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The CSU Promethean, Tuguegarao City (2026)

05/06/2026

| NO LABELS, JUST LEGENDS

They need no labels. They are named legends.

Every medal tells a story. For some athletes, however, the road to success demanded more than training, sacrifice, and talent, it required the courage to compete in a world that often questioned who they were. While sports are meant to celebrate ability and determination, many LGBTQ+ athletes have faced challenges beyond the game itself. Yet despite these obstacles, they continued to compete, inspire, and prove that greatness is never defined by identity.
‎June is recognized around the world as Pride Month, a time to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in different fields. In sports, this celebration carries a deeper meaning. For decades many athletes faced barriers not because of their talent, but because of who they were. Despite these challenges, some rose above prejudice and proved that excellence knows no gender identity or sexual orientation.
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Breaking Through
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‎One of the most respected LGBTQ+ figures in Philippine volleyball is Dzi Gervacio. Throughout her career, she earned recognition not only for her skills on the court but also for her confidence in embracing who she is. Her presence in Philippine sports helped show that athletes can succeed while remaining true to themselves.
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‎In esports, Jonmar "OmyV33nus" Villaluna has become one of the most recognizable names in competitive gaming. As a champion support player in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, he has proven that leadership, intelligence, and dedication matter far more than stereotypes. By openly expressing himself, OmyV33nus has inspired many young gamers to pursue their passion without fear of judgment.
‎These athletes succeeded because of their skill, dedication, and hard work. Their identities did not define their ability to compete. Instead, they proved that excellence comes from commitment to the sport and the willingness to push beyond limitations.
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Changing the Game

The influence of LGBTQ+ athletes extends far beyond victories and championships. Their visibility has helped encourage more inclusive environments in sports, where athletes are increasingly valued for their talent and character rather than their identity.
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‎For young athletes, seeing successful LGBTQ+ role models provides confidence and reassurance. Their stories send a powerful message that sports should be a space where everyone has the opportunity to compete, grow, and belong.
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‎As representation continues to increase, more athletes feel empowered to focus on their performance rather than hiding who they are. This progress strengthens the belief that sports are at their best when respect and equality are part of the game.
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Icons of Inclusion
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‎Some athletes are remembered not only for what they achieved in competition but also for the barriers they helped break. Their success proved that being part of the LGBTQ+ community is not a limitation but another part of the story that makes them inspiring.
Tom Daley is one of the most recognized LGBTQ+ athletes in the world. A multiple-time Olympic medalist and world champion diver, Daley became a symbol of inclusion by openly sharing his journey while continuing to compete at the highest level of his sport. His success helped encourage greater acceptance within the athletic community.
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‎In football, Megan Rapinoe built a legacy through both her performances and leadership. As a World Cup champion and Olympic medalist, she used her platform to advocate for equality and inclusion, showing that athletes can create an impact both on and off the field.
Another trailblazer is Caster Semenya, whose achievements in middle-distance running made her one of the most dominant athletes of her generation. Despite facing intense scrutiny throughout her career, she remained determined and resilient, becoming a symbol of strength for many athletes around the world.

‎Their achievements continue to inspire future generations of athletes who dream of reaching the highest levels of competition. More importantly, they demonstrate that sports can serve as a platform for understanding and acceptance.
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‎Beyond the Scoreboard

The influence of LGBTQ+ athletes extends far beyond medals, records, and championships. Through their courage and determination, they have shown that being different is never a barrier to success. Their presence in sports has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence and pride.
As Pride Month is celebrated, their stories remind us that greatness is measured not by identity but by passion, hard work, and character. Beyond the scoreboard, their legacy lives on in every athlete who dares to be themselves and compete without fear, proving that true champions change not only the game but also the lives of those who follow them.

Society may label them as someone different but their greatness and legacy continues to live far beyond labels - LEGENDS.

Gliver Den Magulod | The CSU Promethean
Layout by Angelica Sorita

04/06/2026

| Magiging abot-kamay pa kaya ang reseta?

“Awan sirbi iti kinalaing nu saksakidol ka met, anak ko,” (Walang silbi ang talino mo kung sakitin ka naman anak) ang mga katagang iyan ang madalas na bukambibig ni Lola Gloria S. Yanos sa kanyang apo tuwing nakikitang nagpupuyat ito. Si Lola Glo ay lubos na naniniwalang ang kalusugan ay kayamanan, dahil para sa kanya, sa kalusugan nakasalalay ang kakayahan ng isang tao para maayos na maisagawa ang mga bagay-bagay. Dagdag pa rito, ang kalusugan ay itinuturing niyang parehong biyaya at sumpa—biyaya kapag ikaw ay malusog, at sumpa naman kapag ikaw ay may dinaramdam.

Sa kasalukuyang estado ng Pilipinas, kung saan nagtataasan ang presyo ng mga bilihin, mas pinabibigat pa ng mataas na presyo ng gamot ang sumpang dala-dala ng sakit. Pumapatong pa rito ang 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) na lalong humahadlang sa biyayang pag-angat ng kalidad ng buhay ng mga mamamayang Pilipino.

Ngunit, nito lamang Lunes, unang araw ng Hunyo, iniulat ng Philippine Daily Inquirer na isinulong nina ACT Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago at Kabataan Rep. Renee Co ang House Bill No. 9564 na naglalayong patawan ng eksempsiyon sa VAT ang mga pangunahing gamot o medisina, pati na rin ang mga piling masustansyang pagkain, kabilang ang mga produktong may micronutrients o ang mga ibinebenta para lamang matugunan ang pangangailangan sa pagkain ng mga taong may problema sa pagtunaw, malnutrisyon, labis na katabaan, sakit sa bato, diabetes, mataas na presyon ng dugo, at kanser.

Para sa mga Pilipino kabilang na si Lola, malaking biyaya kung tatanggalin ang VAT na pataw sa mga gamot lalo pa at sa edad niyang pitumpu’t walo ay marami na siyang iniindang sumpa ng sakit na kinakailangan ng maintenance na gamot upang mas mapahaba at mai-angat pa ang kalidad ng kanyang buhay. Kaya naman nag-iiwan ito ng masakit na tanong kay Lola Glo—magiging abot-kamay pa kaya ang reseta?

Reseta mula sa Kongreso

Nagmistulang doktor ang Makabayan Bloc na nagreseta ng gamot sa kanyang pasyente—ang taumbayan katulad ni Lola Glo—matapos ihain ang nasabing panukalang batas. Dalawang mahalagang panukalang batas o ‘reseta’ ang inihain ng grupo ng mambabatas. Una, ang panukalang batas na tiyaking hindi bababa sa limang porsyento (5%) ng Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ang ilalaang badyet sa sektor ng kalusugan. Pangalawa, ang pagtanggal sa labindalawang porsyento (12%) ng VAT na nakapataw sa mga mahahalagang gamot o medisina, kabilang na rin ang pagkain at iba pang nutritional products.

Batay sa depinisyon ng International Monetary Fund, ang GDP ay tumutukoy sa kabuuang halaga ng lahat ng produkto at serbisyong ginawa sa loob ng bansa sa isang partikular na panahon (karaniwang isang taon o isang kwarter). Sa madaling salita, nagsisilbi itong scorecard ng kalusugan ng ekonomiya at basehan kung gaano kalaki o kabilis ang paglago nito.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang badyet ng Department of Health (DOH) ay nasa P448B lamang na may katumbas na 1.45% ng kabuuan ng GDP. “Napakalayo po dun sa international standard na hinahabol natin. Kung sa education, dapat six [porsyento] Sa health, dapat ‘di bababa sa 5% of GDP,” giit ni ACT Teacher’s Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio. Samantala, alinsunod naman sa pamantayan ng World Health Organization (WHO), dapat hindi bababa sa limang porsyento (5%) ng GDP ang nakalaang badyet para sa sektor ng kalusugan.

Ngunit sa kabila ng Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) Policy na programa ng DOH at PhilHealth, marami pa ring Pilipino ang sapilitang pinapasakit ang bulsa ng sumpa ng bayarin sa mga gamot, medical devices, at iba pang gastusin ukol sa kalusugan. Isang halimbawa na lamang si Lola Glo na napipilitang maglabas ng pera upang bumili ng kanyang gamot pang-maintenace para sa altapresyon, vitamins, at eye drops.

Kasabay nito, binigyang diin din ni Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago na pahanon na para ibasura ang VAT sa essential drugs and medicines, maging sa nutritional food and drinks. Malaking ginhawa ang ‘reseta’ ng mga mambabatas para sa katulad ni Lola Glo na mapagaan ang buwanang gastos niya sa pagbili ng mga kinakailangan niyang gamot.

Lunas sa Sakit ng Bulsa

“Ayna ket kasla maagasan ti sakit ti bulsak ah nu mas bumababa pay iti presyo iti ag-agas ko,” (Ay parang malulunasan ang sakit ng bulsa ko kapag mas bababa pa ang bayarin ko sa mga gamot ko) pahayag ni Lola matapos malaman ang tungkol sa animo’y ‘reseta’ ng mga mambabatas sa tulad niyang mamamayang Pilipino. Aniya, tila magsisilbing lunas daw sa sakit ng bulsa ang panukalang pagtanggal sa VAT pati na rin ang pagdaragdag ng badyet sa sangay ng kalusugan.

Humigit kumulang dalawang libong piso ang karaniwang nagagastos ni Lola Glo para sa kanyang mga gamot, hindi pa kasali rito ang gastusin para sa kanyang pagkain at iba pang pang-araw-araw na kailangan. Kung tutuusin ay mabigat na ito para sa isang senior citizen na umaasa sa kakarampot na pension buwan-buwan. Ang gastusin niya para sa gamot ay isa sa mga pangunahing dahilan upang magkasakit siya sa bulsa.

Ang karagdagang limang porsyento (5%) sa badyet ng sangay ng kalusugan ay magpapataas ng kasalukuyang badyet mula sa P448B hanggang sa tinatayang nasa P1.3 Trillion, ayon kay Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co. “So ang hinihingi po natin is 5% ng gross domestic product. So katumbas po siya ng P1.3 trillion. So medyo malaki po siyang amount, pero I think deserve naman ng ating mamamayan,” hirit pa ng nasabing kongresista. Dagdag pa rito, kung susuriin sa ilalim ng House Bill No. 9564, malaking bawas-pasanin ang idudulot ng tuluyang pagbura sa 12% VAT. Sa dalawang libong pisong buwanang gastos ni Lola Glo sa gamot, humigit-kumulang ₱214.29 ang napupunta lamang sa buwis. Kung maaalis ang VAT, bababa sa ₱1,785.71 ang kanyang babayaran.

Ang natipid na mahigit dalawandaang piso ay hindi kakarampot para sa isang nakatatanda; katumbas na ito ng ilang araw na suplay ng bigas, karagdagang ulam, o kaya naman ay pambili ng iba pang nutritional products na kailangan ng kanyang katawan. Dito mapatutunayan na ang pagtanggal sa VAT at paglaan ng mas mataas na badyet ay isang literal na lunas na magpapaginhawa sa sakit na nararamdaman ng bulsa ni lola maging ng iba pang Pilipino.

“Ang kalusugan ay kayamanan,” matagal nang pinanghahawakan ni Lola Glo ang kasabihang iyan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong ng ‘reseta’ o mas kilala sa House Bill No. 9564 ng mga animo’y doktor—ang mga kongresista, nakahihinga nang maluwag si Lola Glo sa kadahilanang may inaasahan siyang may magiging lunas sa buwanang sakit ng kanyang bulsa.

Tulad ng mga kongresista, naniniwala si Lola Glo na ang kalusugan ay hindi dapat isang marangyang pribilehiyo bagkus karapatan na ‘deserve’ ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino. Dagdag pa niya, nararapat lamang na ibigay sa taumbayan ang ‘reseta’ upang malunasan ang talamak na sumpang dala-dala ng sakit.
Umaasa si Lola na ang nasabing panukala ang magsisilbing biyaya para sa katulad niyang patuloy na pinahihirapan ng sumpang kaakibat ng pagkakasakit. Upang sa susunod na mahuli niyang nagpupuyat ang kanyang apo, hindi siya mangangambang ang sakitin ay walang karapatang mabuhay nang de-kalidad at marangal.

Marami pang pagdadaanan ang ‘reseta’ bago matamasa ng mga katulad ni Lola ang biyayang kalakip nito. Ngunit si Lola Glo ay positibo na ang ilang pahinang resetang ito ang siyang gagamot sa matagal nang nararamdamang sakit ng kanyang bulsa. Ang reseta mula sa Kongreso ay magsisilbing lunas para sa bulsa ng milyon-milyong Pilipinong katulad ni Lola Glo na hirap paangatin ang kalidad ng buhay.

Lulunasan ng reseta mula sa Kongreso ang sumpa na dala-dala ng masakit na tanong ni Lola Glo at ng milyon-milyong Pilipino—magiging abot-kamay ang reseta.

Layout by Ron Jet Pacis
Katrina Cassandra Yanos | The CSU Promethean

03/06/2026

| Kulang ba kung bakla lang?

May kakaibang ingay ang bahay ni Tita Myrna nang gabing iyon. Parang piyesta, kumikinang ang mga alahas, salu-salo ang chismis, at sa gitna ng lahat, naroon si Carla, ang pinsan kong bituin. Arkitekto, may sariling kompanya, at nakapagpatayo na ng dalawang gusali sa Makati. Siya ang laging tinuturo ng mga tiyahin: "Buti pa si Carla, kahit bakla, ang taas ng narating!" Ako naman? Nakatunganga sa isang tabi, isang hamak na call-center agent na ang tanging kayamanan ay ang koleksyon ng mga lip tint at walang-kupas na paniniwala kay Mama Mary.

Buong gabi, pinanood ko siyang magpatawa, sumayaw ng "Money" ni Lisa, at magkuwento ng kanyang latest project. Ang bawat halakhak niya ay tila rehearsed, perpekto ang timing.

Naalala ko tuloy noong bata pa kami. Kapag nabibisto ang kilos naming pambabae, laging may sumisigaw sa akin ng "Ahh, bakla, bakla, bakla!", paulit-ulit, parang martilyong pumukpok sa pagkatao ko. Si Carla naman, sisigaw ng "P't*ng-ina, lalaki ako!" habang ako, umiiyak lang sa sulok. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit lumaki akong pakiramdam ko'y laging kapos, laging kailangang humingi ng paumanhin para sa sarili kong pagkatao. Kaya siguro siya naging ganoon, bumawi sa mundo; ako naman, natutong manliit at magtago.

Nang magkasalubong kami sa balkonahe habang nagyoyosi siya, tahimik ang paligid, malayo sa ilaw ng party. "Ang saya mo," sabi ko, may bahid na inggit. Huminga siya nang malalim, itinapon ang yosi, at saka tumingin sa akin. "Alam mo, ikaw lang talaga ang kinaiinggitan ko," aniya, mabagal, at doon huminto ang mundo ko.
"Ano?" tanong ko, napaatras. Si Carla, ang reyna ng banquet, nainggit sa hampaslupang tulad ko?

"Oo, ikaw," ulit niya, nangingilid ang luha. "Lahat ng ito, ang negosyo, ang awards, ang palakpakan, pinatunayan ko lang na kahit bakla ako, kaya kong pantayan ang sinumang lalaki. Kailangan kong maging pinakamagaling, pinakamatalino, pinakanakatatawa, kasi 'yun lang ang paraan para matawag na 'disente.' 'Yung halakhak ko? Bayad 'yon. Pagod na pagod na ako, pero ikaw? Masaya ka lang. Hindi ka naghahabol ng titulo para mabura ang bahid ng pagiging bakla. Nabubuhay ka lang nang buo."

Hindi ako nakasagot. Buong buhay ko, akala ko ako ang talunan. Hindi ako nakatapos ng kolehiyo, hindi ako na-promote, hindi ako naging role model ng kahit sino. Pero sa sandaling 'yon, sa malamlam na ilaw ng balkonahe, napagtanto ko. Hindi pala akin ang pagkukulang. Sa lipunang humihingi ng sobra-sobra bilang kabayaran sa ating pagkatao, ang simpleng pag-iral ay isang tahimik na rebolusyon.

Kaya sa mga baklang kagaya ko, na laging sinasabing "sapat na sana," totoo 'yon. Hindi kailangang maging alamat. Ang magmahal nang walang pasubali sa sarili, kahit walang medalya, ay sapat ng pagwawagi. Ang pagiging bakla ay hindi utang na dapat bayaran ng kahusayan. Ito ay biyayang kayang-kayang saluhin ng pusong marunong tumanggap sa sarili.

Minsan, ang pinakamatapang na pagtindig ay ang sabihing, "Okay lang maging bakla na bakla lang. Walang palamuti, walang pagbabawi." At doon, tahimik man, buo ka. Isang buntong hiningang "Ahh, bakla, bakla, bakla," sa wakas, walang kaba.

Words by Axiom j
Art by Gio Maramag

03/06/2026

COLUMN | Presiding, Yet Nothing Served

The Senate’s misplaced priorities prolong the denial of liberty, dignity, and basic rights owed to Filipinos.

In principle, the Senate ought to be a place where things are said seriously—not without pleasure, not without joy. In practice, what was meant to be a hall of deliberation has, too often, become a stage for performance.

During the plenary session held on May 26, Imee Marcos presented a video containing allegations against the minority bloc. Beyond being seen as a politically driven maneuver rather than an act carried out in the public’s interest, it revealed something far more troubling: how easily the sacred halls of governance can be infiltrated by misinformation. She presented the video publicly despite the absence of concrete evidence, even though her visibility as a senator could shape public perception.

It is not as though they are unaware of the consequences of fake information in this country and releasing a video devoid of substantive evidence to support the assertions made only seeks to worsen the long-standing problem. What follows from the use of unverified claims inside an institution like the Senate includes redirected attention, manufactured outrage, and the shaping of public perception regarding what deserves scrutiny and what should fade quietly in the background.

Among the many claims she advanced was the accusation that the minority bloc was attempting to obstruct Sara Duterte’s presidential bid while paving the way for a charter change that could prolong the tenure of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. Kiko Pangilinan directly challenged this narrative, pointing out that the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes during his tenure as Chairperson never even conducted hearings on Charter change. The absence of such proceedings, in itself, undermines the credibility of the accusation.

It seems that those in power possess the privilege of naming and framing events, constructing narratives that obscure what is actually unfolding. Imee Marcos claimed that these controversies were attempts by the minority bloc to divert public attention from what truly matters—a bold assertion from someone who lacks substantiation to support it.

The senator’s claims contained in the video presentation—no matter how strongly they are framed as truth—should be treated for what they truly are: misinformation that could inflame tensions and further divide the Senate.

How did we arrive at a point where facts are treated with suspicion, yet unverified narratives are freely paraded as truth?

For instance, when Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa ran toward the Senate after being served a warrant of arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crime against humanity, his innocence was upheld and presumed until proven otherwise. Yet when the video was presented, the members of the minority bloc were immediately treated as already guilty, as if the presumption of innocence were suddenly suspended and proof of the contrary conveniently postponed. A valid arrest warrant can be barred from entering the Senate, while misinformation slips effortlessly through its halls.

Although the video was eventually struck off the record after the Senate minority bloc won its bid–denouncing it as untrue and a “propaganda tool”, the majority bloc has once again triggered controversy after Senator Rodante Marcoleta proposed amending the Senate Rules to allow Senators to participate in sessions online and to allow them to vote offsite through electronic platforms.

While this measure may have been framed as a necessity to maintain continuity in governance, the timing is difficult to ignore.

Senator Bato is evading the implementation of his arrest warrant, Joel Villanueva is expected to face arrest warrant for plunder case, while Jinggoy Estrada recently surrendered for the same charges. The proposed amendment seemingly favors those who could possibly face incarceration, enabling them to vote despite their circumstances—a sentiment that was also shared by Senator Erwin Tulfo during his speech to counter Marcoleta’s proposal.

The mechanism used to push for the said amendment only made the motive questionable as the majority even went as far as violating Senate Rules by limiting the minority bloc’s right to debate, as the measure was rushed through by what the minority described as the “tyranny of the majority”, prompting them to walk out mid-session, forcing it to adjourn due to the lack of quorum.

Their antics did not stop there. Following Estrada’s arrest, members of the majority bloc intentionally missed two consecutive plenary sessions to protest what Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano referred to as a “puppet Senate”. While the move was widely viewed as a way to support their arrested colleague, it also resulted in the absence of quorum–causing the Senate to once again be unable to conduct business, leaving several public concerns unresolved.

Following Estrada’s arrest, members of the Majority bloc failed to attend two consecutive plenary sessions. While the move was widely viewed as a disapproval of their colleague’s arrest, it also resulted in the absence of a quorum, leaving the minority bloc unable to proceed with legislative deliberations and several matters of public concern unresolved.

If these are done without any care on how the general public will be affected, it is enough to question and scrutinize what transpires and takes place behind every closed door.

In the course of this disruption, we are again caught in a crisis of public integrity, compelled to bear the consequences of crimes we never committed. They can afford chaos and delay because the cost is never truly theirs to bear. For ordinary Filipinos, life moves with relentless urgency: fuel prices rise, the peso weakens, energy insecurity worsens, agricultural livelihoods deteriorate, and jobs remain elusive. Amidst the unnecessary ruckus in the Upper House, systemic problems remain unattended.

In response to this chaos, our impulse must not be submission, but refusal: to deny them the spectacle they demand of us–perfect victimhood, perfect surrender–instead take a principled stance and walk out, much like what the minority bloc has done. Equally important is the role of the academe in combating misinformation and disinformation alike. It is essential that we urge the education sector to strengthen subjects or courses related to literacy and discernment. This will allow the general public to identify which information to trust and which to reject.

We certainly can and should refuse indignity as a state of being, refuse to shrink ourselves and our aspirations, refuse to be silenced or shouted over, and refuse to indulge the delusions of these kinds of leaders. Such bravery is asked of us now–not when the damage has already been done, and not when the word “resistance” has lost its meaning.

If these are the values allowed to govern the Senate, then governance becomes less about public service and more about self-serving motives. A government that tolerates lies, rewards disorder, and prioritizes power over public welfare ceases to serve its people meaningfully. The greater danger, however, lies not only in these failures themselves, but in our growing willingness to accept them as normal.

solace | Honey Kate Talay

03/06/2026

BREAKING | SENATE BREAKS 2-DAY QUORUM SLUMP, GATCHALIAN TAKES PRO TEMPORE POST

The Senate formed a quorum today to resume its regular session, electing Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as the new Senate President Pro Tempore immediately after former Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero appeared at the plenary.

The session's resumption broke the two-day consecutive boycott by the majority bloc, which had previously paralyzed legislative proceedings.
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Editor's note: An earlier report said Alan Peter Cayetano had been ousted as Senate President after all chamber positions were declared vacant. Although, Sen. Erwin Tulfo clarified that a 12-member qourum was not enough to elect a new Senate President. We deeply apologize for the error.

John Mark Quilang | The CSU Promethean

02/06/2026

| Bakasyon o Baka Sakali?

May mga umagang ang alas-singko ay hindi lamang oras. Ito ay hudyat ng paggising, ng pagbangon, at ng pagsisimula ng araw na may kaakibat na tungkulin. Sa loob ng sampung buwan, ito ang haplos ng obligasyon: unibersidad, trabaho, paghabol sa dalawampu’t apat na oras na tila laging kulang.

Subalit sa pagsapit ng Marso hanggang Mayo, nagbabago ang daplis ng oras na ito. Ang parehong alas-singko na dati’y kinasusuklaman dahil sa antok ay nagiging kaagapay ng pahinga. Hindi na kailangang makipagsabayan sa tilaok ng manok o makipag-unahan sa pagbangon bago pa man tumama ang sikat ng araw sa balat. Sa halip, ito’y nagiging signos ng bakasyong matagal nang inaasam.

Ngunit para kanino nga ba ang bakasyong ito?

Para kay Sean Jewel Apostol, isang mag-aaral ng BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) sa Cagayan State University - Carig Campus, ang pagsasakripisyo ng summer ay nangangahulugan ng paggugol ng oras sa loob ng silid-aralan ng B9 imbis na magpahinga mula sa nakangangalit na nakaraang akademikong taon.

"Last academic year was mentally and physically draining… instead of using [summer] to rest and recover, I chose to spend it inside the four corners of B9," pag-amin ni Sean. "If giving up part of my summer means getting closer to my goal of being on the same pace with my classmates and graduating, then I believe it is a sacrifice worth making."

Sa ibayo ng paninindigang ito ay ang malalim na tiwala para sa kaniyang tadhana. Idiniin ni Sean na lahat ay mayroong dahilan. “I like to tell myself that everything has a purpose, that every stepbacks and failures has a reason, kasi alam kong our Almighty God is reasonable like that,” dagdag niya. “Maybe I don't fully understand that reason yet, but I believe that everything is part of a greater plan for me and my faith for him and that plan will never waver.”

Ngunit ang sakripisyong ito ay may kaakibat na emosyonal na buwis. Hindi lamang oras ang nawawala, kundi ang pagkakataong makaramay ang mga mahal sa buhay sa mga panahong karaniwang inilalaan para sa pamilya.

"Pinakamahirap na sacrifice this summer class ay yung need mong i-prioritize yung pag-aaral mo rather than spending your time with your family," ani Eunice Faith Onongen, isa ring mag-aaral ng BSABE. "Maraming kamag-anak ang nagpapakasal or mga family or clan reunion na nagaganap tuwing summer… nagiging sakripisyo na 'yung bonding mo together with family for your own good and future."

Buga ng iilang electric fan na tila hininga ng apoy, kapalit ng sariwang hanging-dagat o amihan sa probinsya. Tanawin ng pamilyar na silid-aralan, sa halip na kalinga ng tahanan, lamig ng mall, o ganda ng kalikasan. Lahat ng ito ay tinitiis para sa pinagkakatiwalaan at ipinaglalabang pangarap.

Katapat ng nagbabagang tag-init, patuloy nilang isinusugal ang kasalukuyan para sa kinabukasan. Ang mga paa’y nananatili sa lupa, ang utak at puso’y nakatuon sa pamilya at nag-aalab na pangarap, at ang buong tiwala’y nakasabit sa Poong Maykapal.

Pagbabakasakali

Bukod sa edukasyon, may isa pang mukha ng hamon ang kinakaharap ng mga kabataan; pagkahig para sa iilang tuka. Paglikom ng salapi para sa pang-araw-araw at sa susunod na semestre.

Bitbit ang payong at kaniyang mini fan laban sa tirik na araw, si Florianne Margarette Tabao, isang mag-aaral ng Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) ay pansamantalang nagtatrabaho bilang isang government internship employee matapos ang nakaraang akademikong taon.

Ang kaniyang pagbabanat ng buto upang maghanapbuhay sa halip na gumawa ng mga gawaing panlibangan ay para raw sa kaniyang sarili sa nalalapit na pasukan, at upang maibsan na rin ang mga alalahaning idinadala ng kaniyang mga magulang. Ani niya, “Dahil malapit na ulit magpasukan, malaking tulong ang sahod na makukuha ko… sarili kong pera ang gagamitin ko at hindi na ako kailangang manghingi sa mga magulang ko.”

Ito ang mga hubad na katotohanang lumulutang-lutang, ngunit, iilan lamang ang nakapapansin.

Ang init na para sa ilan ay kaakibat ng kinang ng balat at bakasyong ipinagmamalaki ay siya ring init na mahapdi sa dibdib ng mga patuloy na nag-aaral at nagtatrabaho sa pagsapit ng tag-init. Sa ilalim ng iisang panahon, magkakaibang mundo ang umiiral, isa’y nagpapahinga, ang isa’y patuloy na lumalaban para sa bawat sandali ng paghinga.

Sa pagitan ng “bakasyon” o “baka sakali,” naroon ang malinaw na guhit ng estado at pribilehiyo.

Iisang araw man ang sumisikat at nagpapatagaktak ng pawis para sa lahat, hindi magkakamukha ang kaginhawaan sa paglipas nito.

Sa ilalim ng parehong araw, may mga kabataang nawiwili sa dalampasigan, dala ng alon ang katahimikan at pahinga. Sa kabilang dako, may mga kabataang nananatili sa loob ng silid-aralan para sa summer class, hinahabol ang pangarap sa gitna ng mundong hindi tumitigil sa pag-ikot. Mayroon ding sa init ng panahon, tuyo ang bulsa’t hindi nakapipili. Sa halip, lumalaban sa trabaho, isinasagwan ang bawat araw upang makaraos sa patuloy na pagtaas ng halaga ng pamumuhay.

Baka sa mga susunod na taon, ang tag-init ay hindi na pawang sugal ng pagsasakripisyo. Marahil sa hinaharap, hindi na ito pawang pagbabakasakali, kundi isang bakasyong tiyak, patas, at bukas para sa lahat.

Art by Mia Krystel Somera
Ruffa Gabriel | The CSU Promethean

02/06/2026

BREAKING | Minority bloc demands Cayetano’s resignation as Senate President

Citing a second consecutive day of boycotts by the majority, the Senate minority on Tuesday demanded the immediate resignation of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President.

The non-appearance of the majority took place immediately after their colleague, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, was arrested in connection with a Sandiganbayan plunder case amid the ongoing flood-control controversy.

John Mark Quilang | The CSU Promethean

The CSU Promethean

05/06/2026

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