Amaranth

15/11/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | 𝗩𝗦𝗨 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Office of the President has issued Memorandum Circular No. 307, disseminating the official findings and recommendations from the post-disaster inspection of university buildings and facilities conducted after recent calamities.

Following structural assessments conducted by the Technical Working Group (TWG) together with the Baybay City Office of the Building Official (OBO) on October 23, 2025, the University has declared the following areas 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗦𝗘:

• Physics Room 2 (Old Library Building)
• 2nd Floor, Plant Science Building
• Stairs and Hallway (cantilever slab) near the Arts and Letters Building
• Main Entrance of the OP Board Room

All other buildings are considered 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗨𝗣𝗬 or 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, with recommended repairs already instructed for immediate action.

The University assures the VSU community that buildings were constructed following sound engineering standards and are not expected to experience sudden major failure under normal conditions.

Everyone is encouraged to review the full report for safety guidance and to observe all necessary precautions while repair works are ongoing.

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via Meghann Martin | Amaranth

15/11/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 | 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

VSU Free WiFi and mobile signals remain down in some campus dormitories of Visayas State University (VSU), following the effects of Typhoon Tino on November 3. The network interruption continues to burden students who rely on the campus network for academic activities as classes resume.

Jamaica Flores, a resident of Ilang-ilang dormitory, shared the inconvenience experienced by several students.

“The resume of classes has been challenging. Students find it difficult to access online platforms, submit tasks, or communicate with instructors,” Flores stated.

For Flores and other students, it is difficult to keep up with academic requirements without reliable internet access.

“We understand that the situation is beyond anyone’s control, but the interruption has really affected our productivity and daily class routines. We are hoping that the university and service providers can fully restore the connection soon so we can continue our academic tasks smoothly,” she added.

The ongoing disruption has sparked concern among students, pointing out how crucial stable internet access is for the continuity of academic work in today’s digitally reliant learning environment.

As of this report, the university has not yet released an official statement regarding the timeline for the wifi network restoration.

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via Krizha Allunam | Amaranth

14/11/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Visayas State University has announced the opening of applications for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for Academic Year 2025–2026, pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 305, series of 2025.

This subsidy offers financial assistance to eligible continuing students who are not yet identified as TES grantees.

First-year students are automatically considered and are not required to submit application requirements. The deadline for submission of applications is on November 25, 2025.

For more information on eligibility criteria, required documents, and application procedures, kindly refer to the official memorandum posted below.

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via Loraine Molina | Amaranth

13/11/2025

#𝗞𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮 | 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗼. 𝟬𝟬𝟭: “𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙖”
ni Mariah Shacille Jade Montesclaros | Amaranth

Noong bata pa ako, akala ko’y galit lang ang langit sa tuwing bumabaha’t bumabagyo.

Labingdalawang taon na ang nakalipas at alalang-alala ko pa rin ang araw na ‘yon. Habang pinagmamasdan ang aliwalas ng umaga sa paanan ng aming bintana, takam na takam lang sana akong maglaro sa labas noon. Subalit nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin nang inutusan ako ni Mama na buksan ang radyo.

“𝘔𝘨𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯, 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘛𝘺𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘺𝘰–”

Agad na naputol ang istasyon ng radyo, at ‘di naglaon ay sumunod ang dagungdong ng kulog na tila hudyat ng unang mga patak ng ulan. Sa musmos kong utak, tinuring ko pang parusa ang mga bagyong ito dahil bad-trip na bad-trip lang ako noon kasi hindi na ako makakapaglaro sa labas.

‘Yun pala, ang ‘di ko alam ay hindi lang laro ang mawawala sa akin, kundi ay halos lahat ng kung anumang meron kami. At alam kong wala ni sinuman ang naging handa para rito.

Ang sunod ko na lamang nalaman ay sinampal na ni 𝘠𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 ang aming mga bubong. Sa loob ng ilang segundo, kinalbo nito ang mga bahay, tinumba lahat ng posteng dinaanan, at nilamon ng baha ang buong baryo. Habang lubosan ang pagsulong ni Papa sa baha at bitbit naman ako ni Mama na pilit tinatawid ang nakalubog na kalsada makarating lamang sa 𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳, dinig na dinig ko ang hagulgol ng mga taong hawak ang mahal nila sa buhay, may buhay man o wala.

Sa murang isip ko noon, wala akong mahanap na sagot kung bakit kami pa ang napiling parusahan ng kalikasan— kung bakit ang mga mahihirap pa ang mas pinapahirapan.

Subalit ngayon, habang inaalala ko ang araw na ito, dito ko napagtanto: paano kung mali ang batang ako? Paano kung hindi naman pala mula sa kalikasan ang parusa?

Sapagkat kamakailan lang, halos sa parehong petsa, bumisita na naman ang isang nagbabadyang delubyo—si 𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘰. Sa pagkakataong ito, puspusan na ang paghahanda ng bawat isa. Nakaimpake na ang mga go bag, listahan ng mga 𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘴, at delata’t kandila sa bawat bahay. Handa na kami.

Ngunit nang bumuhos ang ulan, walang pinagbago. Tumba muli ang lahat ng poste, lumubog ulit ang parehong kalsada, at bumalik muli ang iyakan. Bakit kahit handa na ang lahat, parehong parusa pa rin ang naging wakas?

Isa lang ang sagot: ang mga trahedyang ito ay ‘di na parusa ng kalikasan, kundi ng kapabayaan. Dahil pabago-bago na ang mga pangalan ng bagyo, pero pare-parehong mga pangalan pa rin ang nasa puwesto. Mga pangalan at mukhang nakaplastar sa mga taurpauling inaanod ng baha, gaya ng paanong inaanod nila sa limot ang mga proyektong kanilang ipinanumpa.

Kaya ngayon, habang pinapakinggan ko ang pagpatak ng ulan sa gitna ng gabi, hindi ko maiwasang isipin— paano kung ang parusa ay ‘di naman nagmula sa kalikasan, kundi ay sa katiwalian ng ating kalakaran.

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Litrato ni Lennon | Amaranth
Dibuho ni Eulo Rod Coting | Amaranth

12/11/2025

𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 | The Carless and Wellness Wednesday policy was meant to move VSU toward a cleaner, healthier future. But somewhere between the drafting table and the campus walkways, the conversation missed the very people walking it. The entirety of the Viscan community, from staffs, utilities, and students — the largest and most affected sector — were consulted only after the policy was set in motion.

This silence in the process calls for reflection — and reform. If sustainability is truly the goal, then inclusion must be its first step. Policies that shape the daily life of the Viscan community deserve to be built with, not just students, but the whole community as well.

If a simple policy falters under their hands, what faith remains for the bigger ones ahead?

Read more.

The official student media organization of the Visayas State University

12/11/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | The university Guidance Counseling Office spearheaded "VSU Pangumusta", a comprehensive one-stop care event dedicated to supporting students, faculty, and staff, affected by Typhoon Tino, today November 12 from 9 AM to 4 PM at VSU Gymnatorium.

This initiative aimed in providing the following services: Medical Consultation; Psychosocial Care; Legal Assistance; and Gender Safety services.

Deans and Department Heads were also requested in encouraging the participation of the students under their respective units, alongside faculty and staff members which are strongly necessary to avail themselves of the service provided.

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via Dexter Ilustre | Amaranth
Photos by Jonniel Godoy | Amaranth

11/11/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) has announced that onsite classes and regular work schedules will resume tomorrow, November 12.

Students affected by the typhoon who are unable to attend in person may use flexible learning modalities, but are advised to immediately coordinate with their instructors or professors.

In addition, all faculty members—both regular and contract of service personnel—are required to report onsite, while those with personal, family, or safety-related concerns may instead file for Special Emergency Leave (SEL) or Calamity Leave (CL) following existing VSU and CSC guidelines.

The entire VSU community is reminded to prioritize safety and remain vigilant as recovery and rehabilitation efforts are still ongoing.

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via Jyril Michael Java | Amaranth

09/11/2025

𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | As per PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 11 issued at 2:00 PM, November 9, Super Typhoon (FUNG-WONG) continues to threaten Bicol Region and nearby areas.

As of 1:00 PM, the center of the eye was located 135 km NNW of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h, moving WNW at 30 km/h. Strong to typhoon-force winds extend up to 900 km from the center.

The eye is forecast to pass over Camarines Norte’s coastal waters, near Calaguas and Polillo Islands, before making landfall over central Aurora tonight or early tomorrow. A direct hit on Calaguas and Polillo Islands is possible.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 is in effect over northern Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, northern Catanduanes, and parts of Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, and Polillo Islands. Signal No. 4 covers surrounding areas of Luzon and Bicol Region. Signals No. 3, 2, and 1 affect portions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as per PAGASA guidelines.

A high risk of life-threatening storm surge exceeding 3.0 m is expected along low-lying coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and nearby islands. Sea travel is extremely risky.

The public and local DRRM offices are advised to take all necessary precautions. Evacuate immediately if ordered by authorities. The next bulletin will be issued at 5:00 PM today.

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In case of emergency, you may refer to the hotlines below:

VSU Emergency: 09100582432 SMART/TNT
Security Office: 09354147330 GLOBE/TNT
Guard Post 1: 09518313535 GLOBE/TNT
Guard Post 2: 1129 LOCAL IP PHONE
Admin Guard: 1113 LOCAL IP PHONE
USHER/VSU Hospital & Ambulance: 09430430874 GLOBE
BERU: 09153577065 GLOBE, 09393940331 SMART/TNT
Baybay City Police: 09052957018 GLOBE, 09498597008 SMART/TNT
City Traffic Office: 09067732027 GLOBE, 09639629843 SMART/TNT
City Health Office: 09067733996 GLOBE, 09518287123 SMART/TNT
BFP: 09382495410 SMART/TNT

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via Meghann Martin | Amaranth
Photo Courtesy of DOST-PAGASA

09/11/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Visayas State University has issued Memorandum Circular No. 296, suspending all classes across the VSU System due to the expected impacts of Super Typhoon “Uwan” on November 10–11, 2025

Work operations at VSU are also suspended on November 10, in line with the national directive.

Faculty and staff are instructed to report onsite on November 11 (Tuesday). Those with personal, family, or safety concerns may request Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) upon approval of their supervisors.

This memo follows Memorandum Circular No. 106 issued by the Office of the President, which suspended work in several regions and classes at all levels on November 10–11, 2025 due to the aforementioned typhoon.

The University will resume full onsite classes and regular work operations on November 12, 2025 (Wednesday) unless new advisories or weather bulletins are issued by authorities.

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via Meghann Martin | Amaranth

08/11/2025

𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | As per PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 6 issued at 11:00 PM, November 8, Typhoon (FUNG-WONG) has further intensified and continues to move closer towards Bicol Region.

As of 10:00 PM, the center of Typhoon was located 380 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and gusts of up to 190 km/h, moving west northwestward at 35 km/h.

The center of the eye may pass close to Catanduanes tomorrow morning and make landfall over Aurora tomorrow evening or Monday early morning, with an increasing possibility of a direct hit or landfall scenario over Catanduanes.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 is now in effect over Catanduanes. Signal No. 3 is raised over Aurora, parts of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, parts of Sorsogon, and parts of Northern Samar. Signal No. 2 covers most of Luzon including Metro Manila, while Signal No. 1 affects remaining areas including parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

Typhoon is forecast to rapidly intensify and may reach super typhoon category tomorrow. The highest wind signal that will likely be hoisted is Signal No. 5. There is a high risk of life-threatening storm surge exceeding 3.0 m over low-lying coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon, and parts of Bicol and Eastern Visayas. Sea travel is risky for all vessel types.

The public and local DRRM offices are strongly advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons in high-risk areas should follow evacuation orders from local officials. The next bulletin will be issued at 2:00 AM tomorrow.

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In case of emergency, you may refer to the hotlines below:
VSU Emergency Hotline: 09100582432 SMART/TNT
Security Office: 09354147330 GLOBE/TNT
Guard Post 1 (Lower Campus): 09518313535 GLOBE/TNT
Guard Post 2 (Upper Campus: 1129 LOCAL IP PHONE
Admin Guard Front Door: 1113 LOCAL IP PHONE
USHER/VSU Hospital: 09430430874 GLOBE
USHER/VSU Ambulance: 09430430874 GLOBE
Baybay Emergency Response Units (BERU): 09153577065 GLOBE, 09393940331 SMART/TNT
Baybay City Police Station: 09052957018 GLOBE, 09498597008 SMART/TNT
City Traffic Management and Terminal Office: 09067732027 GLOBE, 09639629843 SMART/TNT
City Health Office: 09067733996 GLOBE, 09518287123 SMART/TNT
Bureau of Fire Protection: 09382495410 SMART/TNT
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via Loraine Molina | Amaranth
Photo Courtesy of DOST-PAGASA

08/11/2025

Twelve years have passed since Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) made landfall in the Philippines, and yet the Visayan people still cannot shake it off of their hearts.

Today, November 8, we line the sidewalks with candles for each soul lost. But when the wax melts we realize there are not enough candles for all the losses. That morning in 2013, entire homes, livelihoods, and communities were uprooted. Weeks after and people still walked in the dark with no electricity, scraping for food and water, while walking over what was once full of life.

But communities rebuilt themselves nevertheless, picking up the scraps from the flood and assembling it back–not as a form of resilience, but as a form of survival. And as the years pass we continue to give honor to the names of the victims and to the scars that made a mark. We look ahead, but we don’t forget.

07/11/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Visayas State University announced that all classes will shift to flexible learning on November 10–11, 2025 due to the ongoing post-Typhoon recovery efforts and the approaching Typhoon .

Face-to-face classes are expected to resume on Wednesday, November 12, subject to further weather advisories and official announcements from authorities.

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via Dexter Ilustre | Amaranth