The Sea Treasure

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

Warm birthday greetings to Dr. Edmer Bernardo!

Your guidance, wisdom, and dedication continue to inspire many students and young campus journalists whose lives you have touched through the years. From being a supportive adviser of The Sea Treasure to now leading in the field of planning and development, your commitment to service and excellence remains admirable.

May this special day bring you good health, happiness, and more success in the years ahead. Thank you for your unwavering support, leadership, and inspiration. Happy Birthday, Sir Ed!

12/05/2026

𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐦 𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲
by Richard M. Caliso

“Buti pa ang pusa, may siyam na buhay.”

A line we usually hear in jokes, random conversations, or captions scattered across social media. Most people say it lightly, almost playfully. But for me, that number feels heavier than it sounds. It is not only about surviving. It is about becoming. About how a person slowly rebuilds themselves every time life forces them to begin again.

Let me introduce you to Milo.

Whenever I think of a cat with nine lives, I think of him. Not because he always escapes death whenever life scratches him open, but because he keeps finding his way back to himself no matter how many times the world tries to change him. Milo does not literally have nine lives. Instead, he carries nine stages within him, each one shaping the person he continues to become.

Milo has always been the type of person who brings warmth into a room. His laughter usually arrives before his footsteps, and his humor often becomes comfort for the people around him. He loves listening to his lola’s stories, treats children gently, and carries kindness in ways that never ask for recognition. Yet beneath that light was someone slowly realizing that the world could also be cruel.

And maybe that is where his first life truly started.

The first stage was vulnerability.

When Milo first opened his eyes to the world, everything felt too big for someone still trying to figure out where he belonged. There was curiosity, but there was fear too. He moved through life carrying questions he could not yet answer, vulnerable to every possibility waiting in front of him.

Then came familiarity.

Slowly, Milo learned how to move through the world around him. He observed people, studied silence, memorized reactions, and adjusted himself to spaces that felt safe. The unfamiliar no longer frightened him the way it once did. Little by little, he learned how to exist within the noise of the world.

The third stage became independence.

The boy who once hesitated at every step slowly began trusting his own feet. He started making decisions for himself, trying things without always waiting for reassurance. The questions that once filled his mind became experiences he could finally understand. Milo was no longer simply surviving each day. He was beginning to shape them.

But growth is not always gentle.

The fourth stage carried failures and challenges.

Milo experienced what it felt like to fall short. There were low exam scores, moments of self-doubt, and days when he felt painfully small beside classmates who seemed to succeed effortlessly. Worse than those failures were the words thrown at him because of the way he expressed himself.

“Hindi ikaw mag-agi kay lalaki ikaw.”

“Dapat army ikaw kay boy ikaw.”

“Kasayang sa imo toto.”

Those words did not simply pass through him. They stayed. They clung to him like invisible bruises he could never explain to anyone. Every laugh from the corners of the room became another reminder that people could be cruel toward things they refused to understand.

Still, Milo endured.

Not because he was fearless, but because he slowly realized that his life could not revolve around the opinions of people who never cared enough to fully see him.

That realization brought him to the fifth stage: rebuilding.

Milo began picking up the scattered pieces of himself. He learned which criticisms deserved reflection and which ones deserved distance. He started accepting the parts of himself he once questioned, realizing that healing was not about becoming someone new, but about embracing who he already was.

The process was never instant.

Some nights still felt heavy. Some memories still echoed louder than they should. But instead of allowing those wounds to define him, Milo used them as reminders to keep moving forward. Slowly, he rebuilt his confidence one quiet step at a time.

The sixth and seventh stages became restarting and trying again.

Milo no longer feared beginnings the way he once did. He understood that restarting was not failure. Sometimes, it was proof that a person still believed there was something better waiting ahead. Though nervousness still visited him from time to time, he no longer allowed fear to decide who he could become.

He gave himself permission to bloom at his own pace.

Then came transformation.

By the eighth and ninth stages, Milo was no longer the same person he used to be. He became softer toward himself yet stronger against the world. The struggles never completely disappeared, and neither did uncertainty, but Milo learned that growth does not happen in comfort. Like a cat landing back on its feet after every fall, he discovered how to continue despite exhaustion, despite fear, despite the possibility of getting hurt again.

And perhaps that is what having “nine lives” truly means.

Not escaping pain.

Not avoiding failure.

But finding the courage to return to yourself every single time life tears pieces away from you.

Milo carries that spirit within him. He stumbles, he doubts, he grows tired, but he continues. And every time life asks him to begin again, he does.

So now the question remains:

How many versions of yourself are you willing to become before you finally allow yourself to grow?

12/05/2026

𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐅𝐒𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐒 𝟏𝟎𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓. BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo — For many people, board examinations are already difficult enough. For Christel J. Surita of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Dumangas Campus, the journey demanded even more courage, patience, and determination. Yet despite the odds, she rose above them and emerged as one of the country’s highest-performing future teachers.

Surita, a legally blind graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education from Sitio Safa Brgy. Patlad Dumangas, Iloilo, secured the 10th spot in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) Elementary Level with an impressive 92.80% rating.

Despite her visual limitations, Surita was known on campus not for withdrawing from student life but for actively participating in academics, organizations, and university activities. Classmates and mentors described her as socially engaged, disciplined, and deeply committed to her studies. She also graduated Cum Laude, a distinction that reflected years of consistent hard work and perseverance.

Her achievement immediately became a source of pride not only for ISUFST but also for many Filipinos who saw in her story a powerful reminder that disability does not define a person’s capacity to succeed.

Being legally blind meant that studying often required extra assistance, adjustments, and patience. Friends, classmates, and academic support networks quietly became part of her everyday journey — from helping her during examinations and review sessions to assisting her in navigating academic requirements that many students usually take for granted.

Yet those close to Surita said she never allowed her condition and socio-economic situation to define her limits. Instead, she built strong connections within the university community and became someone many peers looked up to. Some classmates even described her as a natural leader because of the determination and calm persistence she displayed despite academic pressure.

For many students, simply finishing college is already a struggle. For Surita, every lesson, review material, classroom activity, and preparation for the LEPT required additional effort and adaptation. But rather than discouraging her, those challenges seemed to strengthen her resolve even more.

University officials welcomed the result with pride and admiration.

“We are especially proud of Christel, a PWD whose achievement reflects the resilience, determination, and excellence that ISUFST continues to nurture through an inclusive and supportive learning environment,” said Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., University President.

For many in the ISUFST community, Surita’s achievement goes beyond rankings and ratings. It has become a story about courage, dignity, discipline, and the quiet strength of people who continue chasing their dreams despite limitations others may never fully understand.

Her accomplishment also continues ISUFST Dumangas Campus’ growing tradition of excellence in teacher education. In September 2023, another Dumangas graduate, Carol Ann Cordero Awitan, also entered the national Top 10 of the LEPT Elementary Level after placing 8th with a 93.00% rating.

Still, many believe Surita’s story resonates not simply because she became a topnotcher, but because she showed what persistence looks like when supported by community, friendship, opportunity, and belief.

As congratulatory messages poured in online following the release of the LEPT results, students, educators, and residents from Dumangas celebrated not only a board examination victory, but also a deeply human story of resilience and hope.

For ISUFST and many aspiring teachers, Christel J. Surita now stands as proof that even in darkness, determination can still lead people toward remarkable light. (PAMMCO)

12/05/2026

10/05/2026

As we move forward to new chapters in life, let us also help others begin theirs. 💙

The University Student Council proudly launches 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃, a voluntary donation initiative that encourages graduating students to donate their school uniforms for incoming students who may be financially struggling or having difficulty purchasing a new set of uniforms.

Through this simple act of generosity, we can help fellow ISUFSTians continue their education with confidence and dignity. A uniform may seem simple to some, but for others, it can already be a big financial burden. Your donated uniforms can become a meaningful support for students in need.

📍 Drop-off Points is in your respective local council offices:
• ESC
• TSLA
• CFAS SC
• SHELL

📅 The donation drive will officially begin on 𝐌𝐚𝐲 11, 2026, and will remain open with no specific deadline.

All donated uniforms will be forwarded to the University Student Council, and we will ensure that these will be passed on to deserving students of ISUFST.

We would also like to emphasize that this initiative is NOT mandatory and NOT a requirement for graduating students. This is purely a voluntary act of kindness and an encouragement to share blessings with fellow students who may benefit from your old uniforms.

10/05/2026

𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲
by Jude Michael B. Casumpang

May mga salitang kayang tumbasan ng panahon, ngunit may isang salita na kailanman ay hindi kukupas—“Nanay.” Kapag binibigkas ito, tila may kasamang init, yakap, at pahingang matagal nang hinahanap ng isang pagod na puso. Hindi lamang ito katawagan; isa itong tahanan. Sa bawat “Anak, kumain ka na ba?” ay may pag-aarugang hindi kayang bilhin ng salapi. Sa bawat gabing puyat siya habang ikaw ay mahimbing na natutulog, naroon ang pag-ibig na tahimik ngunit walang hanggan.

Hanggang saan nga ba ang pagiging Nanay? Walang eksaktong sagot ang mundo para rito. Sapagkat ang pagiging ina ay hindi nasusukat sa haba ng panahon o dami ng sakripisyo. Ito ay nasusukat sa kakayahang magmahal kahit ubos na siya. Sa mundong madaling sumuko, ang isang Nanay ay patuloy na lumalaban—kahit pagod, kahit sugatan, kahit minsan ay wala nang natitira para sa sarili.

May mga babaeng buong pusong nangarap maging Nanay. Pinangarap nilang marinig ang unang iyak ng sanggol, ang unang “Nanay,” at ang simpleng pakiramdam ng may buhay na umaasa sa kanilang pagmamahal. Ngunit mayroon ding mga babaeng hindi man pinili ang landas ng pagiging ina, ay dinala ng pagkakataon sa responsibilidad na hindi nila inaasahan. May ilan na naging Nanay dahil sa pag-ibig, at mayroon ding naging Nanay dahil sa sakit, pagkakamali, o kapalaran.

Ngunit sa kabila ng iba’t ibang simula, iisa ang katotohanan—ang pagiging Nanay ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagdadala ng bata sa sinapupunan. Ito ay nasa puso. Sapagkat hindi lahat ng nagluwal ay naging ina, at hindi lahat ng naging ina ay nagmula sa dugo. May mga babaeng piniling mag-alaga, umintindi, at magsakripisyo para sa batang hindi nila kadugo, ngunit minahal nila nang higit pa sa sarili nilang buhay.

Ang isang Nanay ay parang kandilang patuloy na nauupos upang magbigay-liwanag sa iba. Habang ang kanyang mga anak ay unti-unting nangangarap, siya nama’y tahimik na nagsasakripisyo sa likod ng tagumpay ng mga ito. Minsan, hindi na siya nakakabili ng bagong damit para lamang may maipambaon. Minsan, kinakalimutan na niya ang sariling pagod upang masigurong maayos ang lahat sa loob ng tahanan. At madalas, kahit siya ang nasasaktan, siya pa rin ang unang magpapatawad.

Sa bawat luhang pumapatak sa kanyang mga mata, may kasamang panalangin. Sa bawat pawis na tumutulo habang siya’y nagtatrabaho, may kasamang pangarap para sa kanyang pamilya. At sa bawat patak ng dugo at sakripisyong kanyang tiniis, naroroon ang pagmamahal na hindi maramot at hindi naghihintay ng kapalit. Ang isang Nanay ay marunong masaktan, ngunit mas pinipili niyang magmahal kaysa magreklamo.

Hindi madali ang maging Nanay sa mundong puno ng paghihirap at pagbabago. Habang ang iba ay natutulog nang mahimbing, may mga Nanay na gising pa rin sa pag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng panggastos kinabukasan. Habang ang iba ay abala sa sarili nilang buhay, may mga Nanay na inuuna pa rin ang kapakanan ng kanilang pamilya kaysa sariling pangarap. Sila ang tahimik na bayani ng bawat tahanan—hindi man nakikita ng marami, ngunit sila ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit patuloy na bumabangon ang isang pamilya.

May iba’t ibang tawag sa kanila—Nanay, Mommy, Mama, Mudra, Ermat—ngunit iisa ang kanilang puso. Isang pusong handang ibigay ang lahat kahit wala nang matira para sa sarili. Hindi man sila perpekto, sila ang pinakamalapit na anyo ng pag-ibig na walang kondisyon. Kapag ang mundo ay tila malamig at mapanghusga, isang yakap lamang mula sa Nanay ang kayang magpatahan ng lahat ng sakit.

At sa huli, marahil hindi mahalaga kung paano nagsimula ang pagiging isang ina. Ang tunay na sukatan nito ay kung paano niya piniling mahalin ang mga taong ipinagkatiwala sa kanya. Dahil ang pagiging Nanay ay hindi tungkol sa kung ano ang matatanggap niya, kundi sa kung ano ang kaya niyang ibigay—buhay, pag-asa, lakas, at pagmamahal na walang hangganan.

Sa aking Nanay Judith, maraming salamat sa lahat ng pagod, sakripisyo, at pagmamahal na hindi mo kailanman ipinagdamot. Ikaw ang unang tahanan ng aking puso at ang pinakamagandang biyayang ipinagkaloob ng Diyos sa akin. Mahal na mahal kita. At sa lahat ng mga Nanay sa buong mundo, pagpupugay sa inyong luha, dugo, pawis, buhay, at pag-ibig. Kayo ang ilaw ng bawat tahanan at gabay ng bawat pamilya.

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Layout by Arniel S. Clarite