The Anchor

16/09/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: To officially begin their term as partners of the campus in serving the studentry, the student leaders, journalists, athletes, and talents of the College of Arts and Sciences took their oath of office during the Mass Induction Program 2025 held yesterday, September 15, 2025, at the Main Covered Court.

Guided by the theme, “Grounded in Honesty and Integrity, Students as Leaders in Challenging Times,” the event emphasized the students’ commitment to their duties and responsibilities and that what matters most are meaningful actions over mere titles throughout their respective terms of service.

10/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: 𝗕𝗲ñ𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗔𝗦 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

AUGUST 31 — Stepping up to lead the way in the College of Arts and Sciences Cultural Unit (CASCU), the organization announced its new set of officers through its page, naming John Paul V. Beñas, a BA English Language student, as president.

Beñas has been an active member of CASCU, previously serving as BAEL representative (AY 2023–2024) and vice president (AY 2024–2025). He has also represented the college in various events, including hip-hop and cheerdance competitions and the SBO Powerdance.

Joining Beñas in the leadership are:
Craven Deniel Campos (Vice President)
Ashley Yvonne Alnajes (Secretary)
Mariane Mae Buis (Treasurer)
Sweetheart Tenoria (Auditor)
Princess Nicole Boado (Business Manager)
Bien Howard Buen (Public Relations Officer)
Nathalie Rose Gacad (Public Relations Officer)
Rica Yuzon (BS Psychology Representative)
Sean Francis Ringor (BA English Language Representative)
Jayveson Espiritu (BA Political Science Representative)
Rhailie Sabado (BS Filipino Representative)

The unit operates under the guidance of Prof. Raquel Daganta.

In an interview, Beñas shared his vision for the Cultural Unit, saying he envisions it as “one of the rising units on campus” with untapped potential ready to be showcased. “We are now standing and thriving, ready to be seen and acknowledged. Our time has come to shine and showcase what we’ve got," he said.

Addressing the college's challenges in reclaiming the Culture and Arts trophy, Beñas stressed determination and strategy over promises. “We can’t guarantee winning the trophy this year, but we won’t give up. Last year, we moved up from 6th to 5th, and now we plan to take another step forward. My team and I will give our 100% and take strategic actions to lift the college higher again.”

With its new roster of leaders, CAS CU has already begun holding auditions for dancers, singers, and instrumentalists in preparation for upcoming events. The organization is also gearing up for the Mr. and Ms. CAS 2025 pageant and the Campus Olympics Art Festival, both part of the much-anticipated CAS Intramurals set for September 22, 2025. #

10/09/2025

𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨; 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣.

Every September 10, the world unites to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and take action to prevent su***de — a leading cause of death that continues to claim millions of lives globally.

Behind the statistics are real stories: of struggles often unseen, of voices left unheard, and of lives cut short too soon. Today is a call to listen, to understand, and to stand in solidarity with those facing silent battles.

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The Anchor, along with the entire CAS community, stands as one with the world in creating hope through action, breaking the stigma, and amplifying the call for compassion and support.

As a community, we must foster conversations that break the culture of silence and create safe spaces where reaching out is not seen as a weakness, but as a sign of courage. #

09/09/2025

𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 | 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗞𝗔 𝗡𝗔

CASmates, nagreview na ba ang lahat?

Your Honor, yes po!

If so, SAFE na kayo para sa Midterm Exams.💪

Talaga nga namang ang daming revelations at kaabang-abang na balita tungkol sa korapsyon sa flood control projects ng bansa, ngunit paalala lamang na bukas na ang unang araw ng midterm exams.

ay importante ang maging maalam sa mga nagaganap sa bansa, ngunit mahalaga ring maging handa sa magaganap na exams, so you can mark yourselves safe as we face the first wave of the semester!

Strengthen your mental fortitude and let your hard work and late-night reviews shine through! Best of luck, CASmates!✨

09/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗦𝗕𝗢 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

With a total of 7,801 votes, Michelle Anne D. Olivar of the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPoS) program was proclaimed Chairperson of the Campus Student Body Organization (CSBO) for Academic Year 2025–2026, as announced by the Campus COMELEC page on August 28.

Olivar’s election to the highest student leadership position on campus marks the fourth consecutive year that CAS has secured the chairpersonship. This proves the strong tradition of leadership in the college.

In an online interview, Olivar shared that her decision to run stemmed from a genuine desire to serve the student body.

“The main reason why I ran for the chairperson [position] is that I genuinely want to serve the studentry in order to amplify their voices and uphold their rights. It may sound cliché, but I have this strong feeling, this itch, to do more for the students,” she said, recalling how she initially considered running for CAS governor before being encouraged to take on the greater challenge of chairperson.

On her priorities, Olivar highlighted student empowerment and inclusivity through meaningful initiatives.

“I plan to make students more engaged and empowered through awareness seminars, not just about campus matters but also on broader social issues. We will also focus on skills enhancement activities that will equip students with the knowledge and competencies they need,” she explained. She added that she envisions campus-wide consultations to directly address the concerns of each college, aligning initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create lasting impact.

When asked about the leadership she aspires to embody, Olivar emphasized responsiveness and collaboration.

“I’ll always prioritize the students’ needs, voices, and experiences, in collaboration with SBOs and SOs. I don’t just want to speak for the students; I want to be with them and ensure their voices are not only heard but acted upon. My leadership will be grounded in caring, listening, and genuine service,” she added.

Olivar also addressed perceptions about her candidacy being unopposed but stressed that her victory reflects the students’ confidence in her leadership.

“Some might think I won because the students were left with only one choice. Kaya mas doble kayod because I need to prove that, despite that, I deserve their vote and this position. I believe I won because the studentry saw me as a leader who’s present, who listens, and who acts. That’s why agyamanak la unay, MLUC, for believing in me. Together, let’s make a change.”

With her new role, Olivar commits to leading with empowerment, inclusivity, and genuine service, representing not only the voices of the students but also carrying the pride of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Written by: Erniel Paolo Amoyen

09/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: 𝗔𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘃, 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘃 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀

Denzel Jay A. Apolonio, a Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) student, officially assumed office as Governor of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) during the turnover ceremony of the CAS Provincial Student Body Organization (PSBO) held on September 1, 2025, at the CAS Audio-Visual Room.

The ceremony also served as the first General Assembly of the incoming PSBO Officers for Academic Year 2025–2026, bringing together outgoing and incoming officers, Municipal Student Body Organization (MSBO) officers, Student Organization Presidents, and Class Captains to discuss upcoming plans and strengthen student representation.

Outgoing Governor Irish Erece formally handed over leadership to Apolonio, expressing gratitude to CAS students and faculty for their support throughout her term. “It has been fulfilling to lead and listen to our CASmates. I am thankful for my officers and the support of our students, and I am confident that Gov. Apolonio and the new set of officers will continue to serve well,” she said.

In his acceptance speech, Apolonio pledged to continue the initiatives of the past administration while introducing programs focused on inclusivity, empowerment, and student-centered governance. “This role is not about me alone, but about all of us working together. With integrity, respect, and cooperation, we can make this academic year meaningful for the entire CAS family,” he emphasized.

With his assumption of office, Apolonio also secured a seat in the Campus Supreme Government (CSG), expanding CAS’s representation at the campus-wide level. Faculty adviser Prof. Christian Ryan B. Bautista and CAS Dean Dr. Hartwell Norman M. Merza commended both administrations for their commitment to student service.

The event concluded with the symbolic turnover of responsibilities, marking a smooth leadership transition and a renewed call for active student participation in shaping CAS’s future. #

08/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: 𝗕𝗔𝗣𝗼𝗦 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗖𝗜 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝟭 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Another achievement was unlocked for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPoS) students, and an alumnus emerged victorious in the recently concluded 45th JCI Philippines Area 1 Conference Debate Competition, held on September 6 at Pangasinan State University–Lingayen Campus, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Representing JCI San Fernando Saluyot, Marc Leonick Aday and Kelvin Cariño, both fourth-year Political Science students, together with alumnus Jeym Rhavey Mendoza, showcased wit, critical thinking, and eloquence throughout the competition. Their outstanding performance earned them the coveted title of Debate Champions, marking their second championship in this event.

Adding to the team’s success, Aday was hailed as the competition’s Best Debater, while Cariño was recognized as Best Speaker, solidifying their undeniable win.

Reflecting on their journey, Cariño shared how the team maximized their limited preparation time by drawing strength from collaboration and mentorship. "We did not have the luxury of time like we had last year, so together with Kuya Jeym and Marc, we made sure to matter-load as much within the limited time that we have. We also reached out to former debaters like ate Jea and ate Joni, whose insights helped us very much," he said.

When asked for advice to aspiring student debaters, Cariño encouraged them to use every platform to make their voices heard. "To our fellow student debaters, the world is your podium. Always make a statement," he emphasized.

With this win, the BAPoS program continues to strengthen CAS’s presence and excellence in debate, inspiring more students to hone their public speaking and critical thinking skills beyond the academe. #

08/09/2025

𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗡, 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗!🔰

Only two days to go before midterm examinations begin on September 10–12, 2025.

As the countdown continues, channel your energy into focused reviews, steady pacing, and healthy balance. Midterms may test your limits, but they’re also milestones that show how far you’ve journeyed toward the finish line.

Best of luck, CASmates!🦅

05/09/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: To chart new waters in campus journalism, The Anchor launched The Casting Call, the student publication’s search for new staffers, on September 3 at Room 101, College of Arts and Sciences.

As part of the activity, a General Orientation and Meeting was held, led by adviser Mr. Rogelio Joshua B. Catbagan III, where the publication’s history, responsibilities, and operations were presented to the aspiring members. Applicant interviews were also conducted to further screen the hopeful journalists.

To assess the applicants’ journalistic skills, the College Intramurals 2025 coverage will serve as their qualifying exam.

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Photos by: Steven Norwil Baagen and Sherlyn Tolentino

05/09/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘

𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙.

This September 5 starts the country's celebration of the National Teachers' Month. On this occasion, we honor the mentors who dedicate their lives to shaping minds and nurturing futures. More than just imparting lessons, teachers anchor us in wisdom, inspire us with values, and steer us through the tides of uncertainty.

Like beacons of light, they ensure that the youth remain guided, empowered, and prepared to chart their own journeys—transforming classrooms into gateways of possibility.

Yet even as they give more of themselves each day, many teachers receive less than what they deserve. As we celebrate this month, The Anchor calls for fairness, dignity, and greater support for our teachers—champions who deserve not only gratitude but also just recognition and treatment.

To all teachers: your unwavering dedication is the compass that points us toward a brighter tomorrow.

04/09/2025