University of Abra - PLOW

08/12/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

Anchored on the powerful theme "TES Beyond Aid: Strengthening Mental Well-Being and Community Engagement for a Resilient TES Community," the congress was held from December 2 to 3, 2025, and brought together scholars, educators, and partners committed to building a stronger, more supportive TES community.

TES (Tertiary Education Subsidy), a key program under Republic Act No. 10931, supports low-income students, while CHED oversees Philippine higher education. Among the selected TES grantees in attendance were Ms. Desery Bulda from UA Bangued and Ms. Emmarie Pineda from UA Main Campus, representing the University of Abra alongside delegates from universities nationwide.

Day 1 focused on learning, mental health advocacy, community care, and Indigenous identity.

On Day 2, they had the chance to listen to and meet top notchers from previous CHED grantees—leaving them deeply inspired and with invaluable lessons. They also threw themselves into the action, actively participating in fun games, engaging question-and-answer sessions, a vibrant youth fair, plus partner awards and a commitment wall.

At its core, the congress aimed to go beyond financial aid, building a resilient, connected community through emotional support and collective action.

Words and Photos: Emmarie T. Pineda

06/12/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐴𝑆𝐼𝑆𝑇 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 2.0 𝑆𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑟 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝

Official student publications of Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST); PLOW (Main Campus), the Technocrat (Bangued Campus), and representatives from La Paz extension participated in “Journalism 2.0: Skills -Building in Campus Media” organized by the Technocrat held at the Gabaldon Building on December 3-4, 2025.

On the first day, Dr. Robinson Q. Fabito, the OSAS coordinator commenced the seminar, inspiring and motivating participants through his opening remarks. Followed by the Technocrat adviser, Dr. Dylan Edward R. Raranga who discussed the rationale of the seminar and the CASS dean, Dr. Elizabeth C. Fetalvero, who enlightened the participants about their duties and virtues as credible and reliable sources of information through the Journalists’ Responsibility and Ethics in Journalism.

In the morning session, Mr. Mark Kevin T. Apuado, the Inabel publication adviser, shared his profound knowledge on news and headline writing with a follow-up writeshop activity. In the afternoon, Ms. Von Ameri J. Escobar, the former EIC of the Technocrat differentiated article, column, and editorial writing in her lecture, sharing her personal experiences and tips. This was followed by Dr. Irene Claire P. Herida, a faculty of CASS Bangued Campus, who not only made her lecture about sports writing informative, but also productive and interactive through various stimulating games.

The Technocrat EIC, Claire Mikey P. Pardilla led the beginning of the second day through a recap. This was followed by a presentation on development communication writing by Ms. Von Ameri J. Escobar. Enunciating the significance of adept understanding of figures of speech, Mr. Perfecto F. Paredes discussed poetry and feature writing. In the afternoon session, Mr. Mark Kevin T. Apuado established the vitality of copy reading and layouting followed by an informative discussion on broadcasting and mobile journalism presented by Mrs. Koujeenia Joseanne B. Galcon. The last resource speaker, Mark Kevin T. Apuado ended the lecture with invaluable perspectives in photojournalism.

The seminar not only embedded new information to the young journalists, but also upholds deeper understanding, untangling complexity surrounding the different aspects of Journalism. The recognition of the resource speakers and the awarding of certificates marked the end of the two-day seminar.

✍️ Rachelle Ann Torres
📷 Jonard John Jose
Layout: Rachelle Ann Torres

05/12/2025

During the 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 2.0 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 on December 3-4 at ASIST Bangues Campus, Mr. Perfecto F. Paredes' Poetry Writing session included an activity where the different school publication groups were tasked to create a list of six rhyming words. The groups then picked one at random to use as the basis of their poem.

This is the list of words that the Plow members drew:

Light
Fight
Knight
Kite
Night
Might

The members all worked together, pooling mental resources in order to come up with a cohesive poem from the list.

The title Wrath of Datura is inspired by the Datura flower. The purple datura flower symbolizes royal power, danger, inner strength, and spiritual transformation.

The group first considered the white datura before settling on the purple datura, a process that reflects the transformation that the narrator in the poem goes through.

The Poetry Writing challenge sparked not only creativity, but also teamwork and fun, showing how writing does not need to be a solitary activity but can in fact, be a group effort specially in a school setting.

✍️: Jean Chloe P. Castillo

illustration used below is taken from Pinterest, and slightly edited to include an overlay of a datura flower.

03/12/2025

01/12/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

A spirit of academic purpose and professional dedication was evident at the University of Abra on November 28, 2025, as pre-service teachers took part in the institution’s Send-Off and Pinning Ceremonies. The event marked a significant milestone in their preparation for internship deployment under the Department of Education and was meticulously facilitated by the masters of ceremony, Mr. Jayper T. Arias and Ms. Neva Jane A. Tejero.

The program commenced with the processional, National Anthem, prayer, and welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Mario B. Buenafe, Program Chair of the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED). This formal opening set a reflective and celebratory tone for the event, further enhanced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Principal Prescila Tesoro of Dolores Central School; Dr. Marifi F. Ouodala, representing Dr. David P. Linggayo Jr., Principal of Rosalio Eduarte National High School (RENHS); Ms. Sonia T. Ragonton representing Dr. Dahlia Silvania, Principal of Don Rosalio Eduarte Elementary School (DREES); and Dr. Norma T. Pineda, Principal of Pangtod National High School. Their participation underscored the strong collaborative relationship between the University and its partner schools.

Building upon this foundation of support and guidance, the representatives of the Young Educators' Society, Kate Nicole Timbreza and Xyra Lei Bragas, conducted the Bequeathal of Responsibilities, highlighting the spirit of student leadership and the continuity of dedication within the organization. This segment naturally transitioned into an informative presentation by Dr. Ma. Rita V. Flores, Dean of the College of Teacher Education (CTE), who explained the significance of the pin, garland, and candle. Immediately thereafter, the pre-service teachers took part in the pinning, garland, and candle ceremonies, which served as a symbolic declaration of their readiness, dedication, and commitment to the teaching profession. After singing a meaningful song during the candle lighting, the students approached their parents to embrace them in a heartfelt moment of gratitude and familial support.

Messages of commitment were delivered by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Amador D. Garcia Sr. and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Noel B. Begnalen. The values, responsibilities, and professional standards expected of aspiring educators were reaffirmed in their speeches, in which they also extended their well-wishes to both the students and their parents. The ceremony then transitioned to the inspirational message delivered by College President Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., who emphasized the transformative role of teachers in shaping learners and communities, inspiring the pre-service teachers to embrace their calling with dedication and purpose.

Institutional collaboration was further formalized through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among ASIST, the Diocesan Schools Office, and DepEd authorities. The program concluded with the Pre-Service Teachers’ Prayer led by Jessica C. Padilla, a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECED) student and closing remarks by Mr. John Paul C. Suniga, Program Chair of the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED), leaving the participants motivated and encouraged as they embark on their internship journey.

Words: Neva Jane Tejero
Photos: Neva Jane Tejero & Xyra Lei Bragas
Layout: Fredel Kevin Languia Alcalde

30/11/2025

𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑰𝒏! Recently concluded the 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗨𝗡 𝟮.𝟬—𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 at 456 Hotel Baguio City on November 28-29, 2025.

A successful convergence in Baguio City brought together the School Governing Body, Student Publication, Community-based organizations and other school organizations across the Cordillera region with the theme "Empowering Youth Together Globally" to champion effective leadership, gender equality, biodiversity, responsive governance, and political issues.

The University of Abra unites and takes a chance to represent the province of Abra. Gaining a
recognition of the 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. Participants from the Student Government of Lagangilang Campus, led by SG President John Ranier P. Omlero, SG Vice President Dharlen Duque, SG Secretary Reyvee Cabarles and guided by the SG Adviser, Sir Mike Abalos; Lapaz Campus, represented by SG President Princess Krystal Faye B. Reyes and SG Secretary Hannah Nicole T. Almazan; Bagued Campus, represented by SG Vice President Charles Arcen Garcia Neri and SG Treasurer Jessa Barientos; the Plow Student Publication of Lagangilang, represented by Jeremiah Abaigar, Sports Writer, Rover Scout Sheena Bernal, and Jasper Buenafe, with their Coordinator, Sir Allen Benedict; and lastly, the SAFE Organization, represented by Erich Almachar and Kristine Versoza.

"Ang kabataan ay ang Pag-asa ng Bayan" (a famous quote from Dr. Jose Rizal). "It’s no longer just a saying that the youth are the hope of the next generation. Today’s youth are already taking action—so we are not tomorrow’s hope; we are the hope of today. We are the ones shaping the nation now, not later," MC Cuya | C*C said. A rampant issue is that youth should take note of the influence of good leadership and pay close attention to the widespread issue happening around now.

A inspirational message from the school publication "To write is already to choose," Mr. Bacud said. Writing is not just about writing, taking pictures is not only clicking a camera, and cartooning is not only writing doodles and sketches. A school publication speaks the voice of the many concerning issues and the neutral perspective, intention, and values of the school premises. Choosing to write, draw, and click a camera has a story to tell, a voice to be heard, and actively decides what matters and how it should be understood.

A huge congratulations to the event host, coordinators, and speakers. From the transportation, meals, and accommodation to also the helpful and convenient staff who helped us all along.



✍️:Jeremiah Abaigar
📸: Jeremiah Abaigar, Krystal Reyes, Allen Benedict

17/11/2025

WAWAGI Celebrates Tingguian Festival
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‎ On November 14, 2025, students came together to celebrate Tingguian culture, skills, and talent during the Tingguian Festival 2025 with the theme “Nurturing the Youth and the Spirit of Tingguian Excellence and Unity: Preserving Culture, Skills, and Showcasing Talent.”
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‎ The celebration was honored by the presence of Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., ASIST President and Dr. Gerardo Palcon, Director of Student Services. The performances were evaluated by Ms. Agnes E. Fuerte, Dr. Joey De la Cruz, and Dr. Elsa Bagioan. The success of the event would not have been possible without the guidance of the WAWAGI adviser, Mr. Diomedes Beñas. The program was hosted by Ms. Mary Nizza Agdalen, who kept the event lively and engaging. Both Sir Jums and ma'am Bing are members of the Inlaud tribe.Through cultural presentations and inspiring stories, the youth showcased their talents with pride, unity, and confidence, proving that Tingguian heritage continues to thrive in the present generation.

Agbiyag dagiti Tingguians!

09/11/2025

𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀: 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁

The first unified Search for Mr. and Ms. University of Abra 2025 brought together students from six colleges in a celebration of heart, talent, and courage, making the University shine brighter than ever. From the College of Teacher Education (Bangued and Main Campuses) to the College of Engineering, College of Arts and Social Sciences, College of Industrial Technology, and the College of Criminal Justice Education, each candidate carried with them the story of their own experiences, the hopes of their dreams, and the pride of their colleges.

As the candidates took the stage and anticipation grew, they animated the event with color, movement, and confidence. Outfits showcased in the sportswear, swimwear, and evening gown categories shone with individuality and dignity. Unlike in standard pageantry, the shimmer of white and silver in the swimwear and gown segments not only conveyed elegance but also unity—a shared celebration of passion and excellence.

Beyond the lights and the applause, it was the heart and passion behind each performance that made the event memorable. Each step, smile, and answer exhibited the courage, commitment, and quiet strength that all UA’ians are made of — a reminder to all present that greatness is not measured by crowns alone, but by the choice to represent, inspire, and step into the spotlight.

Even with the titles handed out, the night was for all. Each candidate made a lasting mark on the UA community — a testament to confidence, talent, and pride. The evening was a celebration of students with dreams— those who embraced the stage and celebrated not just themselves, but their University as well.

To every candidate of Mr. and Ms. University of Abra 2025 — your brilliance, courage, and unity have made this event a story to remember.

Words: Neva Jane Tejero
Photos: Xyra Lei Bragas
Layout: Hazel Ann Tuzon, Xyra Lei Bragas

09/11/2025

𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀, 𝗛𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀—𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗿. 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

Strength comes in various forms — and this year’s Mr. and Ms. University of Abra 2025 proved that it goes beyond appearances. Inspired by two icons of strength and perseverance, their answers stood out and stole the hearts of many.

For the newly crowned Ms. University of Abra 2025, her inspiration comes from Hidilyn Diaz, the nation’s first Olympic gold medalist. “I may not be bery strong physically,” she shared, “but her strength as a woman is incomparable. She lifts not only weights but also the pride of the Philippines.” Her words echoed across the corners of the gymnasium which reflected a kind of beauty that goes beyond the surface — one strengthened by her resilience, purpose, and emotional courage.

Meanwhile, Mr. University of Abra 2025 drew his motivation from Ronnie Coleman, one of the most celebrated bodybuilders in history. Quoting motivational speaker Jim Rohn, he emphasized that “the bridge between goals and accomplishment is discipline.” To him, success isn’t build overnight; it’s molded through sacrifice, consistency, commitment, and silent determination — even when no one is watching.

Both of them embody the kind of excellence the University of Abra stands for: beauty that uplifts, and strength that endures. This year’s crowns shine not just with confidence, but with a powerful reminder that true greatness is like lifting weights, for it requires patience, persistence, and heart.

Indeed, she lifts, he builds — and together, they conquer.



Words: Xyra Lei Bragas
Photos: Neva Jane Tejero, Joco Cortez
Layout: Xyra Lei Bragas

09/11/2025

Congratulations Jonard Jose! Your PLOW family is proud of you! 👏

𝐍𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐰 𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐨 𝐆𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐋 (𝐎𝐧-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭) 𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!

🥇 Jomarie Lopez, University of Northern Philippines (“Ti Naikari nga Agtalinaed”)
🥈 Jonard John Jose, Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (“Mannurat ti Amianan”)
🥉 Clark Realubin, Divine Word College of Vigan (“Ti Kapuon ti Ima a Natulawan”)

Immawatda iti PhP 1,000, PhP 600, ken PhP 400 manipud GUMIL Filipinas ken ni Apo Renato Taylan ken libro manipud ken ni Apo Norberto Bumanglag Jr.

Da Apo Daniel L. Nesperos, Apo Mario T. Tejada, ken Apo Ariel Sotelo Tabag ti nangarisit kadagiti nasurok a 20 a daniw a naipasa.