mga ito? Lahat tayo naapektuhan, lalong- lalo na ang mga kababayan nating walang kakayahan na ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili sa lahat ng banta sa seguridad, hustisya, at pang-aabuso. Lahat tayo may takot, pero natatakot tayo dahil tayo’y may alam; na may mali, at ang mali ay ginawa ng may kapangyarihan. At hanggang saan pa ba tayo magpapadala sa takot?

         Ang kailangan lang natin at magkaisa. Nandito po ako ngayon hindi lamang bilang isang kandidato para sa paparating na eleksyon, kundi bilang isang kapwa Pilipino na handang magbigay boses at katawan ninyo upang iparating ang nais nating maging kinabukasan ng isang bansang para sa mamamayan.

          Hindi biro ang pagiging walang kalaban-laban, walang maniniwala sayo kahit ikaw pa ang nasa tama. Hindi ka pakikinggan, hindi ka paniniwalaan, at lalo ka pang ididiin sa hindi mo kasalanan. Sa mga dinanas ko noon, at sa mga nakikita ko ngayong pang-aabuso, at kayo kapwa ko Pilipino, kayo ang naging inspirasyon ko para tumayo, umahon, at pilit na nilalabanan ang takot, dahil alam ko kung gaano kahalaga na magkaroon ng boses na mapapakinggan hangad ko rin na ako’y makatulong sa mga nangangailangan. At alam ko pong hindi magiging buo at malakas ang boses na to pag mag- isa lang ako, kaya kailangan ko po ang tulong ninyo, kailangan ko po ang boses ng mga mamamayang Pilipino. Sa muli, andito ako ngayon dahil sa inyo, at sa kinabukasang hinahangad nating mga Pilipino!

By: Rizaldo Ian Tambong and Ferlyn Gaven Legarde

Imagine a day without food, no bread, no sugar nor a grain of rice. Some may say it would be okay, but now imagine what if it was a year? A year without any supply of food primarily because agricultural industry is no longer available in the country. That is why ang agriculture ay hindi “agriculture lang” kundi ang agriculture ay ang industriyang aahon sa atin sa kahirapan. It’s been years that we have been experiencing certain issues regarding our agricultural industry and I would be willing to serve you and address this issues.

My dear agriculture student, as a BS Fisheries graduate I myself know the struggles of studying a course that is being looked down by many. Some would say “Fisheries lang yan mangigisda. Agriculture lang yan, magsasaka” not having the idea that we, this industry, brings forth the future of this nation. With three million students enrolled in higher education only 2.8% are enrolled in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries degree programs. One of the reasons for the decline in enrollment in agriculture is the negative perception of agriculture as a profession and this is because of the lack of attention given by the local governments in addressing problems on certain areas. Students, I say to you if I will be elected as your mayor I assure you of a brighter future in this industry. As a member of this sector I am very aware of the current situation and the possible solutions for his issues, the only thing needed is for it to be done into action.

My dear students I could not do this by myself alone, but needs a community effort and I see each and every one of you plays a big role for this. Together let us show the people that agriculture ay hindi basta-basta agriculture lang but rather an industry that could boost our economy.

They say that the future is in the hands of the youth and that everything should be in proper cases to completely mold them into better leaders that our world needs. Bombarded with lessons, books, life teachings and many more but are the youth just good with it?

Our place is subjected to many factors, factors that can withstand and factors that shouldn’t be. We all have the voice to address these problems yet our hands are bound when action arises. This coming election, promises, and extravagant favors are given and dropped here and there. Promises that our young and youth look up to and depend for guidance and for the needed implementation.  We are all tired of this enclosed and carried by the wind sweet words of action, change, and betterment, supposedly.

This coming election, the youth will have their own voice, an identity, no more bounds and no more discrimination. The youth will hold what they possess and I, an advocate of child’s security and youth’s capabilities will stand by their side and seek for better and legal plots of change.  We will continue to uplift and focus on what we share and eradicate the barriers that divide us as a nation. We should be honest to fix the wrong things and must not tolerate the aftermath of the past illegal ways and their cunning spree practices. The change we pray shouldn’t be like the inked pages enclosed in covers that can only be appreciated by the privileged. Change should be introduced to everyone no matter what race, gender, age, status, or where you come from. Change is what we need, and I believe that the youth has a say on this and that they shouldn’t be covered or pampered because the youth are warriors of our hope. They are our thinking warriors.

All of us have the upper hand who to vote and who will be the next board for the upcoming years. No one should be set aside because everyone belongs to the population of next voters. The time where our power is put into test and flames and the power of who we voted for. We can make progress, but for us to do so, I need your vote. Stand with me, and together we will build a land where youths can express, see prosperity, and see no threat.

Amilanto, Alaina Therese

Liwag, Ava Victoria

“We’re a blessed nation because we can grow our own food and, therefore, we’re secure. A nation that can feed its people is a nation more secure.”

     This quote from the late president of the United States, George Bush, is an irony that perfectly describes the situation of our country today. The Philippines is primarily an agricultural country with 30 million hectares wide of land area, 47% of which is agricultural land. Ideally, this must translate that we are capable of producing our own food and thus, likewise be able to provide security to our own people. However, in the current paradigm existing in society, why is the Philippines struggling to provide food for its own people?

     The agricultural sector, in fact, still faces numerous concerns in the way of its progress; over the past six decades, both internal and external bottlenecks constrained its performance and growth. Only recently, the lifting of the ban on imported rice and the implementation of the rice tariff has been set in motion. This just means that the private sector can now freely import rice from a foreign business without any concern for limitations. This exigence leads us to a dilemma between the benefit of the private sector, and the pressure exerted on the agricultural industry, specifically municipal self-sustenance farmers.

     Tayong mga pinoy ay natural na matipid. Bakit pa tayo bibili ng mahal kung meron namang mura? Sapagkat, ‘wag nating pakakalimutan ang mga kapatid natin na sa pagsasaka na lamang kumakapit. Kung may paraan man, ito ay dapat kung saan tayong lahat ang makikinabang.

     Inclusivity. I believe that our growth as a nation is also measured by how much we help those in the hems of society. Although we should not deny the average man of the opportunity to avail cheaper commodity, we must also recognize that our local farmers will suffer due to people picking the cheaper product. In the middle of all this, it seems that both sides must find a common ground to compromise, not just for the benefit of one sector, but of both parties.

     There are battles in the sidelines that are as equally important, if not more. Battles that don’t get as much coverage or media attention but the outcome of these battles decide whether we, the human race, survive or perish. It’s time we wake up and recognize that the daily battles of the oppressed and the marginalized are our roaring battles, too.

     To answer the question, “why choose an agriculture-related platform?”, here is my answer: to become a doctor of the sea, a lawyer for the fisherfolk, a champion of the future. This is the battle that I choose to sign-up for, this is the cause that I wish to champion, this is how I will change our lives.

     Ito ang magiging paraan ko upang mabago itong mapait nating kasalukuyan; magiging paraan natin.

by Francis Gideon Tagnong & Divine Angela Serag

               Do you remember how many years it has been since you started voting? Do you still recall the promises made by those candidates who were begging for your votes? For many years we, Filipinos, have been used to the chaotic and misleading platforms of these aspiring government officials. We became used to electing the same person to lead us which blinds us the reality. But, today is the time for us to change our actions and act for our future and the future of the next generations, our children, grandchildren and our loved ones. We Filipinos need to stand and fight not only for our rights, but also for our children, the younger generation. We don’t want them to live in a society governed by greedy officials. We have the power to change the future. We can help each other by exercising our right to vote wisely for deserving public officials.  

We all share the same sentiment regarding this matter because I, you, us, the citizens of the Philippines want what’s best for this country and for our children to live in place where there is harmony and peace. I have observed and experienced myself the things you wanted to voice out. All together, we will lead a government where the whispers of the marginalized and less privileged sectors of the society will be heard and the advocacies of the government will benefit both the economy and its people. A country that allows personal growth and improvement of its people towards a more empowered establishment that would bring great changes in our economy, society and nature. The choice originates from the moment we shade our ballots. We can’t keep repeating the same mistake as yesterday. We are vigilant and educated citizens. We have the power if we will, and I know we can.

-Potato
-Sante
-Rasgo

A Speech by a Presidential Candidate

By: Zoe Rein Isobelle J. Florete and John Patrick G. Octavio

Greetings fellow Ilonggos and fellow scholars ng bayan. I remember when I was in college I’d always stop by the beach at sunset and look at how beautiful the world can be. I’d be sitting in front of the college buildings, which by the way is still around today. And of course, speaking of buildings that are still around, is “bangs” still open? Kidding aside, I would like to thank you all for coming to this event, and as well as for the unwavering support you have given me. We came a long way but here we are, and here I am, in front of you students.

Now looking back to where this campaign all started, and to address the question, “Why I ran as the president”, then let me tell you, as a college student of the most prestigious university in the country, it was our responsibility as scholars ng bayan to serve and protect our country and the rights of all the Filipino people. It burdens me that a current crisis has arisen these past few weeks from our brothers and sisters from Mindanao that had been affected by the strong typhoons that had hit our country. Let me take this time, to tell the family of those who had their loved ones lost in that incident, my deepest condolences and let us hope that those people in Mindanao would be helped and eventually saved from that disaster.

To tell you, I had been there, I had seen their suffering, and not in Mindanao, but I had been travelling around the country, and all I saw was people suffering on every corner, inflicted by natural disasters, poverty, and effects of corruption that had made our fellow countrymen suffer. I saw students suffering from injustice, student groups who had been silenced and red tagged as activists. I saw families not able to eat proper meals or even afford proper clothing and housing. I saw the struggles of the Filipino people who cannot afford to send their children to school because of the miscellaneous expenses. I saw Filipino families who are broken because of the lost lives of their family members who tried to fight for the rights of every Filipino but were persecuted because of it. I’ve had enough and I told myself, “This has to end, and this country needs change”.

With all that, I decided whole heartedly to offer my body, spirit, and soul, to serve the Filipino people, as I am not just an advocate for the people, I also have been a student who fought for the rights of students and battled so that everyone could attain free education. As a woman I also had my everyday battles on how to deal with catcalling because of the clothes I wear.

Through running as a president, I can and I will bring change. I advocate that every student must not only attain free education in the form free tuition and school fees, as free education must also mean that there should be no return of service, there should be no other payments in projects and field trips, and most especially free education must also provide for the cost of living of the students, this ensures that every student in the country does not only have free tuition but would also have access to free food, free fare, and free lodging as long as you are enrolled in any university. I want every Filipino, to be able to afford, quality food and eat three meals a day. I want every Filipino to have a household full of happiness and without despair. Most importantly, I want every Filipina to feel safe on the streets even at night without having someone to look over their shoulders. I want our country, the Philippines, to progress into something better, the country that our Filipino heroes sacrificed themselves for and the country that is worth dying for. Let us turn ourselves from being a spectator and start becoming a participant. Help me change the country we live in, into a country without injustice, a country without poverty and corruption. Let this country be full of Filipino people enjoying their rights, to safety and education. Let me serve you and I promise that all will change for the better.

If you would have told me I would be running for President someday I would’ve never believed you. I was never the type to be the first to raise my hand during class or volunteered to be the leader during group assignments. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but because I felt there was someone there that could do a better job than I could. I’ve never been the best and I’ve never been the worst, I’ve always considered myself as somewhere along the middle of all that. Maybe you do, too. Maybe the rest of you out there  feel the same way I do – scared and afraid to make mistakes, but it’s time for us to take a leap that creates a ripple of change.

Life, as we know it, is all about choices- this one’s mine. I’m not going to fight the system but I aim to improve it. Growing up with a Pastor as a father, it is ingrained in me that a man’s word is heavier than any stone, but I have also seen how one can be caged in because of it.  I will not promise you things I can’t keep because I was raised to always walk what I talk, to always practice what I preach. So if I say I’m going to do it, know that I will do everything possible in order to keep it. Nevertheless, I ask you to keep in mind that I am human, too. I can’t promise you every event, speaking engagement and decision is going to be perfect but they will all be well thought out and carefully done.

There is no blueprint to success because it everything is a game of risk. So bet on me because I won’t let you down.

By:

Mary Queen Agdalipe

Hannah Kathleen Labrador

To the people of this nation,

I stand before you as a witness to the gradual degradation of our oceans. The once vast, beautiful and rich aquatic resources have become an unbearable pile of dump ever since the evolution of technology and the rise of advanced human consciousness in our country. Numerous aquatic species have been swimming not in clean and fresh water but in plastics and other harmful garbage which were thrown in the ocean. As a result, the levels of their population keep on decreasing every single year. Garbage disposal is not only the problem which we are experiencing but also bycatch, discards, and illegal fishing. Indeed, the ocean can satisfy our needs but how long?

This nation needs a strong and determined person who will fight with sheer willpower and integrity that will hoist the sails of this country which will direct the people to the right path where the real change leads to. I know change takes time to process but if we do it together we can leap through those obstacles to envision a sustainable community not only for us but also for our aquatic resources and the lives of our marginalized fisherfolks.

My dear Filipinos, help me reach this advocacy of ours. Help me to help you stand up again and redeem this forsaken resource. This is the time that we wake up! This is the time to answer the cries of the ocean! This is the time to move and step up for the succeeding future waiting to be unveiled!

Article by:

Alar, Noreen Beah

Balad-on, Nicole