Likha Pahinarya

28/07/2025

| Marcos affirms neutrality in int’l relations

Amid rising regional tension and changes in international alliances, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines' long-standing foreign policy position in his 2025 State of the Nation Address.

“Then as now, our foreign policy remains the same: the Philippines is a friend to all. The Philippines is an enemy to none,” Marcos declared, signaling the country’s continued commitment to diplomacy and strategic neutrality.

The declaration was made as the nation navigates growing maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea and fortifies economic and security ties with longstanding allies like the United States.

As the Philippines gets ready to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, Marcos underlined the significance of respect for one another, non-aggression, and regional cooperation through ASEAN and multilateral channels.

Given the growing pressure on the administration over expanded defence agreements and maritime assertiveness, policy analysts view the reaffirmation as a balancing act between cooperation and sovereignty.

Report by Karylle Yvonne Leigh Morla

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28/07/2025

𝗖𝗮𝘆𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗜𝗖 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺

Jomelyn Caypuno, a 4th year BS Public Health student and current broadcaster of Likha Pahinarya, has been named the new Editor-in-Chief after obtaining the highest overall score of 80.43% in the recently concluded editorial exam.

Other candidates who posted strong scores include Karl Eron Cabaruan (80.35%), Angel Jhoshe Dumayag (80.08%), Qkhier Sapla (79.83%), and Karylle Yvonne Leigh Morla (78.46%)

The examination process was composed of two parts, which are written exam (85%) and an interview, which accounted for the remaining 15%.

The written component, held on July 23, assessed candidates in three categories—editorial writing (60%), news writing (20%), and layout design (20%). The interview was conducted the following day, July 24.

28/07/2025

| Marcos slams corruption in flood control projects: “Mahiya naman kayo sa kapwa niyo Pilipino”

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. condemned widespread corruption in flood control infrastructure following the heavy damages caused by Habagat and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong.

“Kitang-kita ko na maraming proyekto sa flood control ay palpak at gumuho. At ‘yung iba, guniguni lang,” Marcos said in his address, calling out officials and contractors allegedly profiting from ghost or substandard projects.

“Mahiya naman kayo sa kapwa niyo Pilipino,” he added, expressing outrage over public funds being pocketed while communities suffer from preventable flooding.

To address the issue, Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a complete list of flood control projects from the past three years.

This will then be reviewed by regional monitoring committees, and the list will be made public for citizen scrutiny.

Meanwhile, The President also called for an audit and performance review to determine how public funds were spent and to hold accountable those responsible for failed or nonexistent projects.

The call comes after weeks of severe flooding that displaced communities and exposed the cracks in the country’s disaster preparedness and infrastructure integrity.

Report by Qkhier M. Sapla

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28/07/2025

| Marcos orders crackdown on perpetrators behind missing sabungeros

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to pursue justice in the long-unresolved case of the missing sabungeros.

“Hahabulin at pananagutin natin ang mga utak at mga sangkot, sibilyan man o opisyal. Kahit malakas, mabigat, o mayaman, hindi sila mangi-ngibabaw sa batas,” Marcos firmly declared, promising accountability regardless of power or position.

The case dates back to 2021 and 2022, when at least 30 individuals involved in e-sabong (online cockfighting) mysteriously disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

Despite years of investigation, whistleblowers, and Senate inquiries, no high-profile convictions have been made. Families of the victims continue to demand answers and justice.

Marcos’ renewed commitment in his 2025 SONA raises pressure on law enforcement agencies to finally deliver concrete results in one of the country’s most chilling unresolved cases.

Report by Qkhier M. Sapla

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28/07/2025

| Marcos defends ₱20-per-kilo rice program amid doubts

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. responded to critics questioning the feasibility of his ₱20-per-kilo rice campaign promise.

“To those who are asking where is the ₱20 per kilo rice, here is my answer: We have proven that we can implement the ₱20 per kilo rice. Our farmers will not lose income,” Marcos declared, addressing both skeptics and supporters.

While the program has started rolling out in select areas, particularly through Kadiwa stores and localized government efforts, national data tells a more tempered story.

As of early July 2025, the average retail price of regular milled rice across the country stood at ₱41.57 per kilogram—down from ₱42.53 in late June and ₱42.74 in early June. The declining trend offers slight relief but still reflects a significant gap from the targeted ₱20 mark, raising questions about the program’s long-term sustainability and nationwide impact.

Report by Qkhier M. Sapla

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26/07/2025

BREAKING NEWS | The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially approved the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at CSU–Carig Campus starting A.Y. 2025–2026.

Enrollment starts on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Interested applicants are advised to visit the College of Nursing for requirements and enrollment procedures.

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Photo Courtesy of Cagayan State University- Carig Campus

25/07/2025

NEWS | CSU papers bag awards at ARCPP convention

Researches of the faculty members and students of the Department of Respiratory Therapy of the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) triumphed at the recently concluded national convention of the Association of Respiratory Care Practitioners Philippines (ARCPP).

Dr. Mark Kelwin Daguiao, along with CAHS Dean Dr. Julius T. Capili and Dr. Jinky Marie T. Chua, clinched 2nd Place for Best Research Paper in the Professional Category with their study titled “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Medical and Non-Medical Frontliners in the 3rd District of Cagayan on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.”

The paper delves into the respondents’ levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), with particular emphasis on their understanding of its cause, transmission, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention.

Meanwhile, the research study titled “The Silent Aftermath: Exploring the Challenges and Adaptation Strategies of Post COVID-19 Patients in Cagayan Valley,” presented by Mr. Aaron Mora and headed by Mr. Dinver Pedrosa under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer Luyun, bagged 1st Place for Best Research Paper in the Student Category.

The study explored the lived experiences of individuals who had recovered from COVID-19, with particular focus on the challenges they encountered during the post-recovery phase and how the severity of their illness shaped these difficulties.

In an interview, Pedrosa emphasized that their study deepened their understanding of post-COVID recovery by showing how the illness affects the physical, emotional, and social aspects of life.

"During the illness, they faced severe fatigue, respiratory distress, and emotional isolation. Recovery often involved long COVID symptoms such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and concentration issues," he said, referring to the effects of COVID-19 on individuals.

He also mentioned the support of their adviser, Dr. Luyun, and Research Instructor, Dr. Chua, along with the help of Professor Ma. Nancy Martinez and his co-researchers: Jessica Agurita, Mikka Alvarez, Madelyn Carag, and Zaira Contayoso. Additionally, he discussed the process of their research, mentioning some constraints they encountered.

"The completion of our study was not without its share of challenges— it demanded numerous revisions, consultations, cramming sessions, and sleepless nights just to make it to the deadline," Pedrosa shared.

The national convention, themed “Respiratory Therapists: United in Achieving a Healthier Future for Every Filipino,” was held virtually via Zoom in celebration of the 32nd National Respiratory Therapy Week.

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Article by Leanne Joyce Mendoza

25/07/2025

We are the pulse between silenced truths and spoken change.

Here’s to student journalist who scribes ink with resistance, writes with resilience, and presses forward—fearlessly. Even when some of their voices were muted and dismissed. Yet through their courage, truth finds its voice.

Happy National Campus Press Freedom Day!

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Layout by Angel Jhoshe Dumayag

24/07/2025

| The province of Cagayan is among the areas where classes and government work are suspended on Friday, July 25, as declared by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla due to the threats posed by Tropical Storm Dante and Typhoon Emong.

However, frontliners such as rescue teams and medical workers are still encouraged to continue their operations.

23/07/2025

|The province of Cagayan is among the areas included in the class and government work suspension declared by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla for Thursday, July 24, due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and the threats posed by Tropical Storms Dante and Emong.

Among the areas affected by the suspension are the following provinces: Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quezon Province, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Sorsogon, Romblon, Masbate, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Antique, Iloilo, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, and Apayao.

Residents are advised to stay updated through official government channels and to take necessary precautions during the adverse weather conditions.

This list is part of the ongoing official advisory from DILG Philippines.

21/07/2025

‼️ LAST DAY OF APPLICATION: CALL FOR STAFFERS AND EDITORS!

Likha Pahinarya is in need of aspiring staffers and editors who will complete the editorial board and staff next academic year! If you think you have what it takes to be an editor of our student publication, apply now and be one of us!

Available positions:

- News Writer
- Feature Writer
- Literary Writer
- Opinion Writer
- DevCom Writer
- Sports Writer
- Graphics and Layout Artist
- Illustrator
- Animator
- Photojournalist
- Video journalist
- Broadcaster

Interested applicants may fill out the application form here: tinyurl.com/JoinLikhaPahinarya

Deadline of application ends on July 21st.

For inquiries, follow our social media accounts, or message us directly through our Managing Editor Qkhier M. Sapla at [email protected] or 0919-465-1230.

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Layout by Dave Guillermo

CALL FOR STAFFERS AND EDITORS!

Likha Pahinarya is in need of aspiring staffers and editors who will complete the editorial board and staff next academic year! If you think you have what it takes to be an editor of our student publication, apply now and be one of us!

Available positions:

- News Writer
- Feature Writer
- Literary Writer
- Opinion Writer
- DevCom Writer
- Sports Writer
- Graphics and Layout Artist
- Illustrator
- Animator
- Photojournalist
- Video journalist
- Broadcaster

Interested applicants may fill out the application form here: tinyurl.com/JoinLikhaPahinarya

Deadline of application ends on July 21st.

For inquiries, follow our social media accounts, or message us directly through our Managing Editor Qkhier M. Sapla at [email protected] or 0919-465-1230.

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Layout by Dave Guillermo