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The Franciscan Plume, Saint Francis of Assisi College, Las Piñas (2025)

Q: What is the address?

Saint Francis Of Assisi College

27/09/2025

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 – 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙙𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜." -𝙎𝙪𝙣 𝙏𝙯𝙪

This enduring wisdom from Sun Tzu resonates profoundly in the evolving tapestry of international relations. The landscape of global politics is rarely static, and nations, once at ideological loggerheads or grappling with historical tensions, often find common ground in the face of evolving geopolitical realities. The relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines stands as a compelling testament to this dynamism, a journey that has seen them transition from being on opposing sides of a Cold War divide to becoming strategic partners united by shared interests and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity.

In the past, the Philippines and Vietnam's interactions were shaped by distinct trajectories. While ancient maritime trade links existed, the colonial era saw both nations fall under different Western powers, leading to divergent political and economic systems. During the Cold War, the Philippines, a staunch U.S. ally, provided humanitarian aid to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, a period that saw Filipino medical and civic action teams deployed to the war-torn nation. This support for a non-communist government starkly contrasted with North Vietnam's communist ideology and its eventual victory. Diplomatic relations with the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam were only formally established in 1976. This marked the beginning of a new, albeit cautious, chapter.

The thawing of relations can be largely attributed to two significant factors: the end of the Cold War and the imperative of regional stability, particularly in the South China Sea. As Vietnam opened its economy and joined ASEAN in 1995, the ideological chasm began to narrow. Both nations, now members of the same regional bloc, recognized the immense potential for cooperation. Economic ties burgeoned, with bilateral trade experiencing substantial growth from a mere US5.87 million in 1980 to an impressive US7.0-8.0 billion in 2024, with a target of US$10 billion by 2025. Vietnam has become a crucial partner for the Philippines' food security, particularly as a major rice exporter. Beyond trade, collaboration has expanded into areas like agriculture, education, tourism, and investment, with Filipino businesses establishing a presence in Vietnam and Vietnamese companies, such as Vin Fast, entering the Philippine market.

However, the most significant catalyst for their deepening alliance has been the increasingly assertive actions of a common neighbor in the South China Sea. Both Vietnam and the Philippines are claimants in the Spratly Islands dispute, facing similar challenges regarding freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and resource exploitation. While they have overlapping claims in some areas of the Spratlys, a shared concern for upholding international law, particularly the UNCLOS, has overshadowed any potential friction between them. Their strategic partnership, embodying Sun Tzu's principle of achieving objectives without direct conflict, serves to strengthen their collective position and deter potential aggression through diplomacy, shared principles, and unified action, rather than through military confrontation with the challenging party. Vietnam has openly supported the Philippines' 2016 arbitration victory against China, a clear indication of their converging strategic interests.

This convergence has led to a remarkable evolution in their security cooperation. From initial information-sharing agreements between their navies, the relationship has been elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2015, with discussions ongoing to further upgrade it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This has paved the way for concrete actions, including joint coast guard exercises focused on search and rescue and firefighting, and increased military-to-military engagements encompassing areas like military medicine and defense industry cooperation. These initiatives underscore a growing trust and a shared understanding of the need to collectively address maritime security challenges.

Beyond the strategic imperative, cultural commonalities also play a role in solidifying their bond. Both Vietnamese and Filipino cultures place a strong emphasis on family and respect for elders, fostering a natural affinity between their peoples. Cultural exchanges, student and faculty programs, and tourism continue to strengthen these people-to-people connections.

In conclusion, the journey of Vietnam and the Philippines from historical adversaries to strategic allies is a compelling narrative in the complex tapestry of international relations. Driven by economic pragmatism, a shared commitment to regional stability, and the pressing realities of the South China Sea, their relationship has transcended past ideological differences. Their evolving partnership serves as a powerful example of how nations, despite diverse political systems and historical baggage, can forge strong bonds based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a collective vision for a peaceful and prosperous future in Southeast Asia. As they navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the continued deepening of the Vietnam-Philippines alliance will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in maintaining the delicate balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.

References:
- Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines. "VIETNAM." Accessed July 2, 2025. https://dfa.gov.ph/diplomatic-consular-list/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12138&Itemid=976.
- Vietnam News Agency. "Developing the Vietnam-Philippines strategic partnership in a more substantive and effective manner." Nhan Dan, January 29, 2024.
- The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). "Philippines (PHL) Exports, Imports, and Trade Partners." Accessed July 2, 2025. https://oec.world/en/profile/country/phl
- VietnamPlus. "Vietnam's export to the Philippines tops 6 billion USD for the first time." January 23, 2025. https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnams-export-to-philippines-tops-6-billion-usd-for-first-time-post308888.vnp.
- Presidential Communications Office. "Philippines, Vietnam sign joint statement on strategic partnership, amend agreement on rice supply." November 17, 2015. https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/philippines-vietnam-sign-joint-statement-on-strategic-partnership-amend-agreement-on-rice-supply/.
- Philippine News Agency. "PH, Vietnam in talks for 'comprehensive strategic partnership'." May 27, 2025. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1250869.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: Sir. Zardie Jon L. Balaoro
𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: Sheynlie Batohinog

24/09/2025

𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐋 | 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧

Ang mga kalsada ay dapat nagsisilbing daan patungo sa kaunlaran at mas maginhawang biyahelalo na para sa mga estudyanteng araw-araw na pumapasok sa paaralan. Ngunit paano kung ang proyektong ito ay nagiging sagabal kaysa tulong? Sa mga kalsadang ilang buwan nang ginagawa ngunit nananatiling butas-butas at hindi matapos-tapos, ang mga kabataan ang direktang naaapektuhan. Sila ang nahuhuli sa klase, nalalagay sa peligro sa paglalakad o pagsakay sa lubak-lubak na daan, at nasasayang ang oras na dapat sana’y para sa pag-aaral dahil sa matinding trapik na dulot ng kapabayaan. Ang simpleng biyahe papasok sa paaralan ay nagiging laban, isang araw-araw na paalala na ang pangakong proyekto ay nauuwi lamang sa perwisyo.

Ang ganitong kalagayan ay hindi lamang simpleng abala kung hindi malinaw na manipestasyon ng kapabayaan at kakulangan ng pananagutan mula sa mga namumuno at kontratista. Kung ang mga estudyante ay patuloy na nahuhuli sa klase, nalalagay sa panganib sa mga kalsadang lubak-lubak, at nababawasan ang oras para sa pag-aaral dahil sa proyektong hindi matapos-tapos, malinaw na ang kabataan ang tunay na biktima ng iresponsableng pamamahala. Hanggang kailan
ipagwawalang-bahala ang kanilang kapakanan? Sa bawat araw ng pagkaantala, kinabukasan ng mga mag-aaral ang nahahadlangan—at ito ay kasalanan ng isang sistemang mas inuuna ang proyekto kaysa sa tao.

𝘒𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘢𝘥𝘢 𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘴, 𝘱𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘬𝘰 𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘢𝘯?

Kapag napag-uusapan ang mga kalsada, hindi na bago ang mga pangakong dagdagan ang pondo, higpitan ang proseso, at parusahan ang mga tiwali. Ngunit hanggang kailan tayo magtitiis sa paulit-ulit na retorika habang nananatiling butas-butas ang mga kalsada at mabagal ang proseso ng pag-aayos ng kalsada? Hindi pera o plano ang tunay na kulang, kung hindi malasakit at pananagutan. At habang patuloy na pinapatagal ang mga proyektong ito, ang kabataan ang araw-araw na nagbabayad ng presyo.

Hindi maayos ang pamamalakad ng imprastruktura sa Pilipinas—hindi dahil kulang ng mga manggagawa, at hindi rin dahil wala tayong sapat na pondo, kung hindi dahil walang malinaw na pananagutan at tunay na malasakit mula sa mga namumuno. Sa halip na tiyakin ang mabilis at maayos na pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong kalsada, patuloy na nasasayang ang oras at pasensya ng taumbayan, lalo na ng mga estudyanteng araw-araw na nahuhuli at nalalagay sa
panganib dahil sa mga proyektong hindi matapos-tapos. Ang mga kalsadang dapat magbukas ng oportunidad ay nagiging hadlang sa kinabukasan ng kabataan—isang malinaw na repleksyon ng kapabayaan ng pamahalaan at kontratista.

Sa aking pananaw, malinaw na nalulustay ang pondo ng bayan sa halip na magamit nang tama sa mga proyektong pinangako ng gobyerno. Sa halip, napapatagal lang ang mga ito dahil sa iresponsableng pamamahala at nagiging sanhi ng malubhang problema na dapat nating pagtuunan ng pansin. “Nasa kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” nanawagan ako sa bawat kabataan na huwag tayong manahimik. Habang patuloy tayong nilulubog ng mga depektibong imprastruktura at iresponsableng pamamahala, panahon na para manindigan at igiit ang pagbabago. Dapat nating gawin itong panawagan—isang isyung kailangang itulak hanggang sa mapanagot ang mga nasa pamahalaan. Ang kailangan natin ay mas mahusay na pamumuno at ganap na transparency sa paggamit ng pondo ng taumbayan. 𝗦𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝗮 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗶; 𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻.

Ayon sa isang artikulo ng Rua Seguridad noong 2023 na pinamagatang “The Impact of Road Conditions on the Everyday Lives of Communities,” di-matatanggi na ang kalidad ng mga kalsada ay may bahagyang epekto sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino. Hindi lang mga motorista ang apektado kung hindi mga estudyanteng araw-araw na gumagamit sa lubak-lubak at sirang daan. Para sa kanila, ang biyahe papuntang paaralan ay nagiging malinaw na ebidensya ng kapabayaan, nahuhuli ang mga estudyante sa klase dahil sa trapik, nalalagay sa panganib sa bawat paglalakad at pagsakay, at araw-araw ay binabayaran ng oras at kaligtasan ang kawalan ng maayos na imprastruktura. Ang kalsadang dapat magbukas ng pinto sa edukasyon at kinabukasan ay nagiging mismong sagabal na nilikha ng inutil at mapabayaang pamamahala.

Batay sa ulat ng Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), malinaw ang mga ugat ng problema sa imprastraktura ng kalsada sa bansa ay mabagal na implementasyon, hindi natatapos ang konstruksyon, at sa halip na ginhawa ay abala ang dulot sa mamamayan. Dagdag pa rito, nakikialam ang politika at kulang ang kapasidad ng mga lokal na pamahalaan para tiyaking maayos ang pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto. Maraming kalsada ang madaling bumigay dahil sa kawalan ng tamang maintenance at substandard na materyales. Wala ring pangmatagalang plano na nakabatay sa climate-resilient infrastructure kaya paulit-ulit itong nasisira tuwing may kalamidad.

Ang imprastraktura ay hindi lang simpleng proyekto ng gobyerno; ito ay dapat na tulay tungo sa kaunlaran. Ang maayos na kalsada ay nag-uugnay ng mga komunidad, nagpapabilis ng kalakalan, at nagbibigay-ginhawa sa mamamayan. Ngunit kapag ang mga kalsada ay nananatiling butas-butas, iniwanang nakatiwangwang, at hindi matapos-tapos ang konstruksyon, nagiging kabaligtaran ito ng layunin—nagiging perwisyo imbes na progreso. Ang dapat ay maghatid ng kaginhawaan, siya pang nagdudulot ng abala, trapiko, at dagdag na gastos sa mga
estudyante.

Ayon sa Department of Budget and Management (DBM), malaking bahagi ng pambansang pondo ngayong taon ang inilaan para sa imprastruktura at edukasyon—mga sektor na dapat nagsisilbing tulay ng mamamayan tungo sa kaunlaran. Subalit, ano ang saysay ng bilyun-bilyong alokasyon kung ang mga kalsadang proyekto ay nananatiling di matapos-tapos at nagdudulot lamang ng abala? Kung talagang mahalaga para sa atin ang edukasyon at kinabukasan ng kabataan, tungkulin ng pamahalaan na tiyakin na bawat pisong ginagastos ay may malinaw na epekto sa kanilang araw-araw na buhay—mula sa maayos na kalsada, mas mabilis na biyahe, hanggang sa ligtas na pagpasok sa paaralan. 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗸𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘁-𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶; 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴-𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄-𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗻𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗮 𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗸𝘂𝗸𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴.

Ngunit ang usapin ng imprastruktura ay hindi lamang natatapos sa mga kalsada. Sa tuwing may malalakas na bagyo, paulit-ulit na lumulutang ang tanong tungkol sa pondo para sa flood control. Sa halip na magsilbing sandigan ng mamamayan tuwing may kalamidad, nagiging simbolo ang flood control ng kabiguan ng pamahalaan na tuparin ang tungkulin nitong magbigay ng konkretong seguridad at kalinga.

𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘣𝘢 𝘪𝘵𝘰?

Ang malinaw na layunin ng pondong ito ay iligtas ang mamamayan mula sa pinsala ng pagbaha—protektahan ang kabahayan, kabuhayan, at higit sa lahat, ang buhay. Sa bawat pisong inilalabas, ang katapat dapat ay seguridad at kapayapaan para sa mga komunidad. Gayunpaman, hanggang ngayon, sa kabila ng bilyun-bilyong alokasyon, nananatili tayong lubog sa baha? Bakit sa bawat pagdating ng bagyo, gaya ng Super Typhoon Nando, muling bumabagsak ang parehong mga lugar na dapat sana’y protektado na.

Ayon sa ulat ng Malacañang, mula Hulyo 2022 hanggang Mayo 2025 ay umabot sa ₱545 bilyon ang nagastos para sa mga flood control projects sa buong bansa, ngunit nakababahala na ₱100 bilyon o ikalimang bahagi nito ay napunta lamang sa 15 kontraktor. Limang kumpanya pa ang nakakuha ng mga kontrata sa halos lahat ng rehiyon—isang malinaw na senyales ng konsentrasyon ng pabor at kawalan ng patas na kompetisyon. Hindi ito simpleng usapin ng budget allocation; ito ay indikasyon ng sistemang binabalot ng katiwalian at kakulangan sa transparency. Kung patuloy na iilan lamang ang nakikinabang sa pondong para sana sa kaligtasan
ng lahat, mananatiling walang saysay ang mga flood control projects at mananatiling lugmok sa baha ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan.

Matapos sa sunod-sunod na alegasyon tungkol sa mga hindi naipatupad na flood control projects, utos ng Pangulo at pagsusuri ng DPWH ang nagbunsod ng malaking pagbabawas sa panukalang budget para sa 2026: inalis ang ₱252-₱255 bilyong alokasyon para sa mga locally-funded flood control programs. Bagamat nakakabahala ang laki ng pondo na tinapyas, ito rin’y pagkakataon para sa pamahalaan na itama ang mga nakaraan—bunying duplikado, hindi malinaw, o tapos na pero may patuloy na pondo. Ang hamon ngayon: paano masisiguro na ang nalalabing pondo para sa mga flood control ay magagamit nang tama, at hindi mauwi sa parehong mga problema; gayundin, kung paano magagamit ang na-reallocate na pondo sa edukasyon, kalusugan, kabuhayan, na tunay makadarama ng pagbabago ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Mahalagang bigyan-diin ang usaping ito dahil ang Pilipinas ay kabilang sa mga bansang pinakabulnerable sa epekto ng climate change—mula sa mas malalakas na bagyo hanggang sa mas matitinding pagbaha. Taon-taon, libo-libong pamilya ang napipilitang lumikas, nawawalan ng tirahan, at naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan dahil sa kapabayaan sa flood control at disaster preparedness. Kaya’t ang pondo para sa mga proyektong ito ay hindi lamang numero sa budget—ito ay nakasalalay sa seguridad, kaligtasan, at kinabukasan ng sambayanang Pilipino. 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗴𝗮’𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗸𝗮𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼, 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘁-𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗵𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝘀𝗮 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻.

Kung kaya’t nararapat lamang na isulong natin ang pagtatayo ng maayos at matibay na imprastraktura, partikular na sa ating mga kalsada, 𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝘂𝗵𝗼- 𝗸𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻. Ang maayos na lansangan ang nagsisilbing haligi ng kaunlaran, nag-uugnay sa mga bayan, nagpapabilis ng kalakalan, at nagdudulot ng kaginhawaan sa araw-araw na pamumuhay. Ang tunay na solusyon ay hindi lamang dagdag na pondo o magarang plano, kundi tapat na pagpapatupad na inuuna ang tao, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘀 𝗻𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗹𝘂𝗵𝗼 𝗸𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻—ito ang nagsisiguro na sila’y makapasok sa paaralan nang ligtas, hindi nahuhuli, at may sapat na oras para matuto. Kapag nagpatuloy ang pagpapabaya ng pamahalaan sa mga proyektong hindi matapos-tapos, hindi lamang mga kalsada ang bumabagsak kundi pati ang kinabukasan ng buong henerasyon. Higit pa rito, paalala ito sa kabataan na 𝗵𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗸 𝗻𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗸𝘀𝗶, 𝗸𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗴 𝗻𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗸𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼𝗱.

Kung nais talagang wakasan ang bulok na sistema, kailangan ng mas mahigpit na transparency measures tulad ng public audit ng lahat ng proyekto, real-time monitoring na bukas sa mamamayan, at malinaw na pananagutan para sa mga opisyal at kontratistang pumapalpak o nagnanakaw. Kailangang ituon ang pondo sa imprastrukturang may pangmatagalang benepisyo at climate-resilient na disenyo, upang hindi lang pansamantalang ginhawa ang ibigay kundi tunay na proteksiyon laban sa trahedya. Higit sa lahat, dapat kilalanin at pakinggan ang boses ng kabataan—sila ang dapat na katuwang, hindi biktima, sa laban para sa makatao at tapat na pamamahala.

𝘕𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘢𝘯:
Ang pagiging mulat ay pagiging handa na hindi lamang matuto mula sa aklat, kundi unawain ang mga suliraning humahadlang sa kaunlaran. Sapagkat kung mananatiling tahimik at walang pakialam ang kabataan, ang kinabukasan nilang dapat nakaugat sa kaunlaran ay patuloy na mababaon sa perwisyo at kapabayaan. Ang totoo, ang tunay na pagbabago ay magsisimula lamang kapag pinahalagahan natin ang boses ng kabataan at ang kanilang karapatan sa ligtas, maayos, at makataong kinabukasan.

𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗚𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗔𝗡
• Department of Budget and Management (DBM). (2025). Beyond Budget: Priorities, Challenges, and the Road Ahead. https://www.dbm.gov.ph/index.php/the-secretary-2/speeches/3302-beyond-budget-priorities-challenges-and-the-road-ahead

• Fernando, K., Henry, M., (2023). Infrastructure Development and Its Socio-Economic Impacts. In Southeast Asian Infrastructure Studies
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-19-7331-4_26

• Rappler. (2025). DPWH scraps locally funded flood control projects in 2026 budget proposal. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/dpwh-scraps-local-funded-flood-control-projects-budget-proposal-2026

• RUA Corporation. (2023). Road Impact to Communities.
https://www.ruacorp.com/road-impact-to-communities/

• Presidential Communications Office (PCO). (2025). PBBM: 20% of flood control projects worth ₱100B went to only 15 contractors.
https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-20-of-flood-control-projects-worth-p100b-went-to-only15-contractors/

𝐈𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐢: Sean Christ Oteda
𝐃𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐨 𝐧𝐢: Sheynlie Batohinog

22/09/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Due to the inclement weather caused by Super Typhoon Nando, all face-to-face classes at Saint Francis of Assisi College - Las Piñas Campus are hereby suspended on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 across all levels.

We encourage everyone to put safety first and take necessary precautions during this time. Everyone is advised to take necessary precautions, coordinate with their respective program advisers for class-related concerns, and keep posted for further information and updates.

22/09/2025

𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧

We’ve all heard of the story of Icarus, a figure in Greek mythology whose death tells a tragic tale of what happens when you bite off more than you can chew. People remember his story as a warning of what comes with reaching too far, what comes when you fly too close to the sun. But somewhere along the way, we forgot that Daedalus, his father who made him his wings, also warned him of the dangers of flying too low, flying too close to the sea.

We’re always reminded not to overreach, to aim for dreams that match reality. We’re always reminded of the pain of failure, disappointment, and of getting burned that comes with dreaming too big, but how about the silent sinking and wasted potential that comes with the quiet folding of our wings before we even reach the sun?

Comfort and mediocrity can, and in most cases, is just as fatal as arrogance. Playing small, not taking risks, and refusing to test the limits of our wings. We think that playing safe is inherently good, but people often forget that not trying is as much of a failure as trying.

Icarus was never told to fly high to be great or to fly low to stay safe, he was told to fly somewhere in the middle. It wasn’t about a decision between ambition or caution, but finding the perfect balance between the two because between burning and drowning, there’s still a sky wide enough for us to fly.

But in reality, finding that balance is difficult as we’re often pulled in opposite directions. On one hand, we feel the pressure to achieve more, to dream bigger, and to chase the dream that might just set our wings on fire. On the other, the weight of fear and settling for less holds us down, weighing down our wings more and more.

Balance doesn’t inherently mean mediocrity, but being courageous enough to chase and wise enough to let go. We aren’t meant to hug the waves out of fear, nor are we meant to burn up in glory. 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲, 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞.

The story of Icarus is not just about a boy who went too far, a boy who flew too close to the sun. It’s also about the boy who could have gone nowhere if he chose comfort over ambition. And that’s the real lesson we should be carrying: balance. To not let our pride drag us toward the sun, but also not let our fear drag us down into the waves.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲: Jave Mascariñas
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐲: Ryza Margareth Lerin

21/09/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Due to the inclement weather caused by Super Typhoon Nando, all face-to-face classes at Saint Francis of Assisi College - Las Piñas Campus are hereby suspended on Monday, September 22, 2025 across all levels.

We encourage everyone to put safety first and take necessary precautions during this time. Everyone is advised to take necessary precautions, coordinate with their respective program advisers for class-related concerns, and keep posted for further information and updates.

21/09/2025

“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲: 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰’𝐬 𝟓𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫”

Today, September 21, exactly 53 years since the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972. It was a dark period in our nation's history, yet it continues to impart important lessons.

Martial Law resulted in years where liberties were taken away, voices were silenced, and countless Filipinos endured suffering under a dictatorship. The bravery of those who opposed tyranny must always be remembered, especially by the youth who now enjoy the benefits of the freedoms for which they fought.

As we reflect on this day, let's honor the sacrifices of the past by protecting our freedoms today and ensuring that such abuses never occur again. 𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲: Angel Mj Iglesia
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐲: Angela Andig

17/09/2025

Make a wish on your special day, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗼!

Today, we honor not only another year of your existence but also the remarkable creativity and enthusiasm you passionately contribute to our student publication. Your perspectives and shots possess the ability to educate, motivate, and involve our community. We are utmost grateful to your incredibly valuable contributions you provide us.

As you whisper your wish to the candles, remember that this flame symbolizes yet another celebration of your being. Wishing this year brings fresh adventures, thrilling opportunities, and limitless inspiration. Keep in mind that every successful journalist began as a student just like you—so continue to have big dreams. Continue to contribute in narrative-shaping- and fearlessly capturing the truth and the stories in the mundanity.

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬,
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞

15/09/2025

Make a wish on your special day, 𝗞𝘇𝗲𝗶𝗮𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼!

Today, we honor not only another year of your existence but also the remarkable creativity and enthusiasm you passionately contribute to our student publication. Your voice possesses the ability to educate, motivate, and involve our community. We are utmost grateful to your incredibly valuable contributions you provide us.

As you whisper your wish to the candles, remember that this flame symbolizes yet another celebration of your being. Wishing this year brings fresh adventures, thrilling opportunities, and limitless inspiration. Keep in mind that every successful reporter began as a student just like you—so continue to have big dreams. Continue to contribute in narrative-shaping, and fearlessly reporting the truth. Never stop reporting those compelling and informative stories that engage the Franciscan community!

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬,
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞

11/09/2025

𝐁𝐲𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨: 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫

On September 5, 2025, the Grade 12 students of Saint Francis of Assisi College, Las Piñas Campus, embarked on an 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬. The trip provided an opportunity for the students to interact with one another and enjoy a hands-on learning experience outside the classroom.

The school halls were filled with excitement and laughter as students gathered in their designated holding areas around 4:30 A.M. Although the trip was slightly delayed due to rainfall, the students boarded their buses and departed by 6:00 A.M.

Upon arriving at the 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 at around 8:00 A.M., everyone gathered inside the church to attend Mass and offer their personal prayers. After Mass, the students took a group photo in front of the altar and toured the shrine, including the Ka-Pio souvenir shop. After that, the bus headed to the 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐨 𝐧𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐢, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Mabini. Every piece and artwork truly reflects the depth of his intellect, dedication, and love for the Filipino nation. Just like on the previous destination, every bus number had their group photo taken and had a little time to enjoy some Filipino delicacies made by Batangueños outside the museum. The students were thrilled with their various merchandises including some green mangos and unique flavored sorbets. After this, everyone excitedly gathered back to their buses as they are ready to go to the next destination.

Grade 12 students had an incredible day at 𝐉 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬! Buses arrived at 12 noon, where the students quickly claimed the lunch provided by the crews. After taking a relaxing break, the team building activities began, featuring a variety of challenges including inflatable games, indoor activities, and other team exercises. Those games really brought all students together. Everyone then celebrated the winning teams during the short awarding ceremony. Afterward, all the students were given the opportunity to try out other inflatable activities including the slide and J Castle’s infinity pool, they also enjoyed some pm snacks.

Before going back to each other’s houses, everyone had a quick stop over at 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐗 for restroom breaks, to buy pasalubong for their families, and to grab dinner together. It became a short but meaningful pause—sharing meals, laughter, and last conversations before the ride home. At 7:30 P.M., the buses hit the road again and when it reached the designated drop off location, everybody bid their goodbyes with the biggest smile on their faces.

Despite the unexpected twists along the way, our Grade 12 students embraced every moment and truly cherished their last field trip as together—an experience filled with laughter, memories, and bonds that will last forever.

The bus isn’t just a ride anymore. It has become our home on wheels, filled with laughter and inside jokes. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. We’re learning that the destination is just an excuse for a profound journey like this.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿: Ashlee Miraflores and Mikylla Torre
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿: Steven Lagrimas and David Mañoza

09/09/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧: 𝐒𝐅𝐀𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩

On September 4, 2025, the Grade 11 Senior High School Franciscans went on an educational tour filled with faith, history, teamwork, and fun.

The first stop was at the Padre Pio Shrine in Batangas, where the students attended a holy mass. This meaningful part of the trip gave everyone the chance to reflect, pray, and strengthen their faith before continuing the journey.

The second stop was the Mabini Shrine, 🏛️ where the Franciscans learned more about Apolinario Mabini and his role in Philippine history. The visit inspired students to appreciate the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and the lessons of the past.

The last stop was J Castle, 🏰 a place full of excitement and adventure. Before the activities began, food was provided for all students. They then took part in thrilling team-building activities such as the Mega Obstacle Rush, Rainbow Maze , Wobbly Ladder, and Tumble Cube. Other enjoyable games like the Catch and Grab Pencil Game, Hula Hoop Game, and Pass the Ball gave everyone the chance to work together and have fun.

After the games, students enjoyed unlimited access to the 450-foot-long infinity pool with a breathtaking lake view. Swimming became one of the highlights of the day, allowing the students to relax, bond, and celebrate the success of their activities.

To conclude the tour, the winners 🏆 for overall performance were proudly announced. In third place 🥉 was BUS 4 or STEM 4. The second place 🥈 spot went to BUS 8 or HUMSS 1. Finally, the first place 🥇 champions were BUS 10 or HUMSS 3.

The Grade 11 SHS Franciscan educational tour, was a truly memorable experience that combined faith, learning, teamwork, and recreation. It left each student with new knowledge, stronger friendships, and unforgettable memories. 🌟✨

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿: Felicity Dian
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿: Dianne Galiza and Princess Ashley Ampoan

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