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The Pillar, Catarman (2025)

21/10/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐔𝐄𝐏 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐬!

Buksan ang lente. Ihanda ang pluma. Tuklasin ang katotohanan sa panahong binabalot ng kasinungalingan.

Habang ang mga isyu ng korapsyon ay patuloy na nagdudulot ng salimuot sa mga pahina ng bansa, muling nakikibahagi ang The Pillar sa pagbuhay ng apoy ng malayang pamamahayag. Sa paparating na Pagsubay 2025: Journalism Skills Training, magtitipon-tipon ang campus journos ng University of Eastern Philippines sa UEP Centennial Building, Oktubre 27–30, 2025 — apat na araw ng matalim na pagsasanay para sa mga batang mamamahayag na handang magbusisi, magtanong, at manindigan.

Sa pamamagitan ng aktibidad na ito, magiging mas makapangyarihan ang pluma. Sapagkat malilinang ang kaalaman ng campus journos sa tulong ng mga taong may eksperto sa larangan na pamamahayag. At sama-samang isusulong ang katotohanan na kailanma’y hindi kayang patahimikin.

Bukas na ang pre-registration para sa mga piling batang mamamahayag ng student publications ng UEP Laoang at UEP-PRMC, pati na rin ang college publications at mga Public Information Officers (PIOs) ng mga student council ng UEP-Main Campus.

I-scan lamang ang QR code sa larawan o bisitahin ang bit.ly/4thPagsubay
upang magparehistro hanggang Oktubre 22, at tandaan na para lamang ito sa mga opisyal na mamamahayag ng UEP.

Kitakits, UEP campus journos! ¶

21/10/2025

Every October 21, the Philippines commemorates National Archives Day, an observance that exalts the noble mission of protecting the nation’s collective memory and cultural patrimony, recognizing the essence of who we are and what we have become.

Instituted under former President Fidel V. Ramos, this annual commemoration was effectuated through Proclamation No. 660, s. 1995, establishing the indispensable place of records in the pursuit of progress, probity, and good governance.

At the wellspring of this commemoration is the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP), the official repository of the Republic’s written heritage. Within its chambers rest millions of historical records, carefully tended and made accessible to those who seek to retrace the country’s passage through time.

Today, nearly 60 million records are entrusted to the NAP, each a witness to centuries of victories and trials, from the Spanish colonial era to the birth of the Republic.

The Archives also serve as the final home for notarized documents across the archipelago, preserving the authenticity of legal and civil records that uphold every Filipino’s rights and identity.

Tracing back to the Division of Archives (DAR), the institution’s roots began under the Spanish colonial administration, when records were dispersed throughout the islands, often kept by religious institutions.

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1898, the American administration assumed stewardship of Philippine records both in the islands and in Spain, giving rise to the Archives Office, which began the age of organized record preservation.

Through the decades, the Archives evolved under various agencies; from the Executive Bureau in 1901 to the Department of Public Instruction, and later to the Bureau in 1915 as the Division of Archives, Patents, Copyright, and Trademarks. It eventually merged with the Philippine Library and Museum, becoming part of the National Library in 1928.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the Archives was transferred to the Department of General Services. Then, under Executive Order No. 290 in 1958, President Carlos P. Garcia established the Bureau of Records Management, ensuring the safekeeping and preservation of government documents.

As we commemorate National Archives Day, may we honor the archivists who keep the nation’s story alive and recognize the immutable power of records in nurturing a just, enlightened, and democratic society--especially in these times when misinformation and disinformation so often cloud the truth.

For within every preserved paper lies not only the foundation of our national identity but also the collective memory of a people who refuse to forget. ¶

Words by Ed Almasco
Layout by Grant Luceno

21/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || UEP Bulls Men’s Volleyball Team set out for UNIGAMES Season 26

UEP Bulls Men’s Volleyball Team departed earlier on October 21, for the Philippine University Games (UNIGAMES) Season 26, themed “The Games that Bring Us Together for Unity and Peace.”

Delegates gathered and departed from the Administration Building at 9:00 a.m. for their trip to Bacolod City, where at least 40 universities and colleges will compete from October 24-30.

The UEP-Main delegation is composed of 14 players and four officials— Sports Director Dick Sison, Head Coach Bryan Navaroza, and coaching staff Eugenio Paredes and Lito Doloza.

Team Captain and Open/Opposite Spiker Mark James Are acknowledged that this year brings both challenges and opportunities for the team. Five key players from last year’s lineup, which secured a bronze finish in the National SCUAA, have graduated, leaving the Bulls to take the court with a new mix of talents and determination.

“There will definitely be a huge difference since we’re adjusting to a new lineup,” he shared. “As the captain, there’s still pressure because I want to secure a back-to-back championship, but I remain confident that we can perform well and continue to represent the UEP Bulls with pride and excellence.”

The team prepared intensively during the summer to rebuild its chemistry and strengthen its performance ahead of the tournament. Are shared that every member gave their full effort throughout the training period under the guidance of their coaches.

“It wasn’t easy for us since our current team is a rebuilding one due to the loss of five of our senior players,” he explained. “But with perseverance, teamwork, and the guidance of our coaches, we managed to pull through.”

As they head to the UNIGAMES, Are accentuated the team’s goal to perform with commitment and unity, declaring: “Whatever happens, we’ll be proud knowing we gave our best—playing every set, every rep, and every game like it’s our last.”

UEPians extend their full support to the Bulls as they carry the university’s colors in the UNIGAMES Season 26. ¶

Words by Sophia Andrei Basiloy
Photos by Wenona Sagonoy and Clarence Tuballas
Layout by Paolo Pinca

21/10/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 || 𝐔𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 ‘𝟐𝟓 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔; 𝐔𝐒𝐂, 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The University Student Council (USC) of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) - Main Campus held a coordination meeting on October 20 at the USC Office to deliberate on the deferral of the University of Eastern Philippines Athletics Association (UEPAA) Games 2025, as proposed by Sports Director Dick Sison.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the USC, The Pillar, the University Performing Arts Organization (UPAO), USC Financial Adviser Rema Chan, and Cultural Affairs Office Director and USC Sports Adviser Mary Lynn Verano. Delegates from the UEP Laoang and UEP Pedro Rebadulla Memorial Campus (PRMC) joined via Google Meet.

USC Vice President for External Affairs Feil Chris Madayag led the presentation, outlining several reasons for the postponement of this year’s UEPAA Games. Among the major concerns raised was the lack of available playing venues, particularly for track and field, baseball, and soccer.

Madayag further explained that there will be no Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Games this year, which prompted the Sports Development Office (SDO) to hold off on equipment purchases.

In addition, the bidding process for trophies and medals had not yet commenced, meaning that if the games were to push through as scheduled, there would be no awards to distribute.

“Hindi cancelled ang UEPAA, only deferred,” Cultural Affairs Director Mary Lynn Verano clarified on behalf of Sports Director Dick Sison.

Verano cited the tight schedule of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in preparing for the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Fair in November, which coincides with the supposed timeline for UEPAA.

“I-diretso na next year [ang UEPAA] kesa man sa i-diretso pa this year just for the sake of holding the activity,” Verano suggested. She also noted that the majority of coaches agreed it would be difficult to hold games this semester due to inadequate facilities.

Verano also mentioned that while UEP initially applied to host the Eastern Visayas RSCUAA Games, the university did not qualify due to a lack of facilities and equipment.

“Nag-api an UEP [for bidding] pero wara kit pag qualify kay kulang kita gamit,” Verano stated, however she expressed optimism that UEP could host the National SCUAA in the coming years.

USC President and Student Regent Hon. Alpha Mae Marquita also relayed updates from a recent meeting with University President Dr. Cherry Ultra, noting that the last week of January 2026 was suggested as the tentative new date for the UEPAA Games.

In an interview with Madayag, he mentioned that some factors led to the postponement of UEPAA Games.

“Dahil liwat sa unforeseen circumstances such as rescheduling of Regional SCUAA ngan UNIGAMES, diri siton available aton iba na officiating officials which also leads to postponement of UEPAA Games,” VPEA Madayag explained.

According to him, postponing the event will also help provide ample time for preparation and proper coordination among different university units and organizations.

“The proposal na January is best for us to come up with [the] best ideas for the students. Since malaki na ang [time for] preparations, para sa ak mas mag i-enjoy ang students sa UEPAA,” he emphasized.

Madayag concluded the interview by assuring that the USC will continue to work with the administration to finalize pending financial and logistical matters before the event.

“Actually [ang] hinihintay ko na lang as head [is] yung finances and purchase requests, pag matapos ang construction sa field, mapapasayon ato pag-conduct sa UEPAA Games kay diri na [need] magrequest sa sports center sa Cawayan,” Madayag said. ¶

Words by Sophia Andrei Basiloy
Photos by Irel Louise Torio

21/10/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 || 𝐔𝐄𝐏 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥, 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐎𝐇 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬

CATARMAN — With the recent partnerships with the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) Medical and Dental Clinic is pursuing Department of Health (DOH) accreditation to expand its services for students, according to Director and University Physician Dr. Mary Sandie M. Tan in an interview on October 10, 2025.

"Our goal really sa clinic ngayon is to make the services more available kasi mayroon ng partnership ang UEP at EVMC at DOH para mas accessible na ang services,” said Dr. Tan when asked about the present goals of the clinic amid the ongoing complaints from students concerning the insufficiency of supplies.

Currently, the clinic offers services involving medical and mental health consultations, urgent care and wellness checks, and dental services like tooth extraction, tooth filling, and prophylaxis. Plans are underway to hire additional staff, including 2–3 doctors, and possibly acquire an ambulance and X-ray equipment.

Despite these efforts, some students have reported supply shortages.

“Pumunta ako nun, second semester, [ma-finals na] pero sabi wala raw dental supply tapos mag-update nalang sa page nila. Same thing happened sa mga kaibigan ko na gusto rin magpa bunot, ganon [din] daw [ang] paliwang nila,” said a student who requested anonymity. “Going back, ganon rin [ang] paliwanag saak nung nag punta [ako], that was August nung balik campus. I was meet with [disappointment] ulit, wala pa rin daw dental supply, same narrative like last time.”

Dr. Tan was quick to respond to complaints, stating that students should “identify anong services ang tinutukoy nila at maraming services ang medical at dental.” She cited that some services, such as tooth extractions, are temporarily suspended due to a lack of anesthesia.

Meanwhile, when asked about the possible reasons for a bidding bottleneck of supplies, Dr. Tan argued the “inefficient budget of the administration, the rates of the equipment to be purchased are too low for prospecting bidders, or sinasagad nila yung time period na mayroon sila."

She also cited regulatory limitations under Republic Act 10918, or the Philippine Pharmacy Act of 2016, which requires a licensed pharmacist to oversee medication dispensing. The clinic has raised these concerns with the University President.

Moreover, the rising number of enrollees has led to increased demand for clinic services. Dr. Tan emphasized the need to maintain and upgrade equipment and services through partnerships to meet this demand.

In September alone, 1,160 students availed themselves of medical services, including consultations, exams, blood pressure check-ups, and emergency care, while 255 accessed dental services.

The University Clinic is open for medical consultation from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Dental services, including tooth extractions and oral prophylaxis, run from Monday to Thursday, while dental consultations are available Monday to Friday. ¶

Words by Mark Ruel Pagal
Photos by Wenona Sagonoy

21/10/2025

Sa bawat pagsikat ng araw at pagbuhos ng ulan, muling umaahon sa putikan ang mga likod na kaytagal nang nakayuko sa lupa. Sa bawat tulo ng pawis ay ang bigat ng dekada-dekadang pag-asa at pakikibaka—ang pag-asang sa bawat ani ay may pag-ahon, at ang pakikibakang hindi kailanman inuurungan ng init, ulan, o kawalang-katarungan.

Hanggang ngayon, sila pa rin ang unang gigising at huling magpapahinga, sa pag-asang may ani, kahit madalas ay wala namang pag-ahon.

Tuwing ika-21 ng Oktubre, ginugunita natin ang Araw ng mga Pesante, hindi bilang pagdiriwang, kundi bilang paalala ng paulit-ulit na pagkakait ng lupa sa mga tunay na nagbubungkal nito. Sa bawat butil ng bigas na kinokunsumo ng bansa, naroon ang hindi nabayarang utang ng lipunan sa mga magsasaka: lupa, dangal, at hustisya.

Sa mga papeles ng estado, sinasabing buhay ang agrikultura. Sinasabing umaangat ang produksiyon, lumalago ang ekonomiya, at patuloy na umuusad ang kanayunan. Ngunit sa ilalim ng mga numerong iyon ay ang mga kamay na kumakayod habang nananatiling gutom; mga paang lubog sa putik ng sistemang sa kanila’y umaalipin.

Noong Oktubre 21, 1972, ipinangako ni Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. ang pagpapalaya ng mga magsasaka mula sa tanikala ng pangungupahan. Ngunit, tulad ng maraming pangako ng diktadura, ito’y nanatiling papel na walang ugat—ipinako sa limitasyong palay at mais, habang ang mga magsasaka ay nanatiling nakayuko sa lupaing hindi kanila.

Lumipas ang mga dekada, nagpalit ng administrasyon, ngunit pareho pa rin ang tanawin: mga repormang may bagong pangalan, ngunit lumang ugat ng pang-aagaw.

Mula Marcos hanggang Aquino, paulit-ulit ang parehong kwento—mga kamay na nagbubungkal ng lupaing hindi kanila, mga pangakong reporma na nauuwi sa utang at titulo na parang multo. Sa bawat administrasyon, ang lupa’y patuloy na nagiging negosyo, hindi tahanan. At habang ipinagmamalaki ng estado ang repormang agraryo, unti-unting kinukubkob ng mga korporasyon ang mga sakahan, ginagawang plantasyon, mina, o subdibisyon ang mga lupang dapat ay taniman.

Ngunit higit sa kawalan ng lupa ang pasanin ng mga magsasaka—ang mismong karapatan nilang manindigan ay pinagkakait. Hindi bilang mga pangalan sa ulat, kundi mga buhay na pinutol sa gitna ng laban: sina Randy Echanis, Chai at Ariel Evangelista, ang Sagay 9, Negros 14, New Bataan 5, siyam na Tumandok sa Panay, Rommy Torres, Joseph Canlas, at Randy Malayao, at marami pang iba. Mga boses ng lupa na pinatahimik ng bala. Sa kanayunan, ang pagnanais para sa katarungan ay madalas sinusuklian ng karahasan.

Sa ilalim ng mga patakarang neoliberal—mula sa Rice Tariffication Law hanggang sa malawakang land conversion—ang pang-aagaw ay nagbago lamang ng anyo. Hindi na armado ng baril, kundi ng kontrata, taripa, at presyo sa merkado. Sa bawat hectaryang ipinagbibili, unti-unting nilalason ng merkado ang lupa; at sa bawat litrong pawis ng mga pesante, patuloy na nilulubog sila ng sistemang kumikita sa kanilang paghihirap.

Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, patuloy silang bumabangon. Sa bawat bagyo at tagtuyot, muling nagbubungkal ang mga kamay na tila tinig ng lupang umaasa, hindi lamang ng palay, kundi ng pag-ahon. Sa mga baryong binabaha ng pandarahas, naroon pa rin ang mga tinig na nagsasabing “Ang lupa ay buhay, at ang buhay ay lalaya.”

Ang Araw ng mga Pesante ay hindi lamang isang paggunita, kundi ito rin ay panawagan sa gobyernong naghaharian sa lupain ng inang bayan. Sa bawat butil ng palay ay nakabaon ang panawagan ng katarungan; sa bawat putik na dinaraanan, ang alaala ng pag-asa.

Ngunit habang patuloy ang pananakop ng mga korporasyon sa lupang sinasaka at ang panunupil sa mga boses ng paglaya, mananatiling binabaha ng pawis at dugo ang lupang kanilang sinisinagan. Mula sa diktadura ni Marcos Sr. hanggang sa pamana ng karahasan ni Duterte at sa patuloy na militarisasyon sa ilalim ni Marcos Jr., pinapatunayan ng kasaysayan na ang tunay na reporma ay hindi ipinagkakaloob—ito ay ipinaglalaban, araw-araw, sa bawat tadyak ng kalabaw, sa bawat hampas ng araro, sa bawat pawis ng mga magsasaka ng bayan. ¶

Verbo: Mark Ruel Pagal at Sophia Andrei Basiloy
Lapat ni Mariel Kimberly Novio

21/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐔𝐄𝐏 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜, 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤

The Office of the University President issued Memorandum No. 199, series of 2025, on October 21, encapsulating the three-day Academic and Wellness Break, that is set to start on October 29 to 31.

In its three-day duration, all classes, both face-to-face and flexible learning, for Kindergarten Laboratory Center, Elementary, High School, and Undergraduate levels, are to be suspended, including examinations.

However, the directive does not apply to the College of Law, which as written in the memorandum, will proceed with their regular academic schedule during the break's duration.

Regular classes at all levels involved are set to resume on November 3, 2025. ¶

Words by Niño Balawang

21/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐔𝐄𝐏-𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟏 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐃𝐚𝐲

In observance of the World Teachers' Day celebration, the Office of the University President released Memorandum No. 198, series of 2025, suspending classes from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on October 21, to guarantee the attendance of all teachers, faculty members, and part-time and special lecturers for the said activity, at the UEP Gymnatorium.

Originally scheduled for October 15, it was later postponed, as per Memorandum No. 145, series of 2025, as it coincided with the first semester midterm examinations for this academic year as stipulated in the university calendar and the accreditation of the Graduate Studies programs.

Attendance for the aforementioned university cohorts is mandatory and will be monitored by the university's Chief Administrative Officer, Administrative Services Division. ¶

Words by Ed Almasco

19/10/2025

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐦𝐠𝐚
𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐠 𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐄𝐏!

Paninindak, panunupil, at pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon—ilan lamang ito sa mga hamong patuloy na kinakaharap ng mga mamamahayag sa kasalukuyang estado ng peryodismo sa ating bansa.

Sa diwa ng “pagsubay,” isang salitang Bisaya na may katumbas na “mag-adapt,” hinahamon nito ang mga mamamahayag na iangkop ang kanilang pamamaraan, tiyakin ang kaligtasan sa pag-uulat, at maiparating ang katotohanan nang may husay at integridad. Higit sa lahat, ito’y paalala upang patuloy na maitaguyod ang mga makabuluhang interes ng masa.

Alinsunod sa hangaring ito, mula Oktubre 27 hanggang 30, 2025, magaganap ang “4th Pagsubay: A Journalism Skills Training” sa UEP Centennial Building. Layunin ng programang ito na paunlarin ang kasanayan sa pamahayagang pangkampus.

Makakalahok nito ang mga piniling mamamahayag mula sa mga high school, college publications, at mga publikasyong pangkampus mula sa mga iba’t-ibang kampus ng University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), pati na rin ng mga Public Information Officers mula sa mga student council.

Bukas na ang pre-registration at magtatagal hanggang Oktubre 22. Maaaring magrehistro, sa form na ito: bit.ly/4thPagsubay.

Magpre-register na UEP kampus journo! Makikita ang buong detalye at impormasyon tungkol sa delegasyon sa ipinadalang imbitasyon ng The Pillar sa inyong Punong Patnugot para sa college publications at Campus Director ng external campuses.

Manatiling nakaantabay para sa mga karagdagang impormasyon. ¶

18/10/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 || 𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐇 𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲; 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥-𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐕 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲

CATARMAN — The Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) is currently operating at more than double its licensed bed capacity—a situation that mirrors the growing strain across several hospitals in Eastern Visayas (EV). Hospital officials have appealed for public understanding and urged that only patients needing specialized or higher-level care be referred to the facility.

The 150-bed NSPH is now accommodating around 360 patients, primarily medical and pediatric cases, with every available bed and space being used to manage the load.

In an official advisory posted on October 18, 2025, Chief of Hospital II Dr. Joseph A. Estanislao said: “Your understanding and cooperation will greatly help us ensure that critical and emergency cases receive the attention they urgently need. We earnestly appeal to our partner facilities and the public to refer only patients in need of specialized or higher-level care services.”

A nurse assigned to the Emergency Room (ER) of NSPH shared the post with a caption describing the situation: “More than double [na] sa approved bed capacity an pasyente ta yana. Nevertheless, sige la gihapon at karawat lalo na an [mga] emergency kay padayon [an at] serbisyo. Sinasara po sin maupay an cases na kinahanglan gud ma-admit and those [who are] not admitted are sent home with medications.”

She further appealed for understanding: “Ayaw naman sana kami igpost or igbash for circumstances na waray kami mapahigdaan nga bed sa pasyente, or madelay tala an services kay sobra na po kadamo…salamat sa pag intindi and burulig po kita.”

Meanwhile, in an interview, a nurse from the Medicine Ward described the mounting strain among healthcare workers. “As of now. Full na an medicine ward…‘di na kami mag-a-accept admissions ‘pag mag-lampas na an census namon [sa] 80 plus. Kay diri na safe for work pag i-turunga sa lima na nurses,” he said.

He also cited the challenge of maintaining safe nurse-to-patient ratios: “An nurse-to-patient ratio talaga an problema saam. Naabot kami 1:15, like [an] kagab-e. Makuri ig-sarabay tanan. Labi na if, maghahandle kapa ng toxic na patients…lalo na kun morning shift kay sabay itun sa doctors rounds and orders.”

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar relayed that Dr. Estanislao is considering transferring less serious cases to nearby facilities, such as the Level I Allen District Hospital and the infirmary-level Catubig District Hospital, to allow NSPH to focus on critical conditions like stroke, pneumonia, and other severe cases.

Dr. Estanislao also clarified that the overcapacity is not due to any outbreak and reassured the public that the situation is temporary.

The situation at NSPH reflects a wider regional trend of hospitals operating beyond capacity. On October 6, the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), a Level 3 tertiary facility in Tacloban City, reported that patient numbers had exceeded its bed capacity by 125 percent as of October 5. The hospital’s ER, with only 60 beds, has been treating 120 to 130 patients at any given time.

EVMC’s total bed capacity is 629, but more than 1,000 patients are currently admitted. To manage the surge, the hospital has been using overflow areas, temporarily converting other parts of the facility for patient care, and increasing the workload of existing staff.

“Due to the current strain on resources, patients referred to EVMC may experience delays, and in the event of a surge in critical cases, referred patients might need to remain in referring ambulances while the hospital accommodates patients who arrived earlier,” the EVMC management noted.

Similarly, the Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH), which has an authorized capacity of 100 beds, reported accommodating 275 patients as of October 7, nearly three times its intended capacity.

“For those who urgently need admission, temporary arrangements are being made while waiting for regular wards to become available,” SPH explained in a statement.

The hospital also urged residents to seek early consultation through their Outpatient Department (OPD) to prevent severe cases that could worsen congestion.

As major regional hospitals operate at or beyond their limits, health authorities urge patients to first seek care at local health centers and district hospitals before proceeding to higher-level medical institutions. ¶

Words by Ed Almasco
Layout by Carl Saldy Manaog

18/10/2025

| 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝟑

Walang akyat-bahay na nagnanakaw sa liwanag ng araw. Laging nasa lilim nagtatago ang mga naghahasik ng lagim, lalo na ang mga magnanakaw na hindi maralita kundi mga kagalang-galang nating lingkod-bayan, na sa pamamagitan ng maliliit na komite, ipinapasok ang nakulimbat nilang kaban sa bayan.

Amoy-kabulukan sa DPWH at di-mabilang na lihim ng SALN ang senyales ng tunay na sakit ng Pilipinas, na nakatago sa likod ng ginintuang kasinungalingan. Katotohanan lamang ang lunas kontra kurapsyon. Ang mga kasuklam-suklam na gawaing ito ang tampok, para sa ikatlong linggo ng .

Silipin ang mga likhang ito sa ibaba. ¶

16/10/2025

𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 || 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬

“Baliw ka!”

My husband shouted angrily, almost throwing a punch. Objects flew through the house as I shielded my face on the ground.

A burden is what my husband sees me as. Ever since I got deathly ill, we have accumulated several debts, so he blames me; even after my recovery, he only viewed me as another mouth to feed.

Now, anger got the best of him, and my children were in the corner, crying. I grabbed a sizable stick to defend myself; however, he easily took it and bashed me on my head.

Luckily, my youngest diffused the situation, blood seeping through my skin. Even when the days passed, the pain still lingered on my forehead as I planted my tomatoes near the mango tree beside the small hut I built near my old house.

Each seed and sapling were more than food. It was my way of sustaining my children and reclaiming some measure of control in a life full of hardship.

My husband begrudgingly watched, warning me that it’s where he ties his carabao.

“Lalakero,” he muttered, passing by, accusing me of promiscuity.

I have lived in this province for as long as I can remember, yet I own no land. I plant simply because it’s the only thing I can do to support myself and my children. A quaint barangay in Nueva Ecija is where I sell my produce.

“Kamatis, kalabasa! Bili na kayo!” I shouted.

Walking on the dirt road with my daughter, I visited house to house. My feet were swollen, with my tsinelas barely hanging on; still functional through a plastic rope. Each step signifies a work done with care that can nourish a family and a community, even when unseen.

The provincial winds calmed my aching appendages and empty stomach. I skipped a house—it was my in-laws’—who gave me a sneering look.

“A freeloader on our Father’s property,” they probably thought.

My daughter held my hand, and asked: “Okay ka lang, Ma?”

“Pagud na pagud na, kaya mag-aral kang mabuti para hindi ka maglako ng gulay at pagkatapos mo makakain ka ng mga gulay at pagkain sa iba’t ibang lugar,” I happily said.

“Pero mas masarap ang gulay mo, Ma!” my daughter exclaimed.

Out of the plethora of vegetables and fruits, my simple tomatoes and squash can’t compete—I can’t compete. Bruised and local, my produce is still my children’s favorite; surely, I can’t stop growing them.

I’ll simply grow them till they reach the skies. For each plant is a small triumph against circumstance; a token of tenacity and love.

“Uwi na tayo,” I said. ¶

Words by Luis Giray
Cartoon by Luis Giray

The Pillar

21/10/2025

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