The Island Fisher (2025)

16/07/2025

𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒆 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒂, 𝒂 𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒚 16, 1873 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒍, 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒍𝒂

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆, July 16, 1873, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗮 was born in San Miguel, Manila. She was a pioneering educator and co-founder of Centro Escolar University (CEU). After earning her credentials, she partnered with Librada Avelino to establish schools, laying the foundation for modern Philippine education.

De Luna served as the assistant director of the 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐧̃𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬, later called CEU, from 1907 to 1934. She led the university until her death in 1962. Her contributions to education and her dedication to empowering women have left an indelible mark on Philippine history.

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Layout by: Regie Arenas, Head Layout Artist | The Island Fisher

Reference: Carmen de Luna, a pioneer in Philippine education was born on July 16, 1873 in San Miguel, Manila. (2024, September 26). The Kahimyang Project.
https://kahimyang.com/articles/3001/carmen-de-luna-a-pioneer-in-philippine-education-was-born-on-july-16-1873-in-san-miguel-manila

15/07/2025

Today, as we observe 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆✨. This simple yet powerful scene reminds us that generosity comes in many forms—a shared book, a warm shirt, a beloved toy. But beyond the things we can hold, the most meaningful gifts are often unseen. A kind smile, a helping hand, or the gift of forgiveness can touch hearts just as deeply. Today, let’s not only give freely from what we have but also from who we are. Because every act of giving, no matter how small, has the power to bring hope, healing, and connection to others.💛

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Illustration by: Jasper M. Elorcha, Cartoonist | The Island Fisher

13/07/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗡 | 𝗢𝗸𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗮'𝘁𝗼: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲

“Okay na'to.” At first, it sounds like laziness. A throwaway phrase that echo through hallways, group chats, and crammed notebooks. For many students, it is not a careless phrase. It is a shield. A quiet way of saying, “I am tired, but I still showed up.”

Across campuses, the signs are everywhere. Assignments are submitted just to avoid a zero. Org work is left unfinished. The energy is not gone because students are lazy. It is because they are tired. This quiet retreat from effort is not rebellion. It is survival. This is quiet quitting, student edition.

The phrase “okay na'to” may have gained popularity online, often used as a joke. But behind the humor is a shared exhaustion many students feel. It reflects a mindset of doing just enough—not out of apathy, but because so much else feels overwhelming. With deadlines piling up and support systems stretched thin, many are simply trying to stay afloat. They are not trying to fail. They are trying not to collapse.

Still, we should pause. Not every student who chooses the bare minimum is completely burned out. Sometimes, “okay na'to” becomes a habit of comfort. A way to stop trying even when there is more to give. Students must also reflect and ask: Am I protecting my peace, or avoiding discomfort?

Even that question leads back to a deeper truth. Quiet quitting does not happen overnight. It builds up when effort goes unnoticed, when learning feels mechanical, and when students are treated like numbers instead of individuals. Many stop going the extra mile not because they lack potential, but because they feel it no longer matters.

This is not laziness. This is resignation. And it should concern us.

If we want students to care again, schools must care first. Not just when they win awards or top the class, but when they are silently struggling. Real support means checking in before the burnout. It means making school a space where students feel seen, not just measured.

Because “okay na'to” is not the enemy. It is the symptom.

And if we continue to ignore that symptom, we risk losing more than just academic performance. We risk losing the students themselves.

They deserve more than survival. They deserve to belong in a system that believes in them—even on the days they no longer believe in themselves.

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| Written by: Bea Baguion, Column Editor
| Illustration by: Jan Jacob Garrido, Cartoonist
| Layout by: Regie Arenas, Head Layout Artist

13/07/2025

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈 | 𝗖𝗧𝗨-𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼 𝗡𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗖 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗦𝟯 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The 566th Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Affiliated Unit (NROTCAU) of Cebu Technological University – San Francisco Campus proudly completed the Military Science 3 (MS3) Summer Camp Training 2025, held from June 21 to July 5 at CTU Carmen Campus, Cebu.

A total of 16 cadets — 12 Midshipmen and 4 Midshipwomen — successfully endured the rigorous two-week training under Batch SANLAHIB Class of 2025. The program tested their mental, emotional, and physical strength, all of which they overcame through unity, discipline, and resilience.

Among the 16 graduates, 4 cadets were from the Quota category:

1. Joshua P. Benabaye
2. Cliff Victor G. Formentera
3. Hyle Mouren S. Maratas
4. Benjie Anthony C. Muaña

The remaining 12 cadets under the Signify category included:

1. Andro G. Villamor
2. Rael M. Andrade
3. Aldwinser Jr. A. Maurillo
4. Ezekiel M. Escorido
5. Lorenz N. Lucernas
6. Dave I. Latonio
7. Jelter Jr. L. Formentera
8. Zailin L. Maypa
9. Regine N. Nudalo
10. Lera P. Donaire
11. Mechiel P. Narte
12. Jade Ian N. Wenceslao

Their successful completion of the MS3 camp not only marks a significant milestone in their ROTC journey but also reflects their readiness to take on greater responsibilities in service to the nation.

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| via Anicka Fabroa
| Photos courtesy by Regine Nudalo
| Layout by Regie Arenas

07/07/2025

𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 | 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗱: 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

"𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵." - 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢

Global Forgiveness Day, celebrated every July 7, is a profound annual reminder to let go and forgive ourselves and others, to extend humility and compassion, and spread healing in communities. Founded in 1994 by the Christian Embassy of Christ's Ambassadors in Canada, it has since evolved into a worldwide celebration of inspiring forgiveness and compassion.

But why forgive? Forgiving someone you value who has wronged you is difficult. Forgiving yourself for not doing what you're supposed to and missing an opportunity is tough. Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's the path to a life of peace. Choosing to forgive is a strength, and the most courageous thing you can do for yourself is to forgive yourself and others.

Holding onto resentment drains you emotionally and physically, affecting relationships, friendships, and communities. It holds you back from living the life you deserve. Forgiveness isn't just about forgiving; it's about freeing ourselves from bo***ge and allowing ourselves to heal.

So, today, on Global Forgiveness Day, choose to forgive. By choosing forgiveness, we lighten the weight we carry, making space for growth, connection, and peace. Forgiveness isn't about forgetting what was done but acknowledging our power to move forward without past restraints.

Today, I encourage you to release yourselves from the shackles of unforgiveness and allow space for healing. Choose to forgive.

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Written by: Bernice Mae Vanzant, Column Writer | The Island Fisher
Cartoon by: Christian Ray Martinez, Cartoonist | The Island Fisher

07/07/2025

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒓. 𝑱𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄; 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆, July 7, 1892, Governor-General Eulogio Despujol made public the order of the deportation of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 to Dapitan, through a decree published in the Gaceta, to a remote town in Zamboanga.

Rizal lived in exile in far-away Dapitan from 1892 to 1896. Under the missionary jurisdiction of the Jesuits, he practiced medicine, pursued scientific studies, continued his artistic and literary works, widened his knowledge of languages, established a school for boys, promoted community development projects, invented a wooden machine for making bricks, and engaged in farming and commerce.

Meanwhile, on this day in Tondo, Manila, a group of Filipino patriots, led by Andres Bonifacio, Teodoro Plata, Ladislao Diwa, and Deodato Arellano, among others, formally founded the 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙣 (𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙖𝙨-𝙩𝙖𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙜, 𝙆𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜-𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙜á 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙠 𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣), an anti-Spanish society to gain Philippine independence.

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Layout by: Regie Arenas, Head Layout Artist | The Island Fisher

Reference: Today in Philippine History, July 7, 1892, the deportation of Dr. Jose Rizal to Dapitan was made public; the Katipunan was founded. (2012, July 6). The Kahimyang Project.
https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1220/today-in-philippine-history-july-7-1892-the-deportation-of-dr-jose-rizal-to-dapitan-was-made-public-the-katipunan-was-founded

06/07/2025

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | 𝗢𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

On the seventh day of July,
We pause, we breathe, we ask why.
Not for fireworks in the sky,
But for hearts to heal, and pain to pass by.

Forgiveness isn’t always fast,
Some wounds run deep, and hurts can last.
But still we try, we take that step,
Not to forget, but to accept.

We hold on tight to things once said,
To moments when our hearts have bled.
Yet in our hands we hold a key,
To set us and the other free.

It’s not about who’s right or wrong,
But learning how to move along.
To speak the words we never could,
To say "I’m sorry," when we should.

Forgiveness isn’t weak or small,
It’s one of life’s most precious calls.
It doesn’t mean we always mend,
But it’s a place where peace can begin.

So on this day, take time to see,
Who needs your grace to be set free?
And if your heart is weighed by sin,
Forgive yourself, begin again.

For in this act so pure, so true,
The one it heals the most — is you.

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Written by: Bhea Amor Elorde, Literary Writer | The Island Fisher
Layout by: Kristine Maria Palconit, Layout Artist | The Island Fisher

04/07/2025

𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆, July 4, 1946, the 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 — an agreement between the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines to formally recognize Philippine independence.

The treaty was signed by Ambassador Paul V. McNutt, U.S. Ambassador, and President Manuel Roxas representing the Philippines. It was accompanied by a "𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏".

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Layout by: Regie Arenas, Head Layout Artist | The Island Fisher

Reference: Today in Philippine History, July 4, 1946, the Treaty of Manila was signed. (2013, July 3). The Kahimyang Project. https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1583/today-in-philippine-history-july-4-1946-the-treaty-of-manila-was-signed

03/07/2025

𝑫𝒓. 𝑱𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒂 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒂

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆, July 3, 1892, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 founded and inaugurated the La Liga Filipina at house No. 176 Ilaya St., Tondo. It was formed not for independence, but for mutual aid and protection of its members, and the fostering of a more united spirit among Filipinos. Its constitution declared the ends, form, duties of members and officials, rights of members and officials, the investment of funds, and general rules. This foundational organization served as a stepping stone for future Filipino movements toward independence. In 1903, a monument was erected to commemorate Rizal and the Liga’s founders, honoring their patriotism and vision for the Philippines.

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Layout by: Regie Arenas, Head Layout Artist | The Island Fisher

Reference: Today in Philippine history, July 3, 1892, Dr. Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina. (2011, November 😎. The Kahimyang Project. https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/735/today-in-philippine-history-july-3-1892-dr-jose-rizal-founded-the-la-liga-filipina

02/07/2025

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗨𝗙𝗢 𝗗𝗮𝘆🌍🛸

Did you know June 2 is World UFO Day, and in 1947, two events popularized the term UFO — an aerial object or optical phenomenon not readily identifiable to the observer?🔭✨

Pilot Kenneth Arnold's Sighting, where he was reported seeing nine fast-moving, glowing objects flying in a “V” formation near Mount Rainier, Washington; and Roswell Incident that became a conspiracy theory that involved UFO and the possible extraterrestrial life because of the recovered debris that crashed in Roswell, Mexico. These two historical events have ignited people to believe and spark curiosity about UFOs and aliens.🛸👽

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Written by: Aimae Luchavez, SciTech Writer | The Island Fisher
Layout by: Wina Y. Nagsuban, Layout Artist | The Island Fisher

Sources:
Unidentified Flying Objects
https://www.britannica.com/topic/unidentified-flying-object
Kenneth Arnold
https://www.history.com/articles/kenneth-arnold
Roswell Incident
https://www.britannica.com/event/Roswell-incident

02/07/2025

𝑺𝒂𝒏 𝑱𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒐 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆, July 2, 1973, the 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲—one of the longest bridges in the Philippines, spanning 2.16-kilometers that connects the islands of Samar and Leyte in the Visayas—was inaugurated.

The San Juanico Bridge is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway (also known as the Maharlika Highway). Built under the Marcos administration, the $21.9 million project was completed in four years by the PNCC with the help of Japanese engineers.

Its main span is of an 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵-𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 and consists of 43 spans. Medium-sized boats can pass beneath its large main arch, the top of which rises 41 meters above the sea. The bridge 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 in the country.

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Layout by: Regie Arenas, Head Layout Artist | The Island Fisher

Reference: Today in Philippine History, July 2, 1973, San Juanico Bridge was inaugurated. (2012, July 1). The Kahimyang Project. https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1212/today-in-philippine-history-july-2-1973-san-juanico-bridge-was-inaugurated

01/07/2025

Here comes July!
July arrives like a whispered promise — warm, wild, and full of unwritten stories.
It invites us to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to embrace the days as they come soft, golden, and full of meaning.

𝐴𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ 𝑢𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑠, 𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒.
𝑆𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡’𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ,
𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑒.

Together, let us welcome a month full of promise, light, and purpose. ⭐🪙🎗️

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