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The Premier Post, 1 First Street, New Asinan, Olongapo (2025)

09/08/2025

𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒

The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or Republic Act 10931, is a landmark law in the Philippines. By offering free tuition and other fees for Filipino students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and state-run Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs), it seeks to democratize access to higher education. For families struggling financially, this act is nothing short of transformative, opening doors to opportunities previously out of reach.

However, beyond its noble intentions lies a troubling reality: the law’s implementation has sparked significant challenges, particularly for private educational institutions. While public colleges have seen surges in enrollment, private schools—long pillars of the country's educational system—are grappling with financial instability, raising questions about sustainability and equity in the broader educational landscape.

Private institutions like Columban College, Inc. (CCI), a Catholic school in Olongapo City, have been disproportionately affected by RA 10931. As 70% of CCI's operational funds, including employee salaries and institutional expenses, rely on tuition fees, the shift of students to public colleges poses a direct threat to its viability.

Dr. Eric Matriano, Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services at CCI, candidly outlined the institution's struggles. "CCI recognizes the importance of education in shaping young minds and hearts. However, the push for free tuition in public colleges raises significant concerns for private institutions like ours," he said.

The declining enrollment in private schools is not just a numbers game. It undermines their ability to maintain facilities, retain qualified faculty, and uphold the quality of education they are known for. "Public institutions may have the infrastructure and financial support to absorb this shift, but small private institutions like CCI face immense challenges," Dr. Matriano explained.

Beyond financial concerns, RA 10931 risks homogenizing the educational landscape. Private institutions, especially faith-based ones like CCI, offer unique educational models that integrate academic rigor with values formation. As Dr. Matriano emphasized, the law inadvertently limits students' access to diverse learning environments, particularly those that combine faith and reason.

Despite these hurdles, CCI remains steadfast in its mission. The institution has ramped up marketing efforts and doubled down on maintaining its reputation for delivering quality Catholic education. "We believe that given an opportunity, students will choose CCI because here, they will learn, lead, and live with a heart," Dr. Matriano affirmed.

Interestingly, not all students are swayed by the promise of free tuition. Michael James Feliminiano, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student at CCI, chose the institution over public alternatives despite the financial strain. "Columban’s IT program is more advanced," he said, adding that smaller class sizes allow teachers to focus more on individual students.

While Feliminiano acknowledged the allure of free tuition, he prioritized the quality of education, believing it to be a more worthwhile investment in the long run. "If you have the means, it's better to choose a school that can provide a higher standard of education," he explained.

RA 10931 is undeniably a milestone in making higher education more accessible, but its implementation demands recalibration. Policymakers must consider mechanisms to ensure that private institutions, which fill critical gaps in the educational system, are not left behind. Financial support for private schools or partnerships with the government could help level the playing field and sustain the diversity of educational options available to Filipino students.

Ultimately, the goal of universal access to quality education should not come at the cost of undermining institutions like CCI. These schools, after all, have long been instrumental in shaping leaders, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing values-based education. As CCI continues its mission amidst adversity, its story reminds us of the importance of equity—not just in access but also in opportunity and choice.
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✏️ Lander Barrera | Broadcaster & Staff Writer
💻 Riah Garcia | Staff Photojournalist

08/08/2025

𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 | 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊

Private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines are facing a silent crisis—they are dying. With hundreds of private schools closing and enrollment rates declining, it’s no longer just the concern of school administrators. Students, the school community, and most critically, the government must take collective effort in reversing this trend. The future of private school institutions now depends on joint efforts in order to sustain its relevance, accessibility, and excellence.

Over 700 private schools have closed since 2020 with 10 to 15 shutting down after Covid-19 pandemic according to Fr. Albert N. Delvo, Chairperson of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (CoCoPEA) and President of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), during the 2024 National Convention Press Conference. Columban College Inc. (CCI), like many private institutions, experienced a sharp decline in enrollees after the pandemic—highlighting that this issue is not isolated, but part of a nationwide concern.

One significant factor why private HEIs experience a decline in enrollment numbers is due to the free tuition fee in local government- and state-owned universities. In the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), it showed that Local Universities and Colleges’ (LUCs) enrollment rate surged up to 83.93% —to 1.94 million from 1.06 million. Although the Free Tuition Law sounds like a dream come true, we cannot deny the fact that it has caused a huge damage to private HEIs.

Private HEIs, such as CCI, have undertaken significant efforts to bolster enrollment—implementing school caravans, enhancing their presence on social media platforms, and leveraging peer-to-peer promotion. Despite these initiatives, the persistent decline in student numbers has prompted departments, student organizations, and individual learners at CCI to spearhead their own campaigns. These efforts include the creation of interactive videos and the publication of promotional materials, showcasing the institution’s programs and values. This shift indicates an evolving dynamic: student involvement has become not merely beneficial—but essential.

It is no longer sufficient to consider enrollment a concern exclusive to school administrators. Students possess an authentic voice and a powerful influence within their communities. When they participate in outreach, they help shape perceptions of private education and contribute meaningfully to recruitment. However, while these efforts are commendable, they cannot resolve the issue independently.

Despite the best efforts of private schools, they remain at a disadvantage without strategic support. Without government intervention, more private schools will be forced to shut down, narrowing educational options for students and weakening the overall quality and diversity of the Philippine higher education system. The government intervention not only ensures educational equity but protects the legacy and value of private HEIs. Sustaining these institutions require collaborative action among administrators, students, and policymakers. The future of private education depends on it.

The current crisis calls for enhanced complementarity between private and public education sectors. Although Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been implemented to promote equitable support for both sectors, these initiatives largely prioritize infrastructure development to accommodate growing student populations, rather than directly addressing the declining enrollment in private HEIs. Private schools already have the infrastructure in concern. More than subsidies and scholarships, what private institutions need is a national framework that clearly defines the roles of public and private HEIs in delivering education. Through this, LUCs and private HEIs do not compete on the enrollment numbers but rather, work collaboratively.

What we are witnessing is not a decline. It is a slow unraveling of a legacy. And if we are to preserve it, we must act collectively—students, administrators, and government, side by side. Quality education must never be a privilege reserved for the few—it is a right that should be realized through the combined strength of public and private systems, working together to ensure access, equity, and excellence. This is an urgent call for all and if we fail to act on this, private schools might not survive the decade.
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🖌 Mark Joshua Gallardo | Head Cartoonist

02/08/2025

𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞

Recently, the Philippines faces the wrath of three typhoons: Typhoon Crising (Int’l Name: Wipha), Dante (Int’l Name: Francisco), and Emong (Int’l Name: Co-may), which began affecting the country as early as April 14. Though Crising exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on July 19, its lingering impact continues to intensify the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) while Dante and Emong gain further strength. Across the affected regions, devastation persists. Homes are destroyed, floodwaters rise, and communities plead for assistance and attention.

In these moments of collective vulnerability, we look to our government officials and local influencers for leadership and solidarity. But what happens when those we depend on choose to make light of disaster, offering jokes and quips instead of clarity and compassion?

On July 22, during the height of the crisis, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla posted a class suspension announcement on the official DILG Philippines page. Instead of reassuring the public, the post attracted backlash for its tone, lacking the gravity and urgency the situation demanded. The following day, Secretary Remulla responded to the criticism by stating, “A little humor never hurts anyone.”

Indeed, humor has long served as a coping mechanism for Filipinos, especially in the face of disaster. It's how many find brief moments of levity amid chaos. Under the banner of resilience, laughter becomes a kind of refuge.

Yet while humor is subjective and often therapeutic, it is also bound by context. There exists an unspoken boundary. Some moments demand seriousness, especially when lives are on the line.

When humor is used carelessly, particularly by those in positions of power, it becomes a double edged sword. Rather than uniting and comforting, it can belittle real suffering and turn urgent crises into punchlines.

So where do we draw the line when jokes begin to overshadow the lived realities of thousands of struggling Filipinos? When officials and influencers turn disasters into content, who really benefits? Some public servants use humor to appear relatable. But when national suffering becomes their material, it’s no longer connection, it’s condescension. The nation becomes the joke, and its people, the punchline.

More and more, government figures rely on memes, raffles, and casual language to appear attuned to the public mood. But in times of disaster, this strategy often falls flat. It distracts from the urgency of the situation and fails to address the dire needs of affected communities.

When those charged with public welfare make light of emergencies, they risk appearing tone deaf and detached. For people who have lost their homes, their loved ones, or their sense of safety, such messages don’t resonate. They wound.

Beyond officials, influencers also hold immense power during crises. With wide reaching platforms, they have the capacity to raise awareness and mobilize help. But too often, that influence is squandered and used not to uplift but to promote personal brands.

This misuse creates a growing disconnect between influencers and their audiences, the same people who gave them their platforms to begin with. Prioritizing clicks and clout over compassion trivializes the very real struggles of vulnerable Filipinos.

Crises become backdrops for selfies. Human suffering turns into hashtags. And while influencers bask in the comfort of their curated lives, many Filipinos remain waist-deep in floodwaters, armed with nothing but umbrellas, unstable roofs, and the hope of surviving another day. Floods don’t just damage property. They displace lives, unsettle families, and erode the spirit. The rising tide is not just physical. It washes away the fragile sense of stability many cling to.

In such moments, humor may offer a brief escape. Laughter becomes a mask we wear to hide despair. But behind every smile lies the ache of survival, the silent cry for help.

Humor may make us laugh, but often, it’s a laughter edged with tears. Every chuckle in response to a calamity-themed joke conceals the deeper truth: that we are exhausted. That we need more than memes. That we need real compassion, not curated charisma.

When humor becomes the only response to repeated disaster, resilience turns into resignation. It fosters tolerance for negligence instead of demanding accountability and action.

And so we must ask: how many more storms must we weather before resilience is no longer our only option? Resilience, though admirable, has its limits. Enduring crisis after crisis should not be a test of strength but a wake-up call. It is a call for reform, relief, and lasting solutions.

Humor, when used wisely, can uplift. It can remind us of our shared humanity even in the darkest hours. But it must always be guided by empathy, an empathy that sees beyond the punchline and into the pain. In times when trust in leadership is most fragile, and when social media holds unprecedented power, our leaders and influencers must do more than entertain. They must lead with dignity, with responsibility, and with heart.

Because only through genuine empathy and accountable leadership can we build a nation that doesn’t just survive each calamity but rises from it, stronger and united.
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✏️ Angustia Juelle Danao | Features & Literary Editor
💻 Riah Garcia | Staff Photojournalist

01/08/2025

𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗪! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔.𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁!

This issue celebrates student journalism as the heartbeat of a free and thinking student society — a voice to the unheard and sheds light to the unseen.

Every story in this issue reflects the essence of student journalism. Every content is a heartbeat pulsing with courage and will to inform, question, and transform.

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01/08/2025

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈 | 𝐏𝐁𝐁𝐌'𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒; 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, marking the prexy's clear shift in tone and substance compared to his previous SONAs.

Coming just months after the controversial May 2025 Midterm Elections — in which only half of his senatorial slate clinched seats — Marcos Jr. acknowledged the electorate's restlessness, committing to reinforce his administration's improvement on responsiveness and corrupt-free governance.

While his 2024 SONA focused heavily on infrastructure development and digital connectivity, this year's address zeroed in on the delivery of tangible benefits to ordinary filipinos, specifically on fields such as agriculture, education, disaster resilience, and anti-corruption. Unlike from the previous year's SONA, which leaned on numbers such as 12,000 kilometers of roads and thousands of bridges built, this year’s speech emphasized real-world services and direct governmental support to communities.

This year's address was opened by recognizing growing public frustration and swore to accelerate efforts that translate national progress into real improvements. PBBM also made mention while economic growth had been steady, the public demanded more visible results.

The president did mention about the full rollout of the P20-per-kilo rice program nationwide through Kadiwa centers, assuring that these low priced crops won't jeopardize farmers' profit and income.

Marcos also expanded his plans to amend the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act in support with the government's target increase in coconut plantation nationwide.

This year’s SONA detailed direct support for over 8.5 million farmers and fisherfolk—figures far more specific than those in the previous year’s address.

Education also saw a major push. The president promised new classrooms to be constructed before 2028 and announced an almost 60 billion peso budget for free college education next year, expanding from the accomplishments highlighted in 2024. PBBM also mentioned strengthening the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, addressing learning loss and the construction of more Barangay Child and Bulilit Centers reflect a turn toward more holistic educational development compared to last year’s focus on digital access and connectivity.

One of this year's highlights was the urge to strengthen disaster resilience, announcing the deployment of advanced early warning systems and the construction of modern evacuation centers, avoiding the usage of classrooms as temporary shelter during calamities, following the recent deadly floods in Luzon and the government's slow response in which the president publicly admitted as "palpak" and something that could have been done better.

Moving on to foreign policy, PBBM subtly mentioned the rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Unlike his 2024 address, he carefully avoided naming China, choosing instead to emphasize restraint and diplomacy.

The 2024 SONA focused more on energy and national grid integration. This year, national security and territorial defense were given importance, with a strong reaffirmation of military modernization and the shift from internal insurgency to maritime sovereignty defense.

A major continuity between the 2024 and this year's addresses was the digitalization of government services. The eGov PH app, launched and expanded since 2024, continues to be a key pillar of the Marcos Jr. administration’s modernization efforts. New integrations, including the NBI clearance system and transport payment features are expected to go live by 2026.

This year’s SONA suggests that President Marcos Jr. is aware that his final years in office must be marked by delivery, not just sketched from plans and proposals. Having completed three years in the executive, the administration’s credibility now hinges on how effectively it turns promises into results. With high expectations for better flood response, cheaper food, quality infrastructure, and improved education, the 2026 SONA will likely be judged not just on plans, but on performance. As the President said in his closing statement, "Tayo ito. Tayo ang Bagong Pilipino." The message: accountability now belongs to everyone, but especially to him.

As the nation watches with doubt and wishful hearts, Marcos’ leadership will be measured not by the loudness of the applause lingering in the halls of the Philippine Congress, but by the everyday lives of Filipinos who can finally say their government delivered, that the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” is not merely a tagline, but a lived reality for every Filipino.

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✏️ Aurora Aurora | Managing Editor-Circulation
💻 Riah Garcia | Staff Photojournalist
𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗦: SONA Official Website

24/07/2025

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐤. 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 (TPP) opens its doors to aspiring staff members!

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫:
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𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: https://forms.gle/Q1UJcxUWVaJnNhEc6

Application Dates: July 25 - August 8, 2025

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬, and 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, there will be a 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Stay tuned for the announcement of the qualifying examination dates.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫, you are required to submit a 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨.

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15/07/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | CCI Welcomes New Academic Year with Energy and Unity at “La Apertur”

Columban College Inc. (CCI) officially welcomed the start of the new academic year with La Apertur, a festive interdepartmental gathering held at the Convery Hall.

The event, organized by the Inter-Departmental Coordinating Council (IDCC), brought together students from six different departments. The hall was filled with excitement as the crowd was treated to live performances and spirited cheers that showcased each department’s creativity and school pride.

“La Apertur was first started by my predecessor. Our goal was to help new students embrace their Columbanite spirit” said Aurora Aurora, President of the IDCC.

This year’s celebration featured a vibrant, fiesta-inspired atmosphere with a mix of performances and interactive activities.

“My co-officers came up with the idea to combine performances with engaging activities—it was their vision that shaped the event,” Aurora added.

The program highlighted the talents of CCI students and emphasized the importance of unity, collaboration, and enthusiasm as the college embarks on another academic journey.

For many first-year students, the event served as a warm and meaningful introduction to campus life.

“I felt so welcome, especially since it’s my first year here at Columban College,” said one freshman attendee.

The student also shared their favorite part of the event

"I was handed a BINGO card and had to ask others to sign it. I was shy at first, but it helped me socialize and make friends—which I think was the point of it all” the student added.

La Apertur once again affirmed CCI’s strong sense of community—reminding everyone that the spirit of being a Columbanite begins with connection.

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✏️ Dustin Drury | Staff Cartoonist
📷 Steven Florentino, Yvan Diata | Photojournalists

14/07/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | Former CCI Student Assistant, Others Honored at Testimonial Dinner for Board Exam Passers

“Hindi ako makapaniwala na nakuha ko siya ng first take,” shared Chris John Viray, LPT, a former student assistant at Columban College, Inc. (CCI), as he was recognized during the institution’s 16th Testimonial Dinner for board passers held on Saturday, July 12, at Convery Hall.

Viray, who completed his Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) while serving in various offices at CCI, was among the 2024–2025 licensure examination passers honored in the annual event.

The program began with a Eucharistic celebration at the campus chapel and culminated in the awarding of certificates led by the college deans, along with CCI vice presidents Dr. David Bueno and Dr. Eric Matriano.

“Sobrang saya ko nung makita ko yung resulta na nakapasa ako ng board. Naiiyak akong tumawag sa pamilya ko para ibalita yung resulta ng Licensure Exam ko. Hindi ako makapaniwala na nakuha ko siya ng first take kasi grabe yung kaba ko noon dahil I have this thought na what if hindi ako pumasa,” Viray recalled.

He also expressed his appreciation for CCI’s continued commitment to celebrating its board passers.

“I’m so thankful for CCI because they've been doing this since to honor or celebrate the board passers, and I'm glad to be a part of it. From providing us lifelong learning up to celebrating our success gained from it, they make sure that we board passers are recognized,” he said.

A consistent working scholar and student leader, Viray said his experience as a student assistant helped shape not just his career but also his values.

“Sobrang laking tulong ng Columban sa success ko bilang teacher. Ang institusyon na ‘to ang humubog sa’kin mula senior high school hanggang ngayon na teacher na ako. Kaya lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa CCI dahil naging malaking parte sila ng buhay ko,” he added.

Also honored at the dinner were other successful board passers: Chrizzia Mae N. Regunay, CPA (Accountancy); Dan Ducot, RLA (Architecture); Jeanix Bobis, RCE (Civil Engineering); Kurt Cadondon, ECE, ECT (Electronics Engineering); Samuel Barcarse, REE, RME (Electrical Engineering); Gillesania Paul, RL (Library Science); Flourence Fontillas, RN (Nursing); and Jessa Faye Racoma, RSW (Social Work).

The testimonial dinner is an annual tradition at CCI, celebrating the achievements of graduates who pass their respective licensure examinations and serve as inspiration to the college community.
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✏️ Lander Barrera l Staff Writer
📷 Arjay Rejano | Associate Editor, Head Photojournalist

14/07/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | As the new academic year started, students from six different departments filled the Columban College Inc. (CCI) Convery Hall with a hyped crowd by joy and live performances this morning in the La Apertur.

The event was organized by the Inter-Departmental Coordinating Council (IDCC).

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✏️ Kane Darryl Muega | News Editor
📷 Yvan Diata | Staff Photojournalist

27/06/2025

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | 𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐩 (𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝑼𝒑)

𝘼𝙉 𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙉 𝙇𝙀𝙏𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙏𝙃𝙊𝙎𝙀 𝙒𝙃𝙊 𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝙀𝙇𝘼𝙔𝙀𝘿

“You got another shot, don’t squander it…” was what running through my head these past few weeks.

It feels terrible to be burdened with the occasional realization that you repeated a subject or a school year, took a gap year, or even dropped a course and shifted; even more, realizing you’ve become a sort of dead weight to the person or people that have been supporting your education.

You look at your peers from high school and see them start working their jobs; parts of you think that you should’ve just endured the hardships from your past course, or that you should have been more diligent; whatever it is, “you shouldn’t have chosen this path”, is something that crossed your thoughts at least once.

So, you bury your head into your studies, work restlessly, participate in everything to make up for the past mistakes. You do your work, and bite off more than you could chew, then everything comes to a stop; You’re burnt out and the weeks blur into each other. You find yourself self-indulging in cheap thrills to distract from the self-loathing; from all your self-doubt, self-pity, your insecurities and weaknesses. If not, then everything is heavy; heavy like the world is pressing its full weight down on you, and you find yourself in the comfort of your bed, the floor, your shell.

And somehow, you still manage to push through the semester and wonder how someone like you managed to pull through by the skin of your teeth.

You finish, not feeling a sense of accomplishment, just a slight sense of relief that it’s all over.

Yet, the realization sets in that all the other good things right now wouldn’t have come into your life if it wasn’t for your failure; the past mistakes led you to the new experiences you have gone through, the friends you now hold dearly, and ultimately this newer version of you.

So you shouldn’t just feel relief, you HAVE to take pride in the work you have accomplished so far. You’ve grown to a level you never thought possible until now; growth is far from linear — you will trip, stumble, and fall — what matters most is that you keep moving towards your goals no matter how small, for progress at any pace is still progress made.

It’s alright to have doubts, to question yourself, but remember to never limit yourself to what you are now. Always look forward to a better, more knowledgeable, kinder version of yourself.

For now, at the very least, be proud you’ve come this far. Because after all — you’ve got another shot, make the most of it.

___________________________
✏️ Godryk Mendoza | Staff Writer
💻 Geoffrey Lee Garcia | Head Graphic Artist

25/06/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐂𝐂𝐈'𝐬 '𝐊𝐮𝐲𝐚' 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

Pride filled the SMX Convention Center on June 18 as Mark Kian Madarang, son of Columban College Inc.'s (CCI) longtime security officer Roberto Madarang, marched across the stage to receive his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Roberto Madarang—Kuya Robert to Columbanites—who has served as a security officer at CCI for 20 years, watched with pride as his son graduated from the institution he has served.

In an interview with The Premier Post, Kuya Robert said he was overwhelmed with joy at seeing his child's achievement.

“Proud parent po ako siyempre kasi nag-aral po nang mabuti ang anak ko. Siyempre, worth it po 'yung pagod everyday,” he shared.

Mark Kian, the eldest in their family, dedicated his success to his parents and described his graduation as a moment of pure happiness.

“Masayang-masaya po ako lalo na po dinededicate ko po kasi yung studies ko po para sa parents ko. And nakita ko rin po nung umaakyat kami ng stage, nakita ko po na andaming pumalakpak kaya po sobrang masaya po kami,” he said.

Kuya Robert supported his firstborn’s education through his earnings as a security personnel, as well as by securing loans and providing allowances.

Aside from financial support, Kuya Robert constantly reminded his son of the importance of education and hard work.

“Sabi ko mag-aral ka [Mark Kian] nang mabuti kasi iba 'yung nakatapos ka. Ayun ang magiging laban mo sa buhay. Unlike ako, hanggang doon nalang ako, hindi na ako puwedeng umangat pero hangga't nandidito ako, susuportahan kita sa lahat,” he said.

Determined to finish his studies without delay, Mark Kian made sure to pass all his engineering courses on the first try to lessen the financial burden on his family.

Even with the pressures of the engineering program, he said his family never forced him to rush his studies or avoid retakes.

“Sa mga words of encouragement naman po ng aking pamilya, okay lang naman po sa kanila [mag-second take ng subjects] as long as natututo naman daw po ako,” he admitted.

On the same day as the graduation, Kuya Robert was honored with a Service Award recognizing his 20 years of dedicated service to CCI.

___________________________
✏️ Arahbella Grace Baylon | Editor-in-Chief
📸 Arjay Sebastian Rejano | Associate Editor, Head Photojournalist
💻 Riah Garcia | Staff Photojournalist

The Premier Post

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