The Catalyst, 3/F (Left Wing) Central Library, Eastern Samar State University/Main Campus, Borongan (2025)

28/08/2025

𝗞𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺 | 𝗝𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗻𝗶 𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗼
Artikulo at Dibuho ni Phoebe Joy M. Amos

Napuri na, kumita pa. Klarong propaganda, nakaanyong iba. Sa panahon ng sakuna, tugon niya’y mangimi at magpigil. Ngunit ang hiling ni Juan ay serbisyong tapat — nakikita at nararamdaman. Nakakabahalang isipin na ang buwis ng mamamayan ay bumabalik sa anyong baha. Sino ba ang dapat mahiya?

Matatandaan noong ika-28 ng Hulyo 2025, ipinahayag ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang kanyang ikaapat na State of the Nation Address (SONA). Sunod-sunod ang anunsyo ukol sa kalagayan ng bansa, mga plano, mga proyektong natapos, at pagpupugay sa mga gantimpalang nakamit. Marami na raw ang nagawa sa sektor ng agrikultura, elektrisidad, imprastruktura, kalusugan, at transportasyon — subalit may kulang. Sa kabila ng ipinagmamalaking tagumpay, nalalambitin ang tunay na pangangailangan ni Juan.

“Sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino,” giit ng Pangulo. “Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha,” pagmamalaking banggit niya. Matingkad dito ang matapang niyang panawagan laban sa katiwalian sa implementasyon ng mga flood control projects — isang pahayag na nagbibigay-diin sa responsibilidad ng gobyerno sa mamamayan, lalo na sa mga lugar na taon-taong tinatamaan ng bagyo at matinding pag-ulan.

Hindi maiwasang magtaka ng isang Juan na katulad ko. Sa soberanyang patuloy na humaharap sa kalamidad, walang puwang ang tuso’t mandaraya — lalo na sa mga walang ibang ginawa kundi maghanap ng masisisi. Hindi ba't bago ang implementasyon ng mga proyektong ito ay kailangang dumaan sa mahigpit na pag-aanalisa — sa pagtukoy sa pangangailangan, pondo, at lalong-lalo na sa magiging epekto sa kapaligiran at lipunan. Sa gobyernong tapat, agarang nauusisa ang pagkukulang. Sa gobyernong baluktot, ni wala sa ordinaryong Juan na kaparehong kulay ang bigat ng pribilehiyo —nasa matataas na kaalyado.

Bilang Pangulo, nararapat lamang na isama ang sarili sa mga dapat managot. Ang mamamayang Pilipino ay hindi eksperimento na kapag pumalpak sa pilot testing ay puwede na lang ulitin. Higit pa rito ang usapin ng flood control projects: kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino ang nakataya. Kinakailangan nito ang masusing pag-aaral at maayos na implementasyon — hindi ang pagtuturuan ng mga korap na opisyal at kontraktor na nasa isang tribo.

Dahil sa lubhang pangangailangan ng pondo, napagsasamantalahan ang hindi dapat at nauuwi sa sabwatan at pandaraya. Ang balik? Buwis ng tao na nag-aanyong baha.

Ang tunay na sukatan ng pamumuno ay hindi lamang sa dami ng proyektong naipapahayag, kundi sa kung paano nito tinutugunan ang ugat ng problema at pinangangalagaan ang kapakanan ng bawat mamamayan. Sa usapin ng pagbaha at katiwalian, hindi sapat ang mga salita o paninisi—kailangang may pananagutan at kongkretong solusyon. Sa huli, ang tiwala ng taumbayan ay nakasalalalay sa tapat at wagas na serbisyo, hindi sa hungkag na talasalitaan.

Sa administrasyong hindi masukat ang integridad, malabo ang isang lider maging kakampi ng ordinaryong Juan, ngunit hindi ang maging katribo ng mga sangkot sa mga katiwalian.

28/08/2025

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | 𝗜𝗳...
by: Lenie Padullo

If it weren't for love, I desire nothing. It's the warmth in my bones, the light in my eyes, the very breath that fills my lungs. Without real love, life feels like a faded photograph, a song played on mute in a world that's supposed to be a vibrant, booming symphony.

I've been down this road before, haven't we all? Like a weary traveler stumbling through a desert, I've chased after shimmering illusions, each promising a sweet oasis of affection, only to find them vanish into thin air, leaving me parched and disappointed. Those past heartaches? They still whisper in my ear, a constant reminder of the gap between what I crave and what I've actually gotten.

So, if fate decides to throw someone new my way, someone with all their intentions and motives on display, I'm making one thing crystal clear: unless their heart is set on truly cherishing me, with a love that's pure and honest, they can just keep walking. No need to waste my time with empty words or shallow gestures. I've had my fill of the bitter lessons, the hidden agendas, and the fake performances that try to pass themselves off as something real.

If, at the end of the day, there's no sign of a love that's genuine, untainted, and peaceful, then I'm perfectly content to be alone. Because in that quiet solitude, my heart can finally find some peace—a safe space where I can nurture the love within myself, letting it grow and shine, regardless of whether someone else is around. And maybe, just maybe, in that act of self-love, I'll realize that I'm already complete, already worthy, and already capable of creating my own bright, beautiful world.

If it wasn't for genuine love, leave me alone.
I've learned my lesson.

Illustration by: Yasser Abdul | The Catalyst Multimedia

15/08/2025

Igib-olympics, New Sport is in! 🏋️‍♂️💧

Sa Borongan, bagong sport ang nauuso ngayon — animo’y lalaban sa Olympics sa dami ng nagbubuhat ng tubig!

Dalawang linggo na mula nang mawala ang tubig, at naging bihasa na rin sa pagbubuhat ang mga tao, lalo na ang mga ESSUdyante. 🤔 Hmm… sino kaya ang tatanghaling Best Taga-Igib? Abangan! Kasi mukhang magtatagal pa ang eksenang ito.

Kung kaya naman trending na trending ang . How about gawing trend din ang ?

Sumakatuwid, hatol ng bayan: Ibalik na ang tubig! at magising sa bangungot na hatid ng igib-olympics.

Mga salita ni Sheeren Athena Docena | The Catalyst
Kartun ni Yasser Abdul | The Catalyst Multimedia

10/08/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 — Due to an ongoing water crisis in Borongan City, Eastern Samar State University through the authority of the University President, Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan Jr. has announced a temporary shift to flexible learning and adjusted work arrangements to prioritize the health and safety of students and personnel, effective Monday, August 11, 2025.

Under the new academic arrangements, all classes for every year level will shift to "Flexible Learning". Faculty members are instructed to deliver lessons, activities, and assessments through online learning platforms and must ensure attendance is checked and recorded. This measure will remain in place until further notice, when face-to-face classes can resume again.

For the university personnel, a work from home setup has been mandated for all teaching staff. Administrative offices will operate with a skeletal workforce to maintain essential services, while unit heads are responsible for scheduling, ensuring all operations are functional.

Meanwhile, essential units, including Security Services, Grounds and Physical Plant & Facilities personnel, and the University Infirmary, are required to continue reporting to campus daily to ensure services such as health and security are maintained. The university has appealed for the community's understanding and cooperation, stating that adjustments to these arrangements may change depending on the water supply situation.

via Kyle Apelado | The Catalyst
Layout by J. Cardona | The Catalyst Multimedia
Photo via ESSU Official page

07/08/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 — The afternoon celebration of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)'s 21st Charter Anniversary is now underway at the Canuctan Hall.

Distinguished guests are gradually arriving, while faculty and staff are already showcasing their elegant Barong and Filipiniana attire.

As a symbol of the beginning of excellence, a procession was conducted, joined by important guests and administrators from the different campuses of ESSU.

Leading the procession were the Vice-Presidents:
• Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Vicente A. Agda Jr.
• Vice-President for Administration, Dr. Rhodora C. Mendoza
• OIC Vice-President for Research and Extension Services, Dr. Aris A. Lapada (also the Dean of the Student Services and Alumni Affairs)
• Vice-President for External Affairs and Quality Assurance, Dr. Jocelyn S. Castro.

They were followed by Campus Administrators from Guiuan, Salcedo, Maydolong, Arteche, and Can-Avid. After them came the Board of Regents representing the private sector and student sector.

Also present in the procession were local chief executives from various municipalities. Representing the Minority Leader of the 20th Congress and 4Ps Party List Representative, Hon. Marcelino C. Libanan, was the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) Provincial Federated President, Hon. Stella Maris E. Libanan. Joining them was the Vice Governor of the Province of Eastern Samar, Hon. Maricar Sison-Goteesan.

Included in the procession as well were the esteemed guests:
• CHED Region VIII Director, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CESO III
• DILG Provincial Director, Johannes Y. Dorado, along with him is Cluster Head Jerry A. Enriquez and his team.

Ending the first part of procession was University Secretary, Dr. Debbie Voloso, carrying the ESSU Seal — a symbol of excellence, accountability, and service.

While the performing groups from various campuses showcased their splendid and mesmerizing talents, the high-profile guests also arrived and joined the procession.
These include:
• Representative of the Lone District of Eastern Samar, Hon. Christopher Sheen P. Gonzales
• Governor of the Province of Eastern Samar, Hon. Ralph Vincent M. Evardone

Accompanying the guests and ending the procession was University President, Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan Jr.

via Shereen Athena Docena | The Catalyst
Photos by J. Cardona, B. Anacta, & A. Caratay | The Catalyst Multimedia

07/08/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 — Eucharistic Mass held for ESSU's 21st Charter Anniversary

To bring solemnity to the 21st Charter Day of Eastern Samar State University, a Eucharistic Mass was conducted at Canuctan Hall on August 7, Thursday.

The Eucharistic Mass celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Christian Ofilan, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Alipio Añano.

In Rev. Fr. Alipio's homily, he emphasized how a student’s life is full of anxiety and fear. He explained that while anxiety is a normal part of life, the goal is not to remove it, but to embrace it through the eyes of faith.

To deepen his message, he included the quote, “Obstacle is the way,” highlighting that obstacles often bring fear and anxiety. He connected this to Peter’s journey—how Peter, despite being filled with fear and uncertainty, was guided by God. It was God’s will to place Peter on a pedestal and turn his obstacle into something meaningful.

After the Eucharistic Mass, a program will be held at 1:00 PM at Canuctan Hall to celebrate the Charter Anniversary. Meanwhile, other activities such as Legal Aid Services and Medical Services are happening simultaneously.

via Sheeren Athena Docena | The Catalyst
Photos by A. Aclao & J. Cardona | The Catalyst Multimedia

07/08/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 — Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)-Main Campus is offering free legal aid services today, August 7, 2025 at the Student's Pavilion, as part of its 21st Charter Day Celebration.

Everyone is welcome to avail themselves of expert advice on legal matters at the venue.

According to the Dean of the College of Law, Atty. Maria Lourdes Isabel C. Arevalo, she stated. "Anything na you want to consult, usually kasi tam natatanggap na queries about tuna, live birth, or even actual cases na napakiana hira hin second opinion la kumbaga."

via Raquel Panillos | The Catalyst
Photos by J. Cardona | The Catalyst Multimedia

07/08/2025

𝗞𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺 | 𝗧𝗨𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮
Isinulat nina Sheeren Athena Docena at Juliana Sophia Palacat

Kapag may apoy, may tubig. Ngunit sa panahong naglalagablab sa galit ang init, nasaan na nga ba ang tubig?

Narito ang kwento: Linggo, ika-3 ng Agosto, nang gulantangin ang mga estudyante ng Eastern Samar State University–Main Campus (ESSU) sa biglaang pagkawala ng kuryente na sinabayan pa ng pagkawala ng suplay ng tubig. Ang masaklap—tatlong araw na ang nagdaan mula noong Linggo, at heto, wala pa ring laman ng tubig ang mga balde ng bawat kabahayan.

Hindi ito kakaiba sa nangyari noong nakaraang taon, kung saan, noong ika-29 ng Setyembre, naiulat ang kawalan ng tubig na umabot ng isang linggo. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, wala pa rin talagang nagbago.

Pero pakinggan natin ang panig nila. Sa opisyal na page ng Borongan Water District, inanunsyo ang pagkawala ng tubig sa Northern Barangays (San Saturnino, Tabunan, Maypangdan, Cagbonga, Bayobay, Libuton, at Hindang) dulot ng pagkasira ng Variable Frequency Device (VFD) sa main source nito sa Barangay Lobo, Cagbonga. Hindi naman talaga maiiwasan ang ganitong aberya, dala na rin ng lawak ng populasyong gumagamit ng tubig.

Subalit, sobra na. Sobra na ang dinaranas na paghihirap ng mga mag-aaral, mga empleyado, at maging ng mga simpleng pamilyang nangangailangan ng sapat at malinis na tubig—lalo na sa panahong babad na babad na ang lahat sa pawis at lagkit. Isipin mo na lang, apektado ang lahat ng pinagkukunan ng suplay ng tubig. Walang balon o poso na maaaring maging alternatibo sana.

Palawakin pa natin ang mga argumento, simulan natin sa alas-siyete ng umaga kung saan nagsisimula ang klase ng mga estudyante—agawan sa kakaunting patak ng tubig, hindi lamang mangamoy buong hapon. Ngayon, pumunta tayo sa hapon kung saan pagod na ang lahat pero kailangan pa ring maghanap ng mapag-iigiban, may mapanghilamos lamang ng mukha upang matanggal ang bakas ng pawis at makapag-imbak ng tubig na muling titipirin para sa muling paggamit.

Sabihin nating natural sa ating mga Pilipinong maging mapamaraan, maaari pa namang hindi maligo ng isang araw. Subalit, sa init na dinaranas ng Eastern Samar, hindi na maikaila na malala na ang heat index na dinaranas ng ating mga katawan, kung kaya't ang kawalan ng tubig na pangligo ay isang napakatinding sumpa.

Dumako tayo sa mas kritikal pang epekto ng pasakit na ito—ang kalusugan ng mga mag-aaral. Iilan na lamang ang bukas na palikuran sa loob ng unibersidad dulot ng kawalan ng tubig na maipangbubuhos. Dahil dito, karamihan sa mga estudyante at maging mga empleyado ay napipilitang tiisin ang kanilang ihi.

Ipinapakita lamang nito ang malawakang pinsala nito sa buhay ng bawat tao—mapa-personal man, akademiko, at propesyonal. Hirap na hirap na kami dito, oh, ano na?

Ano na ang kasunod ng araw na ito, isa na namang araw ng pagtitiis? Huwag naman sana. Kaya namang makapagbigay ng madaliang solusyon, eh. Tignan natin ang mga maaaring alternatibong suplay ng tubig—rasyon mula sa truck ng bombero at maging sa mga balon at poso.

Simple lang naman ang gusto ng mga tao — maging kaming nasa likod ng artikulong ito — iyon ay ang agarang solusyon. May laman naman ang bawat reklamo at hinaing ng mamamayan; karapatan ng lahat na matamasa ang tubig na binabayaran nila. Na muling maisuot ang mga damit na isinantabing labhan at gumising nang hindi kailangang problemahin kung saan mag-iigib ng tubig.

Mahaba pa ang linggong ito—mahaba para sa pagtitiis sa kawalan ng tubig, at mahaba upang makahanap ang mga opisyal ng Ahensiya ng Tubig ng paraan upang isatuwid ang TUBIGing sistemang nararanasan.

Kartun ni Yasser Abdul | The Catalyst Multimedia

06/08/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 — Various students from different colleges of ESSU Main Campus gathered at Teatro Ibabawnon to compete in the ASEAN: Map Challenge. Representing their respective colleges, participants raced to identify countries and landmarks across Southeast Asia in a fast-paced and engaging quiz format.

Colleges present in the event are the College of Agriculture (CAg), College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA), College of Technology (COT), College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), College of Engineering (COE), College of Nursing and Allied Sciences (CONAS), College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), College of Computer Studies (CCS), College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), College of Science (CS), and the College of Hospitality Management (CHM).

The Map Challenge is held as part of the ASEAN Month Celebration, that aimed to promote awareness of the region’s cultural and geographical diversity.

The College of Arts Social Sciences are hailed as champions of the ASEAN Map Challege followed by the first and second runners up the College of Science and College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.

via Jeron Dulfo | The Catalyst
Photos by A. Caratay & B. Anacta | The Catalyst Multimedia

06/08/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 — Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) has announced the temporary suspension of its school uniform policy for all students and faculty across all campuses, effective immediately. The decision, outlined in a memorandum on August 5, 2025 comes in response to a forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warning of extreme heat.

This suspension of the uniform policy is a precautionary measure aimed at mitigating health risks including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The university has advised faculty members and students to adhere to an appropriate dress code during this period. Furthermore, the administration will continue to monitor the weather conditions and will issue further advisories as warranted.

via Kyle Apelado | The Catalyst
Layout via J. Cardona | The Catalyst Multimedia
Document via ESSU-Main SSC page

06/08/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 — Participants from various college programs gathered at the Student Pavillion to showcase their creativity for Asean Poster Making Contest with the theme "Buwan ng ASEAN: Sama-Sama sa Pag-Unlad" on August 6, Wednesday.

Present in the said event are pairs from College of Engineering (COE), College of Agriculture (CAg), College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), College of Science (CS), College of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), College of Arts & Social Sciences (CASS), College of Computer Studies (CCS), College of Hospitality Management (CHM), College of Nursing And Allied Sciences (CONAS) and College of Technology (COT).

Furthermore, the results for the said competition will be announced later this afternoon at Teatro Ibabawnon.

via Kyle Apelado | The Catalyst
Photos by C. Yu | The Catalyst Multimedia

06/08/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 — Students from different colleges of Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) gathered together at the Teatro Ibabawnon for participation of the ASEAN Quiz Bowl, today August 6, 2025.

Eleven colleges, namely the College of Engineering (COE), College of Nursing and Allied Sciences (CONAS) College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), College of Computer Studies (CCS), College of Science (CS), College of Agriculture (CAg), College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA), College of Hospitality Management (CHM), College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), College of Technology (COT), and College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS) provided five students as participants of the game.

The quiz was divided into three levels, wherein contestants had to answer multiple choice questions for the easy and average level and identification type for the difficult level.

The game concluded with the identification of the winners from 1st to 3rd place after a long tie-breaker of four colleges who scored evenly.

via Sharmaine Añosa | The Catalyst
Photos by R. Anacta | The Catalyst Multimedia

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