https://qcutimespublicatio.wixsite.com/theqcutimes

The QCU Times Publication, 673 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City (2026)

25/08/2026

𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐘 | 𝐌𝐚, 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐧𝐚

Ma, hindi ko alam kung paano ko sisimulan ito,
Kaya magsisimula na lang ako sa umpisa —
Sa unang beses na natutuhan kong
Ang pagmamahal mo ay hindi laging salita,
Minsan bulong, minsan ulam na gusto ko,
Minsan katahimikan habang tinatahi mo ang sirang uniporme ko para sa Lunes.

Anim na taon ako noon, tandang-tanda ko, umuulan —
Pero umalis ka pa rin papunta sa trabaho,
Tapos bumalik na basang-basa
Dala-dala ang bag ng grocery
At ang ngiti mong parang wala lang sa'yo ang lamig.

Noon ko unang natanong sa sarili ko;
“Kailan ba nagsimulang ikaw lang ang lumalaban?”

Lumaki ako, nakita ko ang mga gabing
Umiiyak ka sa kusina, akala mo mahimbing na ang tulog ko,
Pero gising ako, nakikinig sa bawat hikbi mo,
Gustong tumayo, gustong yakapin ka,
Pero natatakot baka masira ko
Ang tanging sandali na hinahayaan mong
Maging tao ka lang, hindi Ina.

Ngayong malaki na ako, Ma,
Naiintindihan ko na ang bawat "ayos lang ako,"
Ang bawat "'wag kang mag-alala, anak," ay panakip-butas sa sugat
Na tahimik mong dinadala
Tulad ng bag na hindi mo binababa.

Kaya isusulat ko ito, hindi bilang tula,
Kundi bilang kwento
Kung paano tayo nabuhay sa gitna ng kakapusan
Pero hindi kailanman nagkulang sa pagmamahal;
Paano ka nagsakripisyo nang hindi humihingi ng kapalit, ng papuri, ng pahinga.

At ngayon, Ma, gusto kong sabihin sa'yo:
Tapos na ang panahon ng pagtitiis mo.
Ako na ang bahala, ako na ang aalalay,
Ako na ang gigising sa gabi kung kailangan,
Ako na ang magpapaalala, hanggang matanggap mo —
Na hindi ito utang, kundi kusang-loob na pagbabalik
Ng lahat ng bagay na ibinigay mo nang walang pag-aatubili.

Kaya hayaan mong dito na lang tayo magsimulang muli,
Hindi bilang pasakit, kundi bilang pag-asa:
Na makita kang tumayo nang walang pasan,
Na makita kang humingang buo, walang takot, walang bigat na kailangang itago
Sa likod ng ngiting matagal mo nang pilit na ginagawa.

Ma, tandaan mo — hindi kasalanan ang mapagod, ang manghina, ang umiyak.
Hindi kasalanan ang humingi ng saklolo sa mga taong pinaglaanan mo ng buhay.

Ngayon, ako na ang uupo sa tabi mo,
Ako na ang makikinig sa hikbi mong dati'y palihim,
Hindi na kailangang itago, hindi na kailangang tiisin —
Sapagkat ako, na dati mong iniingatan,
Ngayon ay handa nang mag-alaga rin.

Malaya ka na, Ma,
Sa bawat sakripisyong hindi na kailangang ulitin.
Malaya ka nang umupo, malaya kang magpahinga,
Malaya kang maging tao — hindi lang Ina,
Hindi lang tagapagtustos, hindi lang tagapagsakripisyo,
Kundi babaeng may pangarap din,
May pagod na karapat-dapat pahingahin.

Kaya sa huli, Ma, hayaan mong sabihin ko ito —
Salamat sa bawat gabing pinili mong lumaban,
Salamat sa bawat araw na tiniis mo ang lahat,
Nang walang kapalit kundi ang aking ngiti.
Ngayon, ako na ang magbibigay-buhay
Sa bawat pangarap mong isinantabi,
At kung may nalalabi pang panahon,
Gugulin ko itong ibalik sa'yo
Ang kapayapaang matagal mo nang hinahanap —
Sapagkat matagal ka nang karapat-dapat
Sa salitang ito: Malaya.

Akda at Larawan ni: Julianne Macalulot

25/08/2026

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

Quezon City University’s College of Education formally oriented its feature educators during the College of Education Orientation 2026 held on August 24 at the University Gymnasium.

With the theme “Building Excellence, Professionalism, and Commitment Among Future Educators”, the event gathered all Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) students from San Bartolome and Batasan campuses to orient them on college policies.

College of Education Dean Dr. Randel D. Estacio officially opened the program with welcoming remarks. This was followed by inspirational messages from QCU President Dr. Theresita V. Atienza and OIC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Isagani M. Tano, who shared their insights and encouragement with aspiring teachers.

The orientation featured comprehensive discussions on the college’s vision, mission and academic guidelines. Faculty members detailed important information such as the policies, field study, and practice teaching requirements and the strict professional ethics expected of future educators.

The college also highlighted its various student development opportunities, including the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Preparation Program, community engagement initiatives, and a scholarship recognition designed to cultivate a culture of excellence

A major highlight of the afternoon was the Eduk Club General Assembly, spearheaded by its President, Mr. Christian Matthew Barro. The assembly provided students with an overview of the organization’s objectives, a transparent report on past accomplishments and finances, and a look at the planned program for the 2026-2027 academic year before opening the floor for membership recruitment

The event concluded with an open forum to address student concerns, followed by a closing message from Dr. Estacio.

Report by: Bienvenido Dela Cruz Aujero
Layout by: Julianne Macalulot & Justine Rose Martinez
Photos by: Ana Beatriz Bosito, Julianne Macalulot, & Jane Ruby Novero

25/08/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡-𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

The LANDBANK Cash-Lite Campus Pre-Launch Event is underway today, August 25, 2026, at the Quezon City University (QCU) San Bartolome Gymnasium.

The event introduces QCU students and faculty to the LANDBANK Cash-Lite Campus Program, designed to promote cashless payments, digital banking, and the responsible use of digital financial services.

Participants are engaging in interactive Mission Challenges while exploring key features of the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), supported by QCU student leaders assisting with activity ex*****on and participant coordination.

The initiative aims to build a convenient, secure, and digital-ready campus community through financial education and cashless transactions.

Report by Nicole Mayo
Layout by Kurt Jeremy Ramalla
Photo by Regine Gomez & Justine Rose Martinez

24/08/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | 𝐐𝐂𝐔 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔- The 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 of Quezon City University (QCU) is currently conducting its Freshmen Orientation for first-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECED) students at the QCU San Bartolome Gymnasium.

The orientation, which runs from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, brings together incoming BECED students and members of the College of Education faculty as part of the university’s efforts to formally welcome new students and prepare them for their academic journey.

The activity provides freshmen with essential information and guidance as they begin their studies at QCU, while also fostering familiarity with the college, its academic environment, and the responsibilities of becoming part of the university community.

Photo by Julianne Macalulot
Layout by Nicole Mayo

22/08/2026

𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐘 | 𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐔𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐆

Kalimitan sa mga tindahan na ating nakikita o napagbibilhan, ito ay nakatayo sa lansangan, may bubong o tent na nagbibigay-sangga sa matinding init ng araw o bagsik ng ulan—ngunit para kay Nanay, ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong tindahan ay pawang pangarap lamang.

Pagdating sa kahabaan ng Quezon Avenue, agad na matatanaw ang mga stall na nakatayo sa gilid ng lansangan. Ngunit kapukaw-pukaw-pansin ang isang ginang na nagtitinda, dala ang pag-asang may bibili sa kaniya.

Noong araw ng Agosto, una kong nasilayan si Nanay. Maulan at humahagupit ang hangin dulot ng bagyo at habagat—gayunpaman, hindi alintana ang masamang panahon para sa kaniyang kabuhayan. Gamit ang payong na nagsisilbing kaniyang matibay na sandata laban sa masamang panahon, at sisidlang may plastic cover para sa mga panindang kaniyang puhunan para sa kanilang kinabukasan.

Kung iisipin, karalitaan ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit patuloy na napipilitang magtrabaho ang mga tulad ni Nanay, kahit sa kabila ng hirap at hindi tiyak na kita. Ngunit higit pa sa kaniyang sitwasyon ang makikita sa simpleng tagpong ito—isang taong patuloy na naghahanapbuhay dahil kinakailangan.

Sa murang halaga ng kaniyang mga paninda, nakataya ang kaniyang oras, lakas, at araw-araw na pagtitiis. Sa ilalim ng ulan, sa gilid ng lansangan, at sa gitna ng ingay ng mga sasakyan, patuloy siyang naghihintay sa bawat taong maaaring maging kaniyang mamimili.

Hindi lamang ito kuwento ng isang ginang na nagtitinda sa lansangan. Isa rin itong larawang repleksiyon ng isang bulok na sistema—sistemang dapat tumutugon sa problema ng mamamayan; sistemang dapat tumutulong na mapaunlad ang Inang Bayan.

Kaya—

Kailan pa? Kailan pa kikilos ang gobyerno upang mapuksa ang krisis ng kahirapan? Kailan pa masisilayan ang makabagong kinabukasan? At kailan pa ilalaan ang pondo para sa mga matandang namumuhunan?

Akda at Larawan ni Kurt Jeremy Ramalla

20/08/2026

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝟒 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐒

On Ninoy Aquino Day, remembrance should be more than flowers, portraits, and familiar quotations. It should be a confrontation with the country we have become and the country we still hope to build. The “Filipino is worth dying for” should never be an invitation for another Filipino to sacrifice their life. It should be a challenge to those of us who remain: make their sacrifice mean something.

Build a Philippines where resilience is a choice, not a necessity; where public service is service, not privilege; where accountability is expected, not requested; and where the Filipino does not have to die before the country finally realizes their worth.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿!

Say it proudly. Say it when a Filipino athlete stands beneath the international spotlight and raises the flag higher than the expectations placed upon them. Say it when a beauty queen answers the world's questions with the grace and wit of a nation. Say it when Filipino artists, scientists, workers, students, and professionals carry the country's name beyond its shores. There is something beautiful about being Filipino when our victories become everyone's victory. For a moment, the distance between islands disappears, and millions of Filipinos celebrate as one. In these moments, Ninoy Aquino's words feel almost effortless to believe.

Yes, the Filipino is worth dying for because the Filipino is capable of making a nation proud.

𝑺𝒂𝒅: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓.

Yet how painful it is that resilience has become one of our most celebrated identities. We praise the Filipino for standing again after every typhoon, surviving every crisis, rebuilding every home, and smiling despite another problem waiting for tomorrow. We call it “katatagan”. We call it “bayanihan”. We call it the Filipino spirit. But perhaps there is sadness in having to be resilient so often. A people should not always have to prove their strength by surviving what should have been prevented.

Behind every smile after a disaster is a family that lost something. Behind every "kakayanin natin" is someone who wishes, even just once, that life would not have to be this difficult.

𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓?

Then why does it sometimes feel like the Filipino is only worth remembering when elections arrive? Promises are painted across campaign posters, repeated in speeches, and forgotten once power is secured. Billions are poured into projects that promise protection and progress, yet floods still swallow communities and families still wait for solutions. Public funds meant to build safer lives should never become opportunities for personal gain. Yet the cycle continues, and somehow, we still see Filipinos defending the very politicians who repeatedly disappoint them. We turn public servants into idols, forgive broken promises, and treat accountability as an attack.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking part is not simply being deceived, but becoming accustomed to it.

𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗿𝘆: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥!

And if you are still not angry, why? How many more families must lose their homes before we demand accountability? How many more public funds must disappear before we demand transparency? How many more Filipinos must endure inadequate services before we demand better governance? Ninoy Aquino gave his life believing that the Filipino deserved a better country.

In Noli Me Tangere, Elias also gave his life without seeing the dawn he dreamed of for his country. Must every generation inherit the same unfinished dream? Must Filipinos continue dying for a future they will never see? The question is no longer whether Filipinos are worth dying for.

The question is whether we are willing to live, speak, act, and demand enough for the living to finally see the dawn.

Written by John Mathew Tadeo
Layout by Justine Rose Martinez

20/08/2026

𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐋 | 𝐒𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐬, 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬

Sa pinakahuling tala ng National Geographic, ang Pilipinas ay binubuo ng humigit-kumulang 7,640 mga isla kabilang ang isa sa ipinagmamalaki nitong destinasyon—ang Siargao.

Ang Siargao ay matatagpuan sa dakong hilagang-silangang baybayin ng Mindanao, na binubuo ng iilan pang maliit na islang tampok ang iba’t-ibang uri ng mga likas na yamang lupa tulad ng mga isla ng Guam, Naked, at Daku. Ang karamihan ng mga lokal na residente ay umaasa sa pangingisda at pagsasaka ng niyog kung kaya’t karamihan ng mga produkto rito ay mga kakanin, s**a, at banig. At bilang destinasyon na may katangi-tanging yamang-dagat, ang Siargao ay ang angkop na lugar para sa mga dayuhang may hilig na mag-surfing, at magtampisaw sa katubigan.

Ngunit hindi lamang ito simpleng pook panturismo, kundi tahanan ng bawat lokal sa lugar. Bilang isang islang malusog sa yamang-dagat, natural ang paglabas-masok ng mga turista, negosyante, at namumuhunan. Ngunit habang patuloy na dumadagsa ang dami ng mga dayuhan dito ay umiingay rin ang ugong-ugong ng katanungang: May kapasidad nga ba ang Pilipinas na protektahan ang mamamayan nito kung sakaling magdulot ng sigalot ang mga turistang kaniyang pinapasok?

Nitong mga nakaraang buwan lamang ay naibalita ang ilan sa mga problemang gawa ng mga turista sa lugar. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang paghuli sa 10 dayuhan, kabilang ang apat na Israeli. Batay sa ulat ng ABS-CBN, ito ay dahil sa paglabag hinggil sa batas sa imigrasyon, kabilang ang pagiging hindi kanais-nais na dayuhan, overstaying, at pagsasagawa ng mga aktibidad ng mga pagkakakitaan ng walang kaukulang permit.

Sa isa pang ulat ng ABS-CBN, makikita sa CCTV footage ang pambubugbog ng hinihinalang Israeli matapos nitong mamataan ang Palestinian Flag na inilagay ng may-ari ng Cartoon Resto Cafe sa kanilang tindahan.

Kung ang dahilan ng kanilang pagdayo ay talagang mula sa paghanga sa likas na ganda ng Siargao, bakit kinakailangang apihin ang mga lokal na bumubuhay rito?

Hindi maipagkakaila na ang turismo ang siyang bumubuhay sa puhunan ng mga lokal na mamamayan ng Siargao. At higit sa lahat, hindi rin problema ang pagdating ng mga dayuhang turista o mamumuhunan. Ang dapat bantayan ay kung ang kanilang presenya ay talaga bang para sa ikabubuti ng lahat at hindi huwad na nakapipinsala na sa karamihan.

Sa kabilang dako, hindi nararapat na ipagdiwang ng pamahalaan ang pagdating ng mga dayuhang mamumuhunan sa lugar gaya ng Israel kung hindi nito susuriin at kukundinahin ang mga kondisyong ilegal at nakasisira ng kalikasan. Hindi rin maaaring isulong ng lokal na pamahalaan ang responsableng turismo habang hinahayaang pasanin ng mga komunidad ang mga epekto ng baluktot na pagpapatupad nito. Dahil ang Commonwealth Act No. 613 o Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, at ibang pang umiiral na batas ng bansa ay hindi nariyan bilang palamuti lamang, kundi isang paalala ng mga hangganang hindi dapat suwayin nino man.

Ang kasagutan sa problemang ito ay hindi ang pagsasara ng pinto kundi ang mas pinaigting na pagbabantay mula sa Imigrasyon pa lamang hanggang sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas na pumoprotekta sa mga mamamayan ng komunidad.

Sa huli, ang Siargao ay sakop ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas, at ang Pilipinas ay may kasarinlang mag-imbestiga at manghuli ng sinumang lalabag sa batas nito. Dahil sa ilalim ng Saligang Batas at Batas Penal, ang sinumang gagawa ng mga ilegal na gawain o anumang anomalya ay mananagot alinsunod sa itinakda ng batas, ano man ang kanyang nasyonalidad.

Mga Sanggunian:

ABS-CBN News. (2026, May 11). May-ari ng Cafe sa Siargao, binugbog. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1307327658271331
Jamandra, K. O. (2023, June 27). Exploring SIARGAO: world’s best island destination. K.O. The Explorer. https://kotheexplorer.net/2023/06/27/exploring-siargao-worlds-best-island-destination/
Musñgi, R. (2026, July 6). Israel touts AI-powered agri as it seeks wider partnership with PH | ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/7/6/israel-touts-ai-powered-agri-as-it-seeks-wider-partnership-with-ph-1114
Native Delicacies and Local Products. (n.d.). Province of Surigao Del Norte. https://surigaodelnorte.gov.ph/native-delicacies-and-local-products/
Ronquillo, A. (2026, May 15). Israeli envoy holds online dialogue with Siargao business owners. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/05/16/2528207/israeli-envoy-holds-online-dialogue-siargao-business-owners
The Lawphil Project. (n.d.). Commonwealth Act No. 613. https://lawphil.net/statutes/comacts/ca1940/ca_613_1940.html

19/08/2026

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 | 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐂𝐑 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎

Alternative learning modes for classes at all levels in public and private schools across the National Capital Region (NCR) shall be implemented on August 20, 2026, amid continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 131, schools in the NCR are directed to implement alternative learning modes and learning continuity measures, unless otherwise directed by their respective Local Chief Executives.

The measure aims to ensure the continuity of learning while prioritizing the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel amid the prevailing weather conditions.

Students, parents, teachers, and school personnel are advised to monitor official announcements from their respective schools and local authorities for specific instructions on the implementation of alternative learning modes.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/19CAzk6WGB/

19/08/2026

𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐘 | 𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐊

Sa mundong ating ginagalawan, napakarami nang sumibol na pangyayaring hindi nakatutulong upang umunlad ang ating bansa. Mas tumitindi ang pangangailangan ng tao at mas tumitindi rin ang mga pagkakataong nakararanas ng pang-aabuso ang mga hayop lalo na sa lansangan. Sa bawat sulok ng kalsada, may mga hayop na patuloy na naghahanap ng pagkain, tubig, at isang lugar na maaari nilang masilungan. Mga pusang natutulog sa gilid ng daan, mga asong naglalakad nang walang patutunguhan, at iba pang mga hayop na araw-araw na humaharap sa gutom at panganib—ngunit walang kakayahang magsalita upang sabihin kung ano ang kanilang nararamdaman. Ang tanging kaya lamang nilang gawin ay tumingin, umungol, o manahimik kapag nasasaktan at kumakalam ang kanilang tiyan.

Sa tuwing nakakakita ako ng mga ligaw na hayop sa daan, hindi ko maiwasang magtanong: 𝗦𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝘂𝗺𝘂𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻? 𝗦𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗸𝘂𝗺𝘂𝗸𝘂𝗵𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝗸𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗻? 𝗦𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗽 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗮 𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘄𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘄? 𝗔𝘁 𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝗱𝘂𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘆𝗼, 𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗸𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗹𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗻𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗴 𝗻𝗮 𝘁𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻? 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗸𝘂𝗸𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗴 𝗻𝗮 𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘆𝗼? 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗸𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗴-𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁?

Habang maraming estudyante ang natutuwa kapag walang pasok dahil sa bagyo, napapaisip ako kung ilan naman ang nag-aalala sa kalagayan ng mga taong walang masilungan—at higit sa lahat, ng mga hayop na nakatirama lamang sa lansangan.

Mas masakit isipin na bukod sa gutom, uhaw, sakit, at panganib sa kalsada, kailangan din nilang harapin ang mga taong nananakit sa kanila. Hanggang saan aabot ang kalupitan ng isang taong kayang manakit ng isang nilalang na ang tanging hinahanap lamang ay kaligtasan, pagkain, at isang pamilyang magbibigay sa kanila ng tahanan at pagmamahal?

Sapat na ang mga matang pagod upang maramdaman at marinig. Kahit hindi natin naiintindihan ang kanilang mga daing, makikita sa kanilang mga mata ang pagod, takot, at hinagpis na kanilang pinagdaraanan araw-araw sa lansangan. Ang lansangang nagsisilbi nilang tahanan ay hindi dapat maging lugar ng karagdagang panganib. Sana, balang araw, magkaroon sila ng tahanang masisilungan, pamilyang magmamahal sa kanila, at buhay na hindi na kailangang ipaglaban sa bawat araw.

𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗸𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻.

Akda at Larawan ni Regine Gomez

18/08/2026

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬

Every August 19, Quezon City remembers.

The streets do not become quieter. In fact, they may become even busier. People still rush to work, students still hurry to school, jeepneys and buses still fill the roads, and vendors still prepare for another day. But behind all the usual noise is a reason to pause: Quezon Day.

The day honors 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐳𝐨𝐧, the former president whose name has become part of the identity of the city itself. We often remember him through history books, old photographs, government buildings, and stories about his leadership and his fight for Philippine independence.

But Quezon Day can be more than simply remembering a president's birthday. It can also make us ask: 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆?

Quezon City was established in 1939, during Quezon's presidency, with the intention of making it the country's new capital. It was envisioned as a place where the government could grow alongside the Filipino people. The capital eventually returned to Manila, but Quezon City remained. Over the years, it became much more than the city originally imagined.

Today, Quezon City is one of the busiest and most diverse places in the country. From Commonwealth Avenue to Cubao, its streets are filled with people going somewhere. Students carry their bags through crowded sidewalks. Workers leave their homes before sunrise. Vendors arrange their products and wait for customers. Drivers spend hours on the road. Families go about their daily routines. Most of them probably do not think about Manuel Quezon while doing these things. And that is what makes the city interesting. His name is everywhere, but the people living here are busy creating stories of their own.

Quezon is usually remembered as a politician and a leader who believed in Philippine independence. He is also remembered for his vision of a Filipino nation that could stand on its own and have its own voice. Those are big ideas. But when we hear them today, perhaps we should ask how these ideas continue to exist beyond the pages of history. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚? 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎, 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄, 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆?

Perhaps these ideas are not as distant as they seem. Independence is not only something fought for by those whose names are written in history books. Sometimes, it can be found in the small ways people try to take control of their own lives. In the decision to continue studying despite difficulties. In leaving home every morning to work. In starting over after failure. In choosing to keep going despite not knowing exactly where the road will lead. And having a voice does not always mean standing behind a podium. Sometimes, it means being heard. It means having the freedom to ask questions, to express concerns, to tell one's story, and to imagine something better. It means recognizing that the people who make up a city are not simply part of its population; they are part of its direction.

Perhaps this is where the past meets the present. The Quezon City that Manuel Quezon imagined was built around a vision for the future. The Quezon City that exists today continues to be shaped by people who are also looking ahead. Students dream of becoming something. Workers hope their efforts will lead to a better life. Families build their futures one day at a time. People arrive in the city carrying ambitions, problems, opportunities, and stories from different places. And somehow, all of these lives become part of Quezon City. That may be the strange thing about living in a place named after someone from history. The name remains the same, but the meaning continues to change. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫.

Words by Ailene Alboleras
Layout by Jera Mae Estolatan

The QCU Times Publication

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