https://www.facebook.com/168064226935816/

The UNICA Post, First Street, CSSH, MSU Marawi Campus, Marawi City (2026)

27/05/2026

𝐇𝐔𝐃𝐘𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐕 | 𝐇𝐮𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚 (𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)*
Isang hudyat para sa balitang tapat at sapat!

Narito ang mga nagbabagang balita hinggil sa mga napapanahong isyung panlipunan hatid ng 𝘏𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘢𝘵 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢. Tutukan ang mga kaganapang internasyonal, nasyonal, at lokal na humuhubog sa kasalukuyang lipunan.

Disclaimer: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘺 18 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘺 24. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘴 only. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘕𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥.

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*HUDYAT is the laboratory publication of the course, JRN101-Uu (Principles & Practices in Journalism), offered 2nd Semester, AY 2025-2026, by the Communication and Media Studies Department under the BA Journalism program.

24/05/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐊𝐚 | 𝐔𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝, 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧— 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐢 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐢 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐞

Nearly a decade after the Marawi siege, the scars of displacement and loss continue to shape the lives of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

As part of the second day of activities for the Kapamagugopa Youth Assembly, the Mindanao Climate Justice (MCJ), Kinaiyahan – Mindanao Chapter, and the Communication and Media Studies Department, conducted a solemn community visit on May 22, 2026, to reconnect participants with the lived realities of affected communities and highlight the continuing struggles faced by Marawi residents.

The group first traveled to Ground Zero in Dansalan – once a vibrant center of life that now stands as a haunting reminder of devastation. Guided by Sir Mu-ahz P. Omar, a member of Ompongan Youth Organization, participants were introduced to the realities of displacement and loss that continue to affect residents today.

Omar emphasized that Dansalan is not an empty place, but a center where people were once rooted before being displaced. He also noted that four barangays remain deeply affected by the siege: Dansalan, Datu sa Dansalan, Datu Naga, and Sabala Manaw.

The visit then proceeded to the Macbara cemetery, where prayers were offered for more than 400 unnamed individuals buried at the site. Omar stressed that, until now, DNA testing has not been conducted to identify the remains, describing it as continuing deprivation of rights for the victims and their families.

For many participants, the visit became an eye-opening experience. Freshman Samim Mangdao of Dansalan Polytechnic College reflected on the realities faced by displaced communities.

“𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘺 𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘢. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘺𝘦-𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘋𝘗𝘴,” shared Mangdao.

Following the cemetery visit, the group continued to Saguiaran Bakwit Village, a relocation site dedicated to mental health interventions for displaced families. The program formally opened with remarks from Prof. Tirmizy Abdullah from the History Department, who underscored the shared experienced by both shelter-based and home-based IDPs.

“𝘠𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥, 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘰 𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘺 𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘯 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 (𝘬𝘶𝘣𝘰),” said Abdullah.

The program also featured psychosocial interventions led by Dr. Reginaldo Pamugas, a member of MCJ, who conducted lectures and workshops to provide tools for self-care and resilience. For participants like Samson Alicia, the session was transformative.

“𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘊𝘑 𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘰 𝘯𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘋𝘰𝘤 𝘬𝘢𝘴𝘪 𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘢 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘵 (𝘮𝘨𝘢) 𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘩 𝘯𝘢 𝘱𝘸𝘦𝘥𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘪 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯.”

The community visit underscored that the Marawi siege is not merely a part of history, but a continuing reality for thousands who remain displaced. The prayers offered at Macbara cemetery, the stories in Dansalan, and the healing initiatives at Saguiaran Bakwit Village served as reminders that remembrance must go hand in hand with action.

As the ninth year of commemoration approaches, the visit renewed calls to honor the memory of those who were lost, recognize the rights of the unnamed victims, and continue supporting the journey of IDPs toward dignity, healing, and recovery.

by
Nosaira Gasmala, 4th Year BA Journalism
Photo by Eman D. Pangcatan, 4th Year BA Journalism

23/05/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐊𝐚 | 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐩𝐚 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞

The Mindanao Climate Justice and the Kinaiyahan Youth – Mindanao Chapter, in partnership with the Department of Communication and Media Studies, hosted the Kapamagugupa Youth Assembly at the Engler Hall of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities on May 21, 2026.

The event gathered students and advocates to discuss the realities faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi and to equip participants with knowledge on psychological first aid and mental health response.

One of the invited guest speakers during the morning session was Prof. Tirmizy Abdullah from the History Department. Meanwhile, Samerah and Nanayaon P. Alango, both IDP Leaders, along with Janida Pangadapun of the Reclaiming Marawi Movement, shared the lived experiences of IDPs staying in both temporary and permanent shelters.

Prof. Tirmizy expressed that the people of Marawi experienced “two sieges”: one during the actual armed conflict and another during the rehabilitation process that followed. He emphasized that the gravity of the Marawi Siege should not be treated as a minor issue, considering that nearly 500,000 people were displaced because of it.

Among the major concerns discussed were the continuing struggles of IDPs over land ownership and their right to return to their homes. The speakers stressed that real progress for the Meranao people is not measured by public infrastructures built over what they described as “reclaimed land,” but by the safe return of IDPs to their actual homes and communities in Marawi City.

Conditions in temporary shelters were also presented as continuing challenges faced by many IDPs. During the earlier years of displacement, residents received financial support and aid from the government, but over time, many have reportedly felt neglected and forgotten. Furthermore, some residents are now required to pay rent to remain in the shelters after government contracts covering their stay expired.

Critical issues within the housing sites were also discussed, involving water supply, faulty septic tanks, and electricity. Notably, speakers highlighted an estimated 1.5 million pesos in debt owed to the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative after electricity bills that Task Force Bangon Marawi was expected to shoulder allegedly remained unpaid.

According to Sakina Jamel, a student from the Communication and Media Studies Department, many people fail to realize the depth of these ongoing struggles.

"𝘈𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘨, 𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘢-𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘢 𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘰, 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘥. 𝘈𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘢 𝘥𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘭 𝘴𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘬𝘶𝘩𝘢 𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘰," she said.

Jamel expressed hope that the grievances and hardships currently experienced by the IDPs will eventually be met with just solutions.

The youth were encouraged to continue speaking up for the rights and welfare of IDPs to help them achieve their common goal of a safe return home. Amidst this call to action, the event also marked the official launch of the Kinaiyahan Youth Marawi Chapter, with Ms. Aisanee Ibrahim, a ComMStud student named as the chapter head.

The afternoon session shifted focus with the arrival of guest speaker Dr. Reginaldo Pamugas from the Mindanao Climate Justice, who trained students in psychological first aid and mental health crisis response.

Participants practiced breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and other practical methods designed to alleviate panic attacks and acute psychological distress. Through interactive discussions and example scenarios, students deepened their understanding of crisis response, leaving them better prepared to assist in real-world situations.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Department Chairperson Dr. Aslainee T. Macatanong, who reminded participants to seize opportunities to learn about mental health response, noting its deep timeliness and relevance in communities heavily affected by conflict and displacement.

by
Juhary A. Macarimbang, 1st Year BS Development Communication
Photos by Lady Juhayriah H. Cassan, 3rd Year BA ComMStud (Media Education)

20/05/2026

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐓𝐔𝐏 | 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬! 𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐤𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐠-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭, 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭!?

As we welcome our incoming freshies for the next academic year, let's give them a realistic glimpse into campus life. Here’s how seasoned (seasoned???) MSUans effectively manage and "tipid" their daily baon.

by
Janisah Hadji Ali, 3rd Yr. BA Journalism
Ayesha Tale, 3rd Yr. BA Journalism
Mohammad Walid Gumal, 3rd Yr. BS DevComm
Sittie Hajara Ali, 2nd Yr. BS DevComm
Jhalil Ontonga, 1st Yr. BA Journalism

15/05/2026

𝐈-𝐊𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐨* | 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐒𝐔’𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

“𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘚𝘜, 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴,” shared Sohaina Sangcopan, a third-year student from College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) and a student assistant at the same time.

While many students end their classes preparing for rest or study sessions, some students at Mindanao State University Main Campus head straight to tutoring jobs, offices, hotels, and side gigs — carrying responsibilities far heavier than their backpacks.

“𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺,” shared Safiyya (not her real name), a third-year student from College of Education (CED), who works as a tutor.

Raised by a single mother with many siblings, Safiyya knew their allowance was never enough. The guilt of always asking for money pushed her to work to cover her expenses and ease her mother’s burden.

For these working students, one common reality is their desire to help support their families financially. But balancing both leaves little time to rest.

Hanie (not her real name), a third-year student from College of Public Affairs (CPA), works as a secretary during weekends. After work, she comes home exhausted, rests briefly before forcing herself to study despite exhaustion.

Jehan Macabinta from CED spends weekdays in school and weekends working for a Non-Government Organization, facilitating Peace Education sessions in schools and madrasas in Lanao.

“𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘶𝘹𝘶𝘳𝘺 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺,” she shared.

Christian Baclaan from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) follows an intense routine. His classes run from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., then he works at a hotel from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. He arrives home around 2:00 a.m. and sleeps only a few hours. On weekends, he takes additional gigs.

“𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮,” Christian said. “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳, 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯”.

But their sacrifices go beyond busy schedules.

Last semester, Sangcopan pushed herself too hard until her body forced her to rest.

“𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘸, 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦, 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵,” she said.

Hanie has become thinner and often feels physically and mentally drained. Macabinta once received a 3.00 in a major subject after missing classes due to work and cried for hours after feeling overwhelmed. Baclaan also received two Incomplete (INC) grades after prioritizing work, though he still hopes to graduate with Latin honors.

Despite exhaustion, they continue for deeper reasons.

“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥,” shared Macabinta. “𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘬: 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘯𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨."

For Safiyya, her mother and her student keep her motivated. Sangcopan draws strength from faith, while Baclaan works for his family’s future.

Fahad Macaraya Panggaga, a faculty member from the Department of Communication and Media Studies (ComMStud), emphasized the importance of communication between working students and professors and encouraged honesty while maintaining academic responsibility.

Even with their daily struggles, these students show quiet strength. They ask only for understanding and a bit of flexibility — so the heavy load they carry every day might one day feel lighter.

“𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭-𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨,” Sangcopan echoed.

Carrying either academic pressure or financial responsibility alone is already exhausting. For MSU’s working students, carrying both has become part of everyday survival — a silent sacrifice they continue to bear in pursuit of education and a better future. #

by
Dhalia Goling, 3rd Year BA Journalism
Art by Aleza Lopez, 2nd Year BA Journalism

13/05/2026

𝐓𝐔𝐏𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐑𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲
𝗪𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁

Corruption in the Philippines is no longer shocking; it is expected. That, more than anything, should disturb us.

I grew up seeing corruption not as a headline, but as a routine. From small “under-the-table” transactions to billion-peso controversies, it has become part of everyday conversation. But what is more alarming is not just its existence—it is how people have learned to live with it.

A Pulse Asia survey released in October 2025 revealed that 97% of Filipinos believe corruption is widespread, while 59% consider it a normal part of daily life. Think about that. More than half of the population no longer sees corruption as an outrage, but as something ordinary. When a crime becomes normal, it stops being questioned.

However, this normalization did not happen overnight. It grew from years of unresolved scandals, unpunished officials, and a system that often fails to hold the powerful accountable. Over time, people stopped expecting change; instead, they adapted.

But adaptation comes at a cost.

As of February 2026, the Philippines’ national government debt reached ₱18.16 trillion. That number is not just a statistic; it represents hospitals that were not built, classrooms that were not improved, and communities that remain in poverty. This debt is the haunting echo of "ghost" flood control projects—funded on paper, but nonexistent on the ground.

Imagine if that money had been used responsibly. Imagine how different the lives of ordinary Filipinos could be. Instead, corruption continues to drain resources meant for public service.

And yet, despite knowing this, we continue to elect leaders with questionable records. Why? Because memory in politics is often short. Issues are forgotten, or worse, ignored. Some voters cling to personalities, mistaking familiarity for trust. Others choose to believe narratives that paint leaders in a better light, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

Another factor is dependence. Politicians distribute “ayuda” or financial assistance, often sourced from public funds, to gain loyalty. While ayuda can provide short-term relief, it is often a tool to secure long-term political support. Instead of empowering citizens, it creates a cycle of dependence.

Corruption also thrives in everyday situations. It appears in small bribes for faster transactions, in vote-buying, and in favors exchanged for convenience. For many, poverty complicates the issue. Some people accept bribes not because they want to, but because they feel they have no choice. The phrase “tanggapin nalang kasi pera naman natin yan” reflects a painful reality: people justify corruption because they believe they are simply taking back what is already theirs.

But this mindset reinforces the problem.

When corruption is seen as a survival strategy rather than a crime, it creates what sociologists call a “deviant subculture,” where unethical behavior becomes socially acceptable. The real danger is not just the loss of money; it is the loss of standards. When we stop expecting honesty, governance suffers. When we stop demanding transparency, systems break down.

The question now is not whether corruption exists—we already know it does. The question is whether we are willing to challenge its normalization.

Change does not begin with grand speeches. It begins with awareness and the refusal to accept corruption as “just the way things are.” It begins with voters who remember, question, and choose wisely. Because the moment we stop seeing corruption as normal is the moment we start fighting it.

And maybe, just maybe, that is where real change begins.
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𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘙𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘐𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘯-𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘴, 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.
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This article is an output of the course, JRN122-Dd (Opinion & Commentary), offered 2nd Semester, AY '25-'26.

05/05/2026

𝐓𝐔𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 | 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲

Ever wonder what MSUans are talking about when they say “cottage” in the campus?

01/05/2026

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐓𝐔𝐏 | 𝐊𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐤𝐚 𝐩𝐚 𝐛𝐚?

Ilang beses na nga ba kumakain sa isang araw ang mga MSUans?

Sa gitna ng krisis, pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, at abalang dulot ng buhay-estudyante, ang dating karaniwang tatlong beses na pagkain ay unti-unti nang nagiging pribilehiyo, hindi karapatan.

Ikaw, tatlong beses ka pa ba kumakain sa isang araw?

=======
This video is an output of the course, JRN122-Dd (Opinion & Commentary), offered 2nd Semester, AY '25-'26.

29/04/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐊𝐚 | 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐨

“This achievement means so much to me because I did not get here on my own. It carries the love, sacrifices, and quiet support of the people who have stood by me throughout my journey,” said Reem Pandapatan, a President’s Lister from the Communication and Media Studies Department.

Garnering a Grade Point Average of 1.00, this 4th Year BA Journalism student was among the honored individuals who received the highest praise during the Crème de la Crème Awarding ceremony for their outstanding academic performance and perseverance.

“More than anything, I see this as my parents’ achievement as well. Even from a distance, their guidance, prayers, and belief have always been with me,” Pandapatan added.

The Crème de la Crème awards honored its recipients with recognition, a cash incentive, a customized medal, and a certificate.

|via Shaina Bea S. Ybañez, 3rd Year BA Journalism

23/04/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐊𝐚 | 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐂𝐀’𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞

Here’s a look back at how UniCA members journeyed through the lands of Adventure Time and took on competitions during Sidlak 2026—the 41st Founding Anniversary of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

| via
Norwafa Adapun, 3rd Year BA CommStud (Media Education)
Lady Juhayriah H. Cassan, 3rd Year BA CommStud (Media Education)
Eman Pangcatan, 4th Year BA Journalism
Crizthel Arañas, 2nd Year BA Journalism
Mark Joash Rabino, 2nd Year BA Journalism

The UNICA Post

27/05/2026

24/05/2026

23/05/2026

20/05/2026

15/05/2026

13/05/2026

05/05/2026

01/05/2026

29/04/2026

23/04/2026

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